Emilio, Luis F., History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry , 1863-1865

[215] dark the troops began to move over the bridges, the Fifty-fourth marching with other regiments, all in silence. Companies G and K were detailed to burn a house, the lookout, and one of the bridges. Our pickets were supported by the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania until all the other troops were withdrawn, when they crossed to Cole's Island. Colonel Hartwell conducted the retreat and put out a picket line on Cole's Island. Our naval vessels kept up the usual nightshelling until daylight, when they got under way and ran down the river.

After a scanty breakfast the Fifty-fourth, at 9 A. M., marched to Stono, accomplishing the three miles in as many hours, for the day was hot and the men much exhausted. There a sutler was found, from whom some supplies were obtained. The regiment crossed the inlet on the steamer Golden Gate, whose captain kindly furnished refreshments for the officers. Our march to Lighthouse Inlet was equally severe, for the temperature was at 98°. Thence the companies repaired to their several stations, and welcomed the opportunity for rest, baths in the surf, and clean clothes.

Thus the combined movements, admirably planned, against a weaker enemy came to naught, for want of concerted action and persistence in attack. At every point we largely outnumbered the enemy. General Hatch's force, had it not been so delayed, might have found no enemy in its front capable of withstanding its advance. Many thought at the time that had Hatch's force been sent against the repulsed enemy after the action at Bloody Bridge, John's Island might have been swept of them, and the James Island lines thus flanked, Charleston would have fallen. Our total of losses in all the forces engaged