Today in History:

628 Series I Volume XLVII-I Serial 98 - Columbia Part I

Page 628 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., E. FLA. Chapter LIX.

the River. Nothing of importance occurred until the commencement of the present campaign. During our stay at Savannah we were engaged in building and improving our quarters, and the usual duties pertaining to camp life. In the afternoon of the 16th we received orders to be in readiness to March the next morning at 7 a.m., but did not March until noon the 17th; passed through the city, crossed the River upon pontoons into South Carolina, marched about eight miles, and went into camp at 7. 30 p.m. 18th, marched at 2 p.m. ; left one company (by order) to guard commissary stores of the brigade; camped at dark. 19th, marched at 9 a.m. ; camped at Purysburg Landing about 5. 30 p.m. ; sent one company as guard to supply train to Savannah. Remained in camp until the 25th, when we received orders to build comfortable quarters, as there were prospects that we would remain there some time. 26th, moved into our now quarters. 27th, received orders to March at 8 a.m., camping that night at 4. 30 p.m., after a short March. Before marching three companies were, by order of Colonel Selfridge, ordered to March in rear of ordnance train as rear guard. 28th, marched at 10. 30 a.m. ; made about six miles; delayed on account of water in the road; went into camp at 5. 30 p.m. 29th, marched at 7. 30 a.m. in direction of Robertsville; reached that place at 12 m., a distance of seven miles. Considerable skirmishing in front. Formed line of battle at he farther side of the town; threw out a few vedettes in front; stacked arms and remained here until 2 p.m. In the meantime one company was sent to the right about two miles to take and hold a small bridge, which they did without any opposition. After leaving Robertsville we marched to the left and toward the River about three miles and went into camp. 30th, marched to Sister's Ferry, three miles; reached there about noon.

Remained in camp at that place until February 4, engaged in unloadith supplies. February 4, broke camp and marched toward Robertsville about two miles and a half; camped at 10 p.m. 5th, 12 m., marched, passing through Robertsville; made eight miles and camped at 4. 30 p.m. 6th, marched at 6. 30 a.m. ; made fifteen miles, camping at dusk. 7th, marched at 10 a. m. ; had orders to take sixty wagons; camped at dark. 8th, marched at 10 a.m. ; made ten miles; camped at 7 p.m. 9th, marched at 8 a.m. ; camped at 4 p.m., after marching fifteen miles. 10th, marched at 7 a.m., passing through Blackville, on the railroad; made five miles; crossed the South Edisto River; camped at 4 p.m. 11th, remained in camp. 12th, marched at 10. 30 a.m. twelve miles toward North Edisto River; camped at 5. 30 p.m. 13th, marched at 8. 30 a.m. about half a mile, halted, and remained until 9 p.m. ; crossed the North Edisto River, camping on the other side at five and a half miles the other side at 1 p.m. 14th, marched at 7 a.m. five miles toward Columbia; camped about noon near the railroad. 15th, 10 a.m. moved back about half a mile and guarded cross-roads until the whole train moved out, then marched in the rear; camped at 1. 30 p.m. to within one mile and a half of Lexington Court-House. 16th, marched at 7. 30 on the Columbia road about eight miles, and went into camp at 4. 30 p.m. near railroad. 17th, marched at 8 a.m. ; halted for dinner at 11 a. m. ; marched at 3 p.m. toward River; crossed and went into camp the other side at 8. 30 p.m. Saturday, 18th, marched at 1 p.m. about five miles; camped at 9. 30 p.m. 19th, broke camp at 11 a.m. ; marched about eight [miles]; went into camp at 4 p.m. ; camped near Broad River. 20th, marched at 8 a. m. about; crossed the River; camped about six miles the other side at 5 p.m. 21st, moved out at 1 p.m. ; guarded 100 wagons; camped at 9 p.m. 22nd, marched at 11 a.m.


Page 628 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., E. FLA. Chapter LIX.