C. J. Colcock to Brigadier-General Drayton, November 26, 1861
Bluffton, November 26, 1861.
Brigadier-General DRAYTON, Hardeeville :
GENERAL: I sent out a guard boat last night, under command of Sergeant Mikell; he returned this morning with a boat load of negroes and plunder, whom he eaptured while making their way to Bull Island.
About three nights ago Baynard’s man Cyrus sent two negroes (William and Paddy, supposed to be trustworthy) to Bull Island to reconnoiter, with instructions to return the same night. They remained on the island two days, and then returned stealthily during Cyrusâ absence and enticed off portions of their families. Last night William attempted to repeat the operation, but was caught and brought over to me. I have had him tied, and, together with the negroes captured by Mikler, placed under a guard and sent off to Hardeeville, with instructions to report to you. Some of them belong to the Baynards, who I believe are at Hardeeville, to whom they can be delivered there. Most of them belong to Mr. James Pope, who I am told is at Robertsville. You will please communicate to him the fact of their arrest. Mr. Farr will inform you what disposition he wishes made of his boy. I thought it necessary, both for the example to the.other negroes and to save so much property, that these negroes should be placed inside of our lines and in a place of safety.
Our vedettes who have come in so far report all quiet this morning. I have omitted to mention that a barge of considerable size, and filled with men, approached Hunting Island Landing yesterday morning. On the reception of the intelligence I ordered out a detachment of infantry and one of cavalry and hurried down in person to reconnoiter, but the enemy was in full retreat, having probably heard our drum and retired without attempting to land. These boats are getting rathor impertiOuar. XV.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.âCONFEDERATE. 331
nent, and we want one or two howitzers down here. I wish you would telegraph to General Lee, requesting him to send me down two howitzers in addition to the cavalry which he wrote me this morning he was trying to get to me.
I inclose a list of the names of the negroes sent, with the names of their owners.
your obedient servant,
Lieutenant- Colonel Mounted Regiment.