Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-10-17

have upon mary batlefelds the proud distinc-
ton OF always being among the bravest of the brave
Immediately rushed upon and took the place.
The impor' ant position thus secured was wltbta one
hundred and twenty-five yards Of the eHemys enrench
N, nts. company from Colonel Hughes's regiment
then took possession of the boats, of which was
richly ireighted with valuable stores. General Nc
Brides and General Harrss divisions meanwhile gal
lanty sormed and occupied the bluffs Immediately north
OF Anderson'S house. The possession of these heights
enabled cur TO harass the enemy so greatly that
resolving regain them they made upon the house
successful assault ard witch would have been hon.
0rabe to them had not b. accompanied by an act
Of savage barbarity-the cOld-bl0Cded and cOwardiy
murder of three deenctless men, who had laid down
their ard surrendered themselves prisoners.
The position thus rcaken 10y the eutmy was soon re-
gained by the brave who had been driven from it.,
and was thenceCrward held by them TO the very end OF
the contest.
The heights to the left OF Anderson's house, which
had been taken, before stated, by Generals McBrie
and Harris ard by part Of Gen. Stems command under
Col. Boyd and Major WINSTON rudely fortified by
soldiers, who threw up breastwOrk well as they
could with their slender means. On the morning of the
goth rs | caused number OF hemp bales to be trans
ported to the river heights where movable breastwOrks
speedily constructed out of them by Generals Ilar
ris aud Mcbride Colonel Rves and Major Winston,
and their respective commands. Capt. kelys battery
(attachet to Gen. Steen dyison was ordered at the
time to the position occupied by Gen. Harris
force and quickly opened very effective fire. under the
direction of its gallant Captain non the enemy These
demonstrations, and particularly continued advance
of the hempen breastworks which were as efficient as
the cotton bales at New Orleans quickly attracted the
attention and excited the alarm of the enemy who made
many daring attempts to drive us back. They were,
however, repused in every instance by the unfnchiDg
courage and fixed determination OF our mel.
In these desperate encounters the veterans OF Nc
Brides ard Sacks divisions fully sustained their proud
reputation, while Col. Martin Green ard his command,
and Col. Boyd and Major Winston and their commands,
proved themselves worthy to fight by the side of the
men who had by their courage and valor won mperisha
ble honor in the bloody battle of Springfield.
About o'clock in the afternoon of the 20th and al
ter iftytwo hours continuous firing white flag was
displayed by the enemy that part of their works
nearest to Col Green's position and shortly afterwards
another was displayed opposite to Col Rives'. Iimme-
dlately ordered cessation of all firing part, and
sent forward one Of my staff officers to ascertain the
object OF the flag, and to open negotiations with the
enemy, if such should be their desire 1t was finally,
after delay, agreed by Col Marshall and the Off
associated with him for that purpose by Col Multi
gan, that the United States forces should lay down
their and surrender themselves prisoners of
to this army. These terms having been made known
Weie ratified by and Immediately carried into effect.
Our entire loss in this series OF engagements amounts
to twenty-five killed and seVeny-t7o wounded. The
eGemys loss was much greater.
The visible fruits of this almost boodless victory are
great-abopt three thousand five hundred prisoners,
among whom Colonies Mnlgan Marshall Peabody,
White, Grover, Major Van Horn ll8 other commits
stoned officers five pieces of artillery and two mortars
over 5000 stand OF Infantry arms large number OF
sabres about $50 horses, many sets of cavalry equip
ments, wagons, teaws, ammunition, more than $780,
GOO worth OF c0mmssary stores and large amount OF
other property In addition to all this, obtained the
restoration Of the Great Seal Of the State and OF the public
records, which had been stolen from their proper cuso
dian, and about 100000 in money of which The bank
of this place had been robbed and which have caused
to be returned to it.
This victory has demonstrated the fitness Of our citi-
sodiery for the tedious operations OF sege well
as for dashing charge They lay for fty-two hours
in the open air. without tents covering regardless OF
the and rain, and in the very presence OF watchul
and desperate foe manuly repeing every assault and
patiently awaiting my orders to storm the iOrtifcations
No General ever commanded braver better army.
1t is composed of the best blood and the bavest OF
| Missouri.
Where nearly every one, officers ana men, behaved SO
we'll as is known to your Excelency, (who present
with the army during the whole period embraced in this
report it is imposs bic TO make special mention OF in
dlvduals, without seemingly making invidlous distjnc
tions But may be permitted to express my personal
Obligations to my volunteer aids, well to my staff
for their efficient services and prompt attention to al
| my orders.
have the honor to be- with the greatest respect your
ExceIlcncy's obedient servant,
STERLING PRICE,
Major General Commanding.