June 6, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The destruction of property on Bull Island some days ago, and the recent raid on the Combahee, involving an immense loss of property, is followed by the burning of the beautiful town of Bluffton, on May River. This last outrage took place on Thursday morning last, and resulted in the loss of about forty private residences and nearly one hundred outhouses, stores, &c. We have succeeded in obtaining a list of the property owners who have suffered by the burning of their beautiful houses and settlements:
Gen. J. F. Drayton
Col. J. J. Stoney
Dr. J. W. Kirk
George Allen
Dr. Paul Pritchard
M. J. Kirk
J. McKenzie
A. Crosby
G. Allen
Dr. A. G. Verdier
Estate H. Guerard
Jos. Baynard
Jas. Seabrook
G. W. Lawton
W. Pope
Dr. Mellichamp
Dr. F. P. Pope
R. R. Pope
J. J. Pope
A. G. Verdier
Henry Verdier
‘Squire Popes’
Mr. Strobbart
Mrs. Hardee
J. Chalmers
J. G. Bulichen
D. & J. Carter
D. Freeman
–. Crosby
–. Langballe
–. Chalmers
W. Winn
J. Bulichen
Mrs. Pinckney
Mrs. Winingham
B. Wiggins
Estate Norton
H. F. Train
–. Martin (f.p.c.)
The enemy approached in transports, and landed about one thousand strong, at what is known as ‘Hunting Island.’ Five gunboats covered their landing, which was successfully accomplished about half past 6 o’clock on 4th instant. Three companies of the force that had landed took up the line of march, following the course of the river until they reached Bluffton, their gunboats steaming along up the river abreast of the troops. The pickets noticed the movement at sunrise, and reported the fact to Lieut. Col. JOHNSON, commanding the outposts, at about 7 o’clock, and the cavalry force from the 3d and 4th Regiments S. C. Cavalry moved at once towards the threatened point. Strange to say, the couriers failed to report the advance of the enemy either to the picket headquarters in Bluffton or to the garrison camped near the town, consisting of a fine infantry force from the 11th S. C. Regiment. The consequence was, the gunboats arrived in the river nearly opposite the camps before they could be seen by the camp guard, who gave the alarm. The men were soon under arms, and deployed as skirmishers, going some distance to the front in the movement. The enemy soon came in sight, having obtained possession of the town unmolested, and exchanged shots with the line of skirmishers; soon after the town was fired in the lower part, near Colonel STONEY’S, and the wind blowing fresh, soon sent the flames broadcast through the town. The heavy growth of trees between Mr. POPE’S house and the Episcopal Church saved the latter structure. They fired the Methodist Church under the very altar, but it burnt so slowly that it was discovered and put out. The cavalry had now arrived. EARLE’S light battery, after a drive of thirteen miles, had also reported for duty. The Abolitionists having effected their purpose, now withdrew, embarked on their transports, and were conveyed out of sight.
But one casualty occurred on our side – Serg’t MEW, of Company E, 11th S. C. Infantry, was struck by a fragment of a shell (which, by the way, the Yankee gunboats used very freely) in the right side; the wound is not dangerous, however. The invaders, who were principally a New Hampshire regiment, are not known to have been punished in any way. As we said in reference to the affair on the Combahee, the success of a marauding expedition of this character is certainly a very mortifying circumstance.