The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1862-03-22
BURNSIDE EXPEDITION.

The latest adyices n week ago placed
Gen Burnside at the head waters of Abe
marie Sound, threatening an attack on
Suffolk and Norfolk This left I'm within
easy striking distance Of the retreating re-
bel masses from the Potomac, by whom it
was feared he might he surrounded and
overwhelmed. 1t appears, however, he
had full uotice of their fight, and if they
have been seeking EiIn in the neighbor-
hood Of Suffolk, they are III a condition 20
share the surprise of the good loyal people
on hearing from Gen. Burnside 200 naiaes
away, at Newbern. An arrival from his
expedition at Fort Monroe brings the fol-
lowing account:
The troops under Gen. Burnside landed
on Thursday evening (I3th inst. near the
mouth OF Sesan Creek west side OF Eeuse
river u miles below Newbefn, Nc Owing
ID dense FOG, the vessels did not raf;ici-
pate III the fight.
Early Friday morning the troops advan-
ced along the country rold running parallel
with Neuse river, skirtea on he west side
by the railroad and Il dense swamp. We
advanced gradually, the enemy deserving
hAir guns and falling back until we reach
a line of elrthworks extending across the
road from the river to the swamp. about ,
miles These works, very strong, were
about four miles below Newbnrn Between
them and the city ran the river Trent The
country road and railroad both passed
through these works. and crossed into the
city by bridges. In front OF these works
the rebels had felled = l;Irge number OF
..It, tr.f,l Ia
aba.tis Here the flying rebels rallied and
made for a while desperate stand Our
brave fellows fought until their ammunition
was spent. when the order to charge bayo
nets was given, and the works were taken
ut the bsycnet's point, the enemy flying
like frightened sheep, leaving everything
behind them.
The rebels burnt the bridges communi-
eating with the town. As they had their
trains Of cars in their rear, they were OF
course ableto carry offthe dead and wound
ed. Their loss Is therefore not certainly
known. but must have been severe.
Our loss is estimated at 90 killed and
200 wounded and missing. We captured
a number OF prisoners, including Colonel
Avery. who cursed his soldiers as towards
Just a TIE battle terminated, the fog
lifted to enable the gunboats which had
Dv'h linipititilIiN waiting an o. 'l'pEIuIItS 10
participate iii the fight, To come up the
river Oar troops were furnished with
means Of transportation to cross the Trent
river to Newbern.
The rebels attempted to burn the town.
but were prevented by the citizens, who
extin cuished the flames as fast as started
by the soldiers
None of our generals or staff officers
were killed or wounded.
" e captured from thirty 10 fifty cannon.
The rebel officers left their private
traps behind on their final retreat. The
mon threw away everything.
The fight terminated at ) p. m. on
Friday. when our troops remained masters
ef the field.
The capture of Newborn places Beaufort
ut our mercy, where the steamer Nashville
has taken refuge Gen. Burnside at latest
dates had already organized an expedition
TO take Beaufort, so that that piratical
craft is by this time in his hands. The
hope Is. that he may take her officers and
crew with her.