April 11, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
On Wednesday evening our watchful pickets reported a gunboat of the enemy in Coosa Rover, near Chisolm’s Island. It was first believed that the vessel was aground, but subsequent events proved that she was anchored there. During the night another gunboat also took position in the same neighborhood. Upon the first intimation of the presence of one of the enemy vessels in a position which offered an opportunity for punishment, Gen. WALKER ordered sections of the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia batteries to move forward, with a view to attack, and, if possible, destroy the vessels. These, with a proper infantry support, consisting of a regiment from Gen. COOK’S brigade, reaching the scene of action during the night, and waited for daybreak to open the ball. Before morning one of the gunboats moved down towards Port Royal Ferry, and a force was detached and sent in that direction to operate should opportunity offer.
At dawn, Capt. LUMPKIN, of the Virginia Battery, and Lieutenant HAL STUART, of the Beaufort Artillery, brought their guns in position in splendid style, having to manoeuvre, under great disadvantages, in an old cotton field. Before the Abolitionists had time to rub their eyes and turn over in their bunks, the 6 pound shot and 12 pound shell were crashing through the sides of the gunboat jolly style. Lieutenant STUART’S second shot knocked off the rudder, and the ship became unmanageable. In a few minutes, after firing their heavy guns in return the Yankees displayed the white flag, and our guns ceased their terrible fire. The vessel was discovered to be on fire from our shells, and hence the surrender. As usual, the rascals used the flag only for their personal safety; for, by this time, the gunboat had drifted over to the other shore, and the valiant crew jumped into the marsh, and, regardless of the mud and water, they struggled for the island shore. Seeing this, our guns were elevated a little, and a perfect hail of grape and canister fell among the fugitives, killing and wounding several.
Captain STEPHEN ELLIOTT, having returned from detached service with General WALKER, now boarded the burning ship; and secured, with the limited means at his command, a number of articles of value, and would have brought off the guns, but the gunboat was seen returning, shelling the shore with considerable spite, and he returned with his boats. Three prisoners were taken from the burning ship, all dreadfully wounded. They were suffering terribly, and but little information was obtained. The presence of the two boats was accounted for in this wise: They were ordered to that point with orders […..]’– upon opening which they found that they were to silence any rebel batteries that they might find on the river. Our brave boys have the consolation of knowing that there is one gunboat less in the Admiral’s fleet. Not a man nor a horse was hurt on our side. The troops returned to their camps on Thursday in excellent spirits, to read the full particulars of the glorious victory at Charleston. Of course every body was in a good humor, and satisfied with this week experiments in gunboat warfare.