Anecdotes of the Revolutionary War in America: With Sketches of Character of Persons the Most Distinguished, in the Southern States,
for Civil and Military Services, By Alexander Garden, Published by Printed for the author, by A. E. Miller, 1822, p. 381.
The British, While in possession of Port-Royal Island, kept a strong
detachment of troops at Roupell's Ferry. A small militia guard,
commanded by Lieutenant Rhodes of the Prince William's Company, were
stationed at Page's Point, on the opposite shore. Sensible that it
would be easy for an enterprising enemy, from the number of navigable
creeks that led to his rear, to cut off his party, the Lieutenant
judiciously made a representation of his perilous situation to the
commanding Continental Officer at Sheldon. Brigade Major Hamilton of
the 1st Regiment, was immediately sent to judge of the accuracy of the
statement, who, finding it strictly correct, wrote for and obtained a
Sergeant's guard of Continentals, to strengthen the command. " While so
near the enemy," said Hamilton, " I would pay them a closer visit could
I find a proper guide." " I am acquainted," replied Lieutenant Rhodes,
" with every foot of the ground they occupy, and will willingly
accompany you across the river." Hastily conceived, and promptly
entered on, the expedition was immediately carried into effetc. A boat
was prepared, and the river passed with muffled oars. A Sergeant's
guard was approached, surrounded, and with the exception of one man who
escaped, and the Sergeant, who resisting, was severely wounded by
Lieutenant Rhodes, brought off. This Partisan stroke was accomplished
by eleven men, officers included, four of whom never quitted the boat.