ORA. Volume XIV: Series 1, Volume 14, Part 1, 315-323

JUNE 8, 1863. Affair near Brunswick, Ga. Report of Captain W. M. Hazzard, Fourth Georgia Cavalry.

CAMP WALKER, June 29, 1863.
…. On the morning of the 8th couriers reached camp about 10 o'clock with information that two gunboats and one transport towing two large boats loaded with troops had started from Saint Simon's Island in the direction of Brunswick. Previous information justified the belief that a temporary landing in Brunswick would be attempted. I therefore hastened to that point with the remainder of my command and reached there about 10.30.

Soon after leaving camp the heavy boom of cannon gave assurance that Sergts. J. W. Taylor and Alexander Burney, with the Brunswick pickets, had disputed a landing. The firing was incessant for about three quarters of an hour, when the boats withdrew.

Upon their approach these two gallant young officers assembled their pickets at the edge of the bluff near the old wharf, and in a lying position gave them many well-directed rounds at a distance of about 150 yards. This picket was aided by men from two other posts, Corpl. A. E. Foreman, Corpl. Lamb, and Corpl. T. E. Hazzard. When they saw the boats leave Saint Simon's Island, hastened with all the men they could spare to their assistance. Soon after arriving in Brunswick with the remainder of my command the boats ascended the river. Fearing for the safety of the salt-works, some 7 miles up the river, and taking it might only be for the purpose of drawing us from Brunswick, I ordered Lieutenant Grant with the detachments of Sergeants Taylor and Burney and such other men as I could spare, numbering in all some 30, to select a good position and dispute every attempt at landing and not to fire until a good chance presented itself, while I hastened with the remainder of the command to the salt-works.

Upon reaching the works I found one boat lying at the mouth of the creek leading to them, while the other was returning to Brunswick, and as soon as the return boat reached Brunswick they opened a rapid fire. After firing some fifty shots the one threatening the salt works returned and joined the other at Brunswick. The firing became heavy. I hastened back, but the jaded condition of my horses did not allow me to reach them before both boats had well-night exhausted their efforts at driving Lieutenant Grant from his position.

I cannot speak in too high terms of the gallant conduct of the men subjected to this heavy cannonade, frequently at not more than 150 yards; their conduct is particularly commendable owing to the fact that their fire was reserved. I also take pleasure in calling attention to the forethought and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Grant, Sergeants Taylor and Burney, and Corporals Foreman, Lamb, and Hazzard. Their promptness in assisting the Brunswick picket added much in deceiving the enemy in regard to our strength. After this effort the largest boat, which was recognized as the blockader, returned to the sound, whilst the others again ascended the river.

Thinking the salt-works and the railroad bridge the points of attack, I withdrew Lieutenant Grant's detachment and hastened them to the salt-works, while a squad, under the guidance of Mr. Julian Burnett, who had that day shouldered his gun and volunteered his services, hastened to the bridge. Upon nearing the bridge, which was out of rifle-range, Mr. Burnett perceived the vandals had fired it, and no sooner were our men discovered than they commenced a rapid retreat to their gunboat in a barge. To get a shot at them Mr. Burnett conducted the squad to a point which the barge was forced to pass at a distance of about 100 yards, but which brought them within about 200 yards of the gunboats and transport, which by this time had taken position in rear of the gunboat. As the barge passed the squad poured a well-directed volley into it; 2 officers fell and 3 oarsmen appeared wounded. A second round made the remainder of the crew cease rowing until the boat had drifted out of range. The gunboat then opened fire, also their sooty allies on the transport.

After many harmless rounds the boats returned to the salt works at about sunset and came to. Supposing their objected was to make a night attack, I divided my command, placing detachments respectively under command of Lieutenants Scarlett, R. S. Pyles, and H. F. Grant, who carefully watched their movements until morning. No further efforts were made at a raid, and both boats returned to the sound.

We lost one horse during the day from a grape-shot, but were blessed in losing no one; not even a wound was inflicted. A few days after, from the accidental bursting of a shell, we lost the heroic Sergeant Byrney. Information, apparently reliable, states the enemy lost 3 killed, 1 officer severely, and others slightly.

Very respectfully, W. M. HAZZARD, Captain Co.G, Fourth Georgia Cavalry.