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May 6, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

(From the Columbus, Miss., Republic.)

The past week has been an eventful one. The boldest, and we may say one of the most successful, raids of cavalry that has been known since the war, has been made (we say it with shame) through the very centre of Mississippi, and, at the time of this writing, we fear have escaped without the loss of a man. We are almost inclined to believe the words of a correspondent (the article which was declined publication), that the manhood of Mississippi had gone to the wars; women only were left, although some of them wore the garb of men. We do not know where the responsibility rests, but, wherever it is, if it is not a fit and proper subject for court martial, we are afraid there is none. This raid was known to the authorities, or at headquarters, some two weeks ago. The Mississippian sounded the alarm, and the Appeal also gave the note of warning, and the result was, we had a regiment of cavalry added to our small force, half of them without arms. We do not know what more the Commanding General could do in this department with the small force at his command. We have always doubted the ability of Gen. Pemberton to command this department. That he may be a capable and efficient officer, as far as his mind may comprehend, may be true. We find no fault as far as he is concerned, for matters directly under his eye, but he cannot see beyond. When the enemy were coming through Yazoo Pass, he was notified of the fact, and when asked if he would send a force there, he curtly replied, that he had but two points to defend, and that was Vicksburg and Port Hudson. It seems he still believes it, and has shown his belief.

It is reported that between four and five thousand Federal cavalry started on this raid. They divided; some fifteen hundred, or perhaps a few more, stopped and gave Colonel Barteau battle, while the remainder, three thousand strong, marched directly south, scouring the country, from eight to ten miles wide, leaving the railroad, south of West Point, on their left. They encamped one night within twenty-five miles of this place. They destroyed the hospital at Okolona, and a few other buildings, passing south through Houston, Siloam and Starkville, to within one mile of Mason, and thence south to Newton Station, on the Southern Road, which we learn they destroyed. We can learn of no serious damage done, or any ill treatment to the inhabitants personally. Their main object seems to have been to examine the country and robbery – taking horses, mules and a few negros.

At Starkville they robbed the inhabitants of horses, mules, negros, jewelry and money; went into the stores and threw their contents (principally tobacco) into the street, or gave it to the negros, caught the mail boy and took the mail; robbed the post office, but handed back a letter from a soldier to his wife, containing $50; and ordered the postmaster to give it to her. Dr. Montgomery was taken prisoner, and kept in camp all night, six miles from town, and allowed to return home next morning, after relieving him of his watch and other valuables. Hale & Murdock’s hat wagon, loaded with wool hats, passing through at the time, was captured. They gave the hats to the negros, and took the mules. Starkville can boast of better headcovering for its negros than any other town in the State.

They left quite a number of broken down horses all along their route, supplying themselves as they went. They stated they were not destroying property; that they were gentlemen, but that on the next trip the whole country would be devastated, which they expected to make in June. This city appears to be specially marked out for vengeance. They inquired particularly about its fortifications, its strength in guns and men, and stated they would capture it this summer and lay it in ashes. They were piloted by a man by the name of Hill, who taught school in or near Starkville some years since, and by a deserter from the 14th Mississippi Regiment, a resident of Noxubee county. The main body, passing through Nashville, were at Philadelphia, Neshoba county, on Saturday morning last, apparently making for the Central Road, part of their force having went south and destroyed Newton Station, on the Southern Road, and about 100 going to Enterprise, but left on the show of force. (From the Mobile Advertiser and Register, 1st inst.)

It can hardly be doubted that, being well apprised of the unprotected condition of the country, this expedition was started with the intention of pushing as far as possible, and as there would be danger of their being cut off on their return, it was already on the programme, if they met with no unexpected resistance at the threshold, to push through to Baton Rouge. This, it will be remembered, was the kind of project attempted in Virginia, but foiled by Jeb. Stuart at Kelley’s Ford. The mischief they might be able to accomplish on the road was probably but a secondary consideration, the primary object being to reconnoitre the country and explore the route for a more formidable force, which as we have already received intimations, is on foot. There is little reason to doubt the truth of this report, and unless an effective force is provided to protect the rich planters of Oktibbeha, Lowndes, Monroe and Chickasaw counties, so that the farmers can secure large corn crops, the most disastrous results may be apprehended. Gen. Ruggles, it is true, is in command of that Department, but what can he or any other officer do without soldiers?

We are confident, however, that the means for this purpose are available, and that without denuding Vicksburg and Port Hudson of their defenders. In that ingenious scheme the Yankees will be foiled.