Isaac I. Stevens to L. H. Pelouze, December 18, 1861

Beaufort, S. 0., December 18, 1861.

Siz: In pursuance of my directions Lieutenant Porter, Eighth Michigan Regiment, took a party last evening across the Coosaw River, and surprised a picket on Chisolm’s Island. I found an intelligent negro as guide. The party started at 9.30 o’clock, crossed the Coosaw, got in the rear of the picket, attacked it, and took the whole party of 6 prisoners. Two were wounded. They belonged to the Fourteenth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, Colonel [James] Jones commanding, and their names are J. P. Longford, L. M. Longford, B. Mathis, John Mates, M. W. Jennings (wounded), and Corporal J. Y. Longford (wounded).

I have not been able to elicit much information from them. They state, however, that theirs is the only regiment stationed at Garden’s Corner, and that there are no pieces of artillery there. They have been in the Confederate service about four months; have received no pay. They stated that. the common people had been led into the war by the leaders; that they volunteered to prevent being drafted. They (the prisoners) believe the whole difficulty grows out of a misunderstanding. Their leaders, however, were very determined.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,