The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1847-04-14

to take high sand hill which commanded
the Cty, and l assure you we did it hand.
someiy, not one OF our men faItered, all
marched up TO the line nobly, although we
were exposed to both, the fire Of the cavalry
ana OF the artillery from the City We
could distinctly hear the balls whistle by
our ears and see the cannon balls tear up
the earth within twenty feet ofus. Thought
at least twenty balls passed within foot of
myhead; after eight or ten rounds, the enemy
retreated, and we were left in possession Of
the hill. Lieut.. Col. DICKINSON and two
prlvates of the Sumter company were
wounded, none dangerous. Capt. ALBuR
IT'S and one private, (both Of the reeulars)
Were killed by cannon shot from the CITY,
IN the same skirmiSh and on the same hill
This, believe is the only damage done to
our arms as yet, although they have been
firing bombs from both the City and Castle
upon US every day Even whilst I am
writing, they are firing away, but we are
now getting used to them, and do not much
regard them.
The cavalry which we encountered were
armed with carbines and used them re-
markably we'll, it is thought they shot fully
as we'll as we did, but they do not use their
artillery SO we'll, or certainly they would
have done more execution.
Our troops are now entirely around tho
City from one beach to the other, and are
now only awaiting the landing and placing
Of our heavy pieces of cannon, TO commence
the bombardment. in which work, we have
been very much hindered by severe nor
ther which lasted for three days, and entire.
ly prevented the landing of cavalry or any
thing else, but it has now blow over, and
the beach two miles below Vera Cruz pre-.
sents about as busy scene as East Bay in
Charleston, anding from Our ship Artillery,
ammunition, wagons, horses, mules, Com
missary's Stores &c. &C., and sending them
all around the City to the different Regi-
ments. 1t is as yet uncertain when we will
open our batteries, for it will take immense
labor to get our mortars and other heavy
pieces upon the high sand hills, but when
we do open, l assure you the walls will
crumble and the Greasers sing out for
quarters. All is now preparation for the
bombaTdment, and | would not miss it to
see all the girls in Abbeville
We have run off all the inha abitants, ex-
.cept few who are disposed to be friendly,
and are now feasting on their fat beeves,
poultry and the many vegetables which we
find in their deserted gardens. We have
also taken great many of their horses and
mules which, although small are hardy
and will answer we'll for pack mules
Our army, SO far as know is in good
health, being too early for romito, however
It has been known to commence as early as
March.
Enclosed Send you chart, which will
give you some idea of the country and our
position, your will perceive that our Regi-
ment is next to Gen. TwIGGs, on the road
10 Jalapa, TO which place, 1t is supposed
most Of the troops will procede after the ta-
king of Vera Cruz, for the taking of the
City is never doubted by any one. Jalapa
you know is on the table lands, most de-
iightful climate, and Immediately on the
road to the city Of Mexico. There is con-
siderable anxiety felt as to the garrison to
be left at this place, each Regiment fearing
it will be left. and 1 think myself that our
Regiment will stand a good chance for it,
as it is the youngest Regiment here:
H. t.