| From the Charleston Mercury |
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| October 23, 1862 |
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| Important From the Coast -- Fighting at
Coosawhatchie and Pocotaligo |
| About noon, yesterday, our
city was thrown into some excitement by the announcement that the
Yankees were landing in force at Mackey Bend, about six miles from
Pocotaligo, on the Charleston & Savannah Railroad. The activity
among our military was immediately perceptible, and it was generally
known that reinforcements had been ordered to a point on the Savannah
Road. The train which started for Savannah in the morning had also
returned, after proceeding on its way a few miles only. Further
dispatches informed us that a Yankee column was marching from Mackey
Bend on Pocotaligo, and another from Bee Creek towards Coosawhatchie.
Later despatches announced that fighting had begun with both the
attacking columns of the enemy. The reports from Pocotaligo were of a
very satisfactory character, inasmuch as our force at that point had
steadily repelled the Yankees, though not without some loss on our
side in killed and wounded. About 8 the following despatch was
received at Headquarters: |
| |
| Old Pocotaligo, October 22 |
| To General Beauregard, |
| I have driven the enemy back
from Old Pocotaligo. I shall advance in pursuit of them. |
| W. S. Walker |
| Colonel Commanding |
| |
| Meantime, the accounts from
Coosawhatchie were less encouraging, since it was ascertained that the
enemy column, which advanced from Mackey Bend, had gained possession of
the railroad at Coosawhatchie. Telegraph wires were, of course,
immediately cut, and, for a time, all communication with the last
named point ceased. At ten o'clock, however, the following gratifying
despatch was received: |
| |
| Pocotaligo, October 22, 9:30 p. m. |
| To Bentley D. Hasell, Vice President C.
& S. R. R. |
| I have just returned from
Coosawhatchie. The enemy has been defeated, both at Pocotaligo and
Coosawhatchie. The Yankees tore up four bars of iron at Coosawhatchie,
and cut down some telegraph poles and the wire. I have mended both
track and wire. The enemy gunboats now lie at anchor below
Coosawhatchie. |
| Buckwalter, Road Master |
| |
| This was the latest news
received last night. The demonstration of the enemy upon the railroad
is regarded rather as a foray than as a regular movement. General
Mitchel the new Yankee commander, is known to be a restless, fussy
character, and the present raid shows that he is impatient to begin
operations. Our only apprehensions were that the enemy might destroy
bridges and trestle work, and, in that way, give us some trouble.
***** |
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