The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-07-16
HOW ONE MAN CHASED a THOU
SAND,

The following extract from letter written By
Capt. VIVA. III. Werth to q friend in Richmond,
gives graphic account of his daring onslaught
on the enemy near Newport News some weeks
since; and as it is the first authorized version of
remarkable incident of the war, which has been
variously reported, we give the statement in fnll
in Capt. Werth's own words, deeming it well
worth place in our columns:
81 left our encampment at Bethel in command
of 20 dragons, selected from the Hampton ORA
goons, Capt. Philips-himself making one of the
party. My object was close reconnaissance of
the enemy's position at Newport News.
Having reached point about 81 miles from
that post, observed with the aid Of my glass,
eight men clustered together on the shore, above
the enemy's works, and in moment afterwards
saw them in full run towards their encampment
At the time of making this observation |
companied by Capt. Philips and three privates,
the remainder of the detachment being in the rear.
1t being indispensable to the attainment Of my
object that this picket should be intercepted in
order to prevent the alarm at the post, we dashed
down the road Cumming parallel with the river
and leading to Newport NewsO for some three
miles in pursuit, when [ detached Capt
Philips and his three to the right to
cut off their retreat, while pressed on still fur
Their towards the Notifications to make sure of in
tercepting them if they escaped Capt =. When
within about three hundred yards of Newport
News, and having turned towards the river, |
found myself within 50 yards of a party of the
enemy, engaged in cutting wood, their muskets
stacked around pine tree. Not having been OBJ
served by them, drew up under cover of thicket,
and found the party to consist of twenty-seven
privates, one commissioned officer and one nom
commissioned officer.
Just then the picket Guard, which Captain
Philips party had failed to cut off, rushed into
the camp OF the Massachusetts regiment eucamp-
cd outside the works and not more than 160 yards
from where | was, and sounded the alarm. | saw
that whatever had to do must be done quickly;
go | drew my revolver, gave real Camanche war
hoop, and dashed into the party Of 20 all told.
My first shot was at the officer in command, who
fell dead; my second was at private, with the
same result; my third missed its aim, in conse
quence of my horse becoming very FESTIVE under
the shouting and firing, and | killed a mule
perhaps the most respectable individual OF the
whole party.
My shout being answered by Capt. Philips and
his party, the enemy conceived themselves attacked
by formidable force, and yelling, "look out look
out! these Virginia horsemen are upon u.s." they
rushed in CONSERVATION towards their encampment,
not stopping even to seize their arms
The Massachusetts Regiment started two COM
ranies down to protect their party, but upon meet
ing them flying in all directions, and hearing the
hrlhS ana shouting, caught the panic, and raIs-
ing the cry of Virginia horsemen! Virginia horse
men :" took the double quick also for camp. In
less than two minutes after my shout and firing
my whole DETACHMENT came up at the top of their
speed, when we swept up the ACTIVITY the left
flank Of the Massachusetts regiment, gave three
cheers, within $50 yards ola battery of two twelve
pound pieces and retired at a walk until reach
ed the woods.
1t seems, from the report of prisoner, taken at
the battle Of Bethel, that sfampcded the whotc
Regiment; as they all took refuge from the ''Vir-
GINA horsemeu" within the Notifications as fast as
their legs could carry then We suspected as
much at the time.
This is a correct statement Of an incident that
has been so variously stated in the papers. Alto
gcther it is the richest scene | ever witnessed,
and to hear the Hessians screaming, "Virginia
hol> emen. look out! look OUT ,cHh o"ig
after than, was worth whole week of ones life