IMPORTANT FROM PORT ROYAL: The National Account of the Fight at Port Royal Ferry; Defeat of the Rebels and Destruction of Their Fortifications (01/07/1862)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 1/7/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The United States steam transport Vanderbilt Capt. LEFEVRE, arrived yesterday from Port Royal S.C., which port she left on the 3d inst., at 9 A.M., with the mails and passengers, and 3,697 bales of Sea Island cotton, consigned to Col. D.D. TOMPKINS, United States Quartermaster. The Vanderbilt brings intelligence of the result of the battle at Port Royal Ferry. Gen. STEVENS' Brigade advanced on the main-land on the 1st inst., and took possession of the rebel batteries after a short resistance by the rebels; the brigade being assisted by the gunboats, which shelled the batteries. Gen. STEVENS then followed up the rebels to within six miles of the Charleston Railroad. A flag of truce was sent by the rebels, asking permission to bury their dead, which was granted, one hour being allotted for that purpose, after which they fell back upon the fortifications near the railroad, which are very extensive, leaving behind them one large gun, which they had spiked.

The rebel force was estimated at from 5,000 to 6,000 men, under the command of Gen. POPE, and their loss is not known.

The Union troops were 4,500 strong. Their loss was eight wounded.

Major WATSON, of the Eighth Michigan, was mortally wounded.

Gen. STEVENS now holds possession of the mainland, and awaits reinforcements from the North to proceed.

The men were still busily at work on the intrenchments at Tybee Island. The force on the island at present consists of the Forty-sixth New-York Regiment and several laborers. The workmen are occasionally interrupted by shots and shells fired from the rebel fort. The fort fires on an average two shots daily, but our men had escaped injury, although a short time since a shell exploded within a few yards of the lines.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Important from Port Royal: The National Account of the Fight at Port Royal Ferry – 2-3
Important from Western Virginia: The Rebels at Huntersville Attacked and Defeated – 3-4
Important from Washington: The Rumors Relative to Treason in High Places – 4-5
Resignation of Gen. Pillow, etc. – 5
Editorial: The Campaign Opened in South Carolina – 5
Editorial: The Iron-Plated Gunboats – 5-6
Another Success in Western Virginia – 6
English Anticipation of Peace – 6
News from the Charleston Mercury: Affairs in Richmond – 6
Destructive Fire in Philadelphia – 6