Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-03-21
OFFICIAL DESPATCH OF GEN. BURR
SIDE.

VT ffN4lAL HLGIAIGH Oh AEN4 BURN
SIDE.
headquarters Depdrtment Of North Caroiiao.
NeWJefA, MaTch lG, 1862
Gen. H. THOMAS, Adjutant General u. \. Army
uENERAL; have the honor to report that,
after embarking the troops with which intend.
ed to attack Newbern, in conjunction with the
naval force, on the morning Of the lth, rem
devious was made at lIatteras Inlet.
Flag officer doldsborough having been ordered
to Hampton Roads, the naval fleet was left in
command of Commodore Rowan,
Early on the morning Of the 18th the entire
force started for Newbern and that night anchor
ed off the mouth of Slocum's Creek, some eigh-.
teen miles from NewberR, where had decided
10 make landing.
The landing commenced by o'clock the mex a
morning, under cover of the naval fleet, aud WAS
ELECTED with the greatest enthusiasm hy the
troops. Many, too impatient for the bonts.
leaped ntO the water, aud waded waist deep to
the shore, and then, after tosome march
through the mud, the head Of the column march
ed within mile and a half of the enemy's
stronghold at =. Nj II distance Ul twelve miles
from the point of landing, where we biyouacked
for the night, the rear of the column coming mn
with the boat howit2ers about three o clock next
morning, the detention heng caused by the
shocking condition Of the tOadH, consequent ON
the heavy rain that had fallen during that lay
anu the whole Of the night-lhe men offer
wading knee deep in mud, and requiring whole
regiment 10 drag the eight pieces which had heen
landed from the navy aud our own yesaela
by signals agreed upon, the naval veasels
with the armed vessels of my force, were inform
ed Of our progress and were thereby enabled 10
assist us much ia our march by shellng the road
in advance.
At daylight on the morning of tile l4th |
ordered M advance of the entire division, which
will he understood by the enclosed pencil sketch,
Gen. Fosters brigade was ordered M the main
county rold 10 attack the enemy'A lett Gen. Reno
up the railroad to attack their right, and Gen.
Patke 10 follow Cen Foster, and attack lL,
enemy in front, with instructions to support
either or both brigadcs
must defer tor want of time, detailed ae
count Of the action II il enough 10 sav Tint
after an engagement of four hours, We succeeded
IN carrying continuous line of field works of
over IL mile in length, protected on the river
flank by battery of thirteen heavy guns, mud
on the opposite Hank by line of redouLts of
over mile in length for rifemen and field pieces
IN the midst of swamps aud dense forests. which
line of works was defended by eight regiments
of infantry, five hundred cavalry, and three
batteries of field artillery, Of six guns each.
The position was finally carried by n most
gallant charge OF our men, which enabled us In
gain the rear Of all the batteries between tbis
point and Newbern, which was done 10y a rapid
advance of the entire force up the main road
and railroad, the naval ileet meantime pushing
its way up the river, throwing their shots into
the forts and in front of us.
The enemy, after retreating in great confusion
(throwng away blankets, knapsacks, arms. No II
across the railroad bridge aud county road
bridge, burned the former, aud DESTROYED the
draw OF the latter, thus preventing further pur-
suit, and causing detention in occupying the
town by II military force but the naval force hal
arrived at the wharyes, and commanded il by
their guns. -
at once advanced Gen. Fosters brigade IN
take possession Of the town by means Of tLe
naval vessels which Commodore Rowan bad
kindly volunteered for the purpose.
The city was set on fire by the retreatinO rehels
IN many places, but. owing to the exeriions of
the naval officers, the remaining citizens w,r.
induced 10 aid in extinguishing the tiames-so
that but little harm has been done.
Many Of the citizens are now retNrning nn1
We are now in quiet possession of the cty' I'VE
nave captured the printing press, and shall al
once issue q daily sheet.
by this victory our combined force have can
lured eight batteries containing forty six beayv
guns; three batteries of light artillery of aiy
guns each-making in all sixty four guns two