The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-11-19
For the Western Democrat.
CAMP HILL, (near Newborn, } !
Nov. 6. 1861

On the 10th Of last month l left Charlotte to
Join the 34th Reg. N. G. Vol, stationed at High
Point, n. g. l found upon my arrival at that
place, that all of the men composing the Reg.
had good appearance and were in fine spirits
All of the officers are gentlemen of ability and
possess the happy faculty of pleasing the men
under their charge. In relation to Capt Myers
company l will say a word two The past
history of Capt. NJ himself is too we'll known to
render it necessary for me to say anything of him
Suffice it to say that he is of the very best
Captains that ever went from old Mecklenburg
] do not suppose that he has the military skill of
some, but at heart he is one of the best men I
and / think he will eventually make a
skllful officer. His men love him in u manner
almost amounting to devotion, and know that the
S4th Reg. has just cause to be proud of him
His company is as fine there is in the
Reg, and its good moral character cannot be
doubted-the moral character of the Regiment
generally is unexceptionable.
On the 25th, ! received an appointment as
Surgeon in the n. G. Troops, and was ordered to
report myself for duty to Capt Brem's Co. of
Artillery and Engineers, and on the lst inst
arrived safe at Camp Hill, where Capt j s COM
pany is stationed. On last Sunday his men began
to erect fort at Point Fisher, short distance
from this camp, and in all probability it is there
that he will take winter quarters.
Last Mohoay I'D the AFTERNOON, the captain and
] rode out few miles from our camp on business,
and returning we came by the fort that is being
built Just as we had dismounted our horses, a
war-whoop was raised, and in a moment the whole
company few to arms and were ready to meet the
enemy. Looking up the Neuse a few hundred
yards, and short distance from its Southern
bank, we were agreeably surprised to see most
magnificent bear swimming at leisure towards the
opposite bank A few men were dispatched down
the river for boat to make an attack upon the
snimal by water, while Others armed with muskets.
were sent up the river to fight him BY land in
case he should attempt to come ashore. The boat
was so far down the river, and the bear was ma
king such rapid strides up the river that Capt b
became apprehensive of losing the splendid prize.
Eventually, however, the great bear became very
much exhausted and attempted to reach the bank.
j ust as he was about to come out the land force
opened volley of musketry upon him which dis
turbed him so considerably that he advanced moro
rapidly, and as he landed the brave soldiers
charged oayonets, but the animal broke through
and retreated in double quick. Now several guns
we're leveled upon him but without effect. Now
al hopes of gaining the prize were about to vanish
The great bear was gaining ground and would soon
have been lost forever Soon, from dense marsh
on the left, report heard. 1t was the fatal
shot, made BY private Ven. Thus ended the
FIRST bear chase I ever saw. Thus ended the first
victory gained by Capt Brems battery of artillery
his section of country appears to be an eternal
chain of swamps, and there are therefore, few |
places In this immediate section by which the !
enemy could penetrate into the interior
Yesterday had the pleasure of .eeinr Gen |
Hill-and l understand that he is expecting an |
attack upon our coast soon. He is busily engaged |
In making preparations for the defence of the |
eosst With more infantry here, we would con-
slider ourselves in toleraby safe condition