T. W. Sherman to Lorenzo Thomas, January 2, 1862

Port Royal, S. C., January 2, 1862.

Sw: As the Vanderbilt leaves to-morrow morning, I deem it proper to inclose to you a letter of instructions to General Stevens, commanding second brigade of this division, of December 30.

The simple object of this dash was to destroy the batteries which the enemy appeared to have erected on the Coosaw River for the obstruction of the navigation and the passage of that stream, and also to punish him for the insult in firing upon the steamer Mayflower on her recent passage through that stream for the purpose of sounding the depth of

Daur; XV.) ENGAGEMENT AT PORT ROYAL FERRY. 45

the channel. The affair succeeded perfectly, and the enemy were driven out of their batteries, the batteries demolished, and property found there brought away or destroyed with little or no loss of life on our side. After the object of the movement was executed General Stevens, agreeably to his instructions, returned to Port Royal Island.* As soon as his report reaches me it will be duly forwarded.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brigadier- General, Commanding.
General L. THOMAS,
Adjutant- General U. S. A., Washington, D. 0.
[Inclosure.]