Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Poetry and Incidents., Volume 7.
Frank Moore, Ed.

The fight at Wiltown.
“honor to whom honor is due.”

Messrs. Editors: In your issue of the eighteenth instant, I noticed an account of the engagement of our forces and the enemy at Wiltown, on the Edisto River. I do not wish to detract a single iota of the glory that now covers the hereso of that combat. We are all engaged in a common cause, and the defeat of an unprincipled enemy is our only aim, our highest ambition. That attained, we are a happy, free, and independent people. We would not have serious contentions over small matters. But, at the same time, let us “share and share alike” the brilliant deeds as they transpire — give “honor to whom honor is due.” We would not pluck a single twig that would cause to wither the laurel that crowns a fellow-soldier.

The “Ranger” is perfectly correct in his account of the progress of the enemy up the river in the direction of Jacksonboro Bridge. The Sixth regiment of cavalry fought gallantly and bravely, encountering all the difficulties of an ambushed enemy at every step — they having gained possession of a thick wood, lay concealed behind every log and in every thick cluster of trees. Like a “snake in the grass,” one heard their bullets when he least expected them. But, like “old soldiers,” our men rushed onward, driving the Vandals before them like a herd of sheep, even to the very water's edge. Virginia's heroes could not have taken a plume from their hat. Now, in consequence of the dense fog, the sudden and unexpected approach of the enemy's boats, a section of Captain Schultz's battery at Wiltown were forced to make a hasty retreat, to prevent being captured. The cavalry had not as yet reached the scene of action. This move left the enemy in quiet possession of the river at that point. Hence they proceeded forthwith to remove the obstructions that had checked their progress; after which they passed with ease and without molestation up the river, within two miles of the railroad bridge on the Charleston and Savannah Road — the object of their raid.

Here they came in unexpected contact with Captain George H. Walters's battery, who gave the enemy a warm reception with salutes of shot and shell. This certainly surprised them very much, for they did not anticipate any danger so high up the river and on the opposite side. But with a mighty demonstration of courage, the enemy turned her broadside, fired several rounds and retired, Captain Walters shaking hands with her stern as she left — as the poet says, a “long lingering farewell,” for he knew she would never venture there again. It was at this point, (if any,) and not Wiltown, that she was death-stricken. Suffice it to say, that it was here she was stopped in her diabolical career. The Jacksonboro Bridge was saved! Huzza! for the Washington artillery. On their return, a section of Schultz's battery and Captain Parker's took a beautiful position at Mr. Gibb's house, one mile above Wiltown Bluff, and rapid cannonading en. sued, which continued about ten minutes. She may have been hit, I will not say, but steamed along down the river until she struck the obstruction again, and failed to pass through the clearance she had made in the morning. Our guns had then ceased to fire on her. Giving up in despair, her bottom being tightly wedged on the piles driven in the river, she threw her guns overboard, to make it lighter, that she might pass over. The men embarked on the other boat, and left this in flames. The wreck still stands high up out [45] of the water, on top of the piles, which proves clearly that if she is dead she committed suicide.