The Highland Weekly News

Reconnoissance up the Edisto.

By reference to the map of South Carolina, our readers may see the Isle of Edisto, which is formed by the North Edisto and the South Edisto rivers, which lie up the coast from Port Royal. We give the main facts as developed by the official report of an expedition made to that island, as made to Com. Dupont, in command of the blockading squadron in that part of the Atlantic. The Pawnee, Seneca and Vixen made the reconnoissance from Port Royal, leaving the 16th Dec.

Entering the North Edisto, and seeing a fort on Edisto Island about a mile and a half ahead, firing was commenced from the bow guns of the leading vessel. There was no reply, and landing the fort was found deserted, and dismantled, the guns—so the negroes said—having been removed towards Charleston. One of the vessels proceeded still farther up the river, the effect of which was the apparent burning of cotton houses and other buildings. Negroes came on board and reported that at the small town of Rockville there was an encampment of 500 rebels, but on visiting the town by a detachment, it was found that the encampment had been abandoned, and the negroes were pillaging a building that contained stores of rice, sugar, bacon and corn.

The negroes were as busy as bees; they had removed all that was valuable that had been left in the camp except the arms. The encampment was a large one, and had been occupied for many months, and had, evidently, possessed every comfort. The troops secured about fifty Sibley tents and other valuables, and carried them on board. Two rebel vessels laden with cotton and provisions were also captured. About one hundred and fifty negroes also came to our vessels.

Afterwards the vessels ran up the South Edisto, and found the fort there deserted.