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

Maj. Newcomb Clark, One Hundred and Second United States Colored Troops, on the 8th, with four companies of his regiment, made a reconnoissance toward Cuckwold Creek, and after light skirmishing, destroyed a part of the railroad. Our force at the cross-road was joined by the Twenty-fifth Ohio and two guns. Lieut. P. McLaughlin, quartermaster of the One Hundred and Second United States Colored Troops, was killed by guerillas on that date. February 9, the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York and Twenty-fifth Ohio advanced with some artillery and cavalry, driving the enemy from positions about the rice plantations, and damaging the railroad. The Fifty-fourth was now divided up and stationed on picket at several points.

General Gillmore had returned and relieved General Foster, whose old wound required attention. This change gave great dissatisfaction to Admiral Dahlgren, who disliked Gillmore, and he asked to be relieved. Our naval vessels were engaging the enemy's batteries in the Edisto. General Schimmelfennig on the 10th landed the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts, One Hundred and Forty-fourth New York, and Thirty-second and Thirty-third United States Colored Troops on James Island, and drove the enemy from some advanced works, effecting captures. He withdrew his force on the succeeding day. General Hatch, on the 10th, with a portion of the division, attempted to pass Cuckwold Creek, but desisted after finding the bridge burned and the enemy in strong position. This force bivouacked ten miles from Salkehatchie that night, and retired the next day.

February 12, Captain Homans had a man wounded, while