Bluffton expedition

"Flag-Ship Wabash, Port Royal Harbor, S. C, June 6, 1863.Sir: About ten days ago Major General Hunter applied to me for a gunboat to assist a land force in an expedition against Bluffton, which lies on May river, a stream emptying into Calibogue sound.This town has been the headquarters for the rebels for a long time in this vicinity, from which pickets were distributed at various points.At the time Major General Hunter wrote this request I had no gunboat in port; but, on the 3d instant, I ordered Lieutenant Commander Bacon to proceed with the Commodore McDonough on this expedition.The army forces, numbering, I believe, about one thousand (1,000) men, were on board the army gunboat Mayflower and an army transport, and under the command of Colonel Barton.On arriving near Bluffton the troops were landed under the protection of the Commodore McDonough, and took possession of the town, the rebels having retreated. By the orders of Colonel Barton the town was destroyed by fire, the church only being spared; and though the troops made several charges, they were driven back by the troops and the shells and shrapnell of the Commodore McDonough. Bluffton being destroyed, the soldiers re-embarked without casualties, and returned to Hilton Head.Enclosed (marked No. 1) is the interesting report of Lieutenant Commander Bacon, who speaks in high terms of Colonel Barton, the commanding officer of the land forces.Lieutenant Commander Bacon, whose vessel is well fitted for these inland waters, has in this case, as in all others, exhibited his characteristic energy and intelligence.Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. F. DUPONT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding S. A. B. Squadron.Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C."