Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/558

546 in Stono and Folly rivers, from his stationary battery at Legare's Point, from his light artillery, and from his small arms, terribly severe; particularly so his fire on our right flank from across the creek at Hill's. Our battery at one time almost silenced by this latter fire. A gun, worked by Lieutenant-Colonel Ellison Capers, in a little battery across the creek at Clarke's, somewhat flanking the enemy's advance, did effective service. By order of Colonel Johnson Hagood, in command of advanced troops, the Louisiana battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel McEnery, reinforced the garrison at Secessionville during the fight, and rushing gallantly into the fire, with the cry of "Remember Butler" soon drove the enemy from his flanking position at Hill's. The Eutaw battalion, on the right, engaged the enemy for a short time in the woods, to the rear of Hill's house, when he fell back, together with the troops engaged by the Louisiana battalion and our other troops from across the creek. Then the entire force of the enemy, between five and six thousand strong, slowly and sullenly retired from the attack to their positions on the Stono, and within their late line of pickets, burning Rivers's house on their retreat. Enemy's loss probably eight hundred men; ours under one hundred. The brave Captains Reid, of Colonel Lamar's regiment of artillery, and King, of Sumter Guard, Charleston battalion; Lieutenant Edwards, and many other gallant men of ours killed. Colonel Hagood, while leading his horse by the reins had them severed by a piece of shell. Several of the enemy bravely mounted our ramparts. Several got to the rear of it by flanking it on the left.

June 17.—General S. Cooper, senior general Confederate States Army, visited the island to-day.

June 18.—Flag of truce from the enemy to inquire after wounded and prisoners, and asking leave to send comforts to them, and offering similar privilege to us as to our men.

June 20.—A few shell thrown by a gunboat to-day at men at work on our west line.

July 1.—Total inactivity of the enemy, offensively, since repulse of 16th ult., except the firing of the few shell on 20th. Grand salute to-day at sunrise along our entire line, and at Forts Johnson, Sumter, and Moultrie, in honor of our successes before Richmond. Enemy reported to be advancing. Troops under arms and to the front. False alarm. Enemy suspected to be about to retire from the island.

July 5.—Enemy's land force, known to have been retiring for several days from Grimball's, now ascertained to be all withdrawn from