I have been fortunate enough to travel to multiple states with my XP Deus in search of American Civil War relics. This specific trip landed me in South Carolina in search of relics from the Battle of Pocotaligo. In 1862, Union Brigadier General Brannan and just over 4000 men boarded 15 transport ships at Hilton Head, SC. His mission was “to destroy the railroad and railroad bridges on the Charleston and Savannah line”. Traversing up the Broad River and arriving at Mackay Point, less than ten miles from the objective. Two Pennsylvania Infantry Regiments headed for Pocotaligo. While two companies of engineers and the 48th New York regiment headed up the Coosawhatchie River with their sights on the Coosawhatchie bridge and later turning towards Pocotaligo destroying railroad tracks while in route.
Located in Pocotaligo were Colonel Walker and his Confederate forces. Walker called for reinforcements from Savannah and Charleston, then deployed his force to intercept the Union forces on two fronts. One at the bridge and the other along with The Beaufort Volunteer Artillery on Mackey Point rd. Brannan’s troops engaged the Confederate forces near an abandoned plantation, as well as contesting against two Confederate cannons. Once Brannan’s forces returned artillery fire, the Confederate forces retreated back to their defensive positions in Pocotaligo. Brannan’s troops pursued but were held up on the edge of a muddy marsh for roughly two hours exchanging small arms and artillery fire against the Confederate forces. Once the Confederate reinforcements arrived and night fell, Brannon while under the cover of darkness, ordered a retreat and returned to Hilton Head.
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6lb Solid shot Confederate cannon ball, fired by the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery. It was recovered near the “muddy swamp” with my XP Deus. |
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New York staff cuff button & Eagle Overcoat button likely dropped by the 48th NY and recovered with my XP Deus.
Lunch break in the muddy marsh.