Hampton’s Legion.—A friend has sent us a letter written by a member of the Beaufort District Troop, attached to HAMPTON’S Legion, from which we make the following extracts. The letter is dated Headquarters, Camp Fisher, October 5, 1861:
Our Legion is now encamped on the Potomac, about twenty miles from Fairfax C. H., and near the batteries on the river. In a few days we will have effected, I trust, a successful blockade of the river. Several steamers opened fire upon a battery manned by the Artillery of our Legion, a few days since [25 September 1861], which was returned and continued for some hours. One small tug boat was sunk, and two of the steamers injured, when they retired from the contest. We went with the General [Whiting] to the scene of action and witnessed the whole affair.
A heavy battery, which was secretly in the course of erection, and had five guns mounted, was discovered night before last [3 October 1861], and from the number of vessels hovering about in the river, it was supposed that an attempt would be made to land; the brigade were under arms the entire night, and every preparation made, but I suppose the enemy thinking “prudence the better part of valor,” failed to make the attempt. I would not be surprised at any time, however, to hear the booming of cannon giving notice that the ball had opened.
The health of the Legion is now comparatively very good; the men all fare very well, and as a general thing seem to be satisfied with their officers, especially Major Butler, who is now in command of the Cavalry, and I think a very efficient officer. I hear of no complaint whatever among the members of my own company, but all seem anxious that some more should be made in order that they might be able to do their duty and return home to their families.
The Charleston Daily Courier, Charleston, SC, October 12, 1861
Article courtesy of Patreon supporter Lisa F.
Thanks for posting! While looking at old newspapers for mentions of the Hampton Legion Cavalry, I realized I had seen the same text before – in a letter written by my great-great uncle! That was fun!