C. J. Colcock to Drayton takes pleasure in forwarding the inclosed letter to, November 27, 1861

November 27, 1861.

November 27, 1861—7 a. m. [Brig. Gen. THOMAS F. DRAYTON :]

GENERAL: The expedition to Bull Island, about which I wrote you, left here last night about 10.30 o’clock, consisting of a detail of about 40 men from Major Smith’s command, under command of Capt. Manning J. Kirk. It was conducted by him with great prudence and ability and proved a complete suecess, resulting in the capture of 38 negroes, most of them belonging to Joseph Baynard. By my directions, after the party were embarked, fire was applied to the fodder and corn houses, which were completely destroyed. From what I can learn from the negroes there were no Yankees on the island last night. My impression is that they only come over in the day-time for foraging purposes and leave at night. As some of our wagons are going to Hardeeville for stores, I have ordered the prisoners sent up to Hardeeville, under a proper guard. Please have them delivered to their owner, Mr. Baynard, who, not being in the village, I suppose must have returned last night to Hardeeville.

Please telegraph this information to General Lee, from whom I received a letter yesterday, saying he was making an effort to send me down a re-enforcement of cavalry, and request him to hasten them forward, as I have but little doubt that the enemy will attack us soon in retaliation for our Bull Island expedition. I wish you would send down a regiment of infantry as soon as possible.

your obedient servant,

Lieutenant- Colonel, Comdg. Lower Squadron Mounted Infantry.

P. S.—I neglected to inform you that Baynard’s fellow (Pompey) had

to be killed to prevent his escape. Captain Young and his party

arrived late last night and shall have every assistance I can render.

Indorsement.]

General Drayton takes pleasure in forwarding the inclosed letter to

General Lee, and trusts the next one may result in the capture of some