The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-08-06

THE FIFTH NORTH CAROLINA REGI-
MENT
The Fifth Infantry, n. C.. State Troops, forms
part of Brigadier General Longstreet's command
and although crippled in its efficiency by the sick
ness Of two OF its field officers nobly performed its
part in the battle Of Manassas, on the right wing
under the gallant lead of its Lieutenant Colonel,
j. Z. Jones, who was in sole command during the
entire engagement
Early in the morning the cannonading commence
ed from two batteries on the right flank Of the posi-
ton occupied by this Regiment, supported by a
full brigade of the enemy. Colonel Jones deter
mined to ascertain the position of their batteries
and the force of the enemy, detailed small re-
connotering force under the command of Rev.
James Sinclair, Chaplain of the Regiment, who
had volunteered his services for the day. This
force crossed the Run, and attempted to penetrate
the wood on the left Of the enemys position, but
was recalled, in order to charge the batteries up
the ravine the right, the scouts having brought
in the necessary information. The Virginia sev-
enteenth was at the time ordered to support
the North Carolina Fifth, which duty it calamity
discharged. General Longstreet, with character
lstc valor, undertook now movement which, if
the orders were understood generally would have
carried the day with still greater lustre, if not
more complete victory.
Col Jones was ordered to send four companies
up the hill as skirmshers and to draw the fire of
the batteries, while Brgadier General Jones from
our ri ght was to flank the enemy on his left. The
| reserve companies of the 9th, supported by the
18th Virginia, was to attack the enemy the
right. The skirmshers of the North Carolina 9Th
headed by the Chaplain, charged up the hill, in
face Of storm of grape and can ster which killed
two and wounded five of his men. On the sum-
init Of this hill these lay for two hours, re-
ceiving the enemys fire without hinching, while
| on every side the hoary monarchs of the forest
were being mown down like gass before the NOW
el l's scythe. The brave commander himself seem
ed to be ubiquitous-here, there and everywhere
exposing himself in the hottest of the fire. 1t is
hard for remain still and receive the fire of
the enemy, without being permitted to return it;
aud this precisely the condition of the North
Carolina 9Th the 2lst uly. Long and eagerly
did those brave men watch for the signal of attack
upon the right, in order to give the Northern
hounds a touch Of the Southern steel.
After remaining the hill for two hours and
losing in killed and wounded seven men, this bod
received orders to retire to the rayne, which was
done in good order.
But the tide of battle again rolled down the
hill and once four companies of the 5th n.
c. State troops were ordered to occupy the sum-
nit, and await orders to advance with the bayonet
on the battery on tne rlShC oi Ihe enemy posi-
ton. This was accomplished without any loss
to the North Carolinians; and although they were
not privileged to advance upon the battery, we
think the North Carolina Fifth Infantry has given
good earnest that at distant day she will carve
for herself a name in the military annals of the
Southern Confederacy. Had Lieut.. Col. Jones
had the other field officers of the Regiment with
him, there would have probably been another
bright spotn the glores Of the 2lst of July, 1861
But bravely did he perform his duty, though his
Lieut.. Colonel was a preacher, taking his first
lesson in the art of war, and imparting the same
to the enemy in the most impressive manner Iossi-
BILE.
Gen. Longstreet, in token of his appreciation of
Mr. Siucair's services on the occasion, presented
him with one of the sabres captured from the enc
my, and expressed his desire that he should go on
his staff.
Duncan K. McRae, the Colonel of the above
mentioned Regiment was unfortunately detained
at W eldon by Sickness. Lieut.. Col Jones, who
commanded in the fight, is native Of Anson
county, formerly of the o. s. Army.