Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-03-12
The 3Ist Regiment N. C. Volunteers.


Our readers will peruse with pleasure the follow.
lowing letter from Lieut. Colonel Fowle in reply to
an asperson cast on the 3lst volunteer regiment of
this State by a correspondent of one of the Rich
mond papers, Col. Fowle was cool and entirely
self possessed the occasion, therefore cor
rectly remembers what took place. He states
what We felt sure was t,ue-that those of the 3lst
engaged the action and those held in reserve ac-
quilted themselves like true men,
For the Standard.
MR. fIoLDEN:-1n your paper of this date find
an extract from the report of an individual signing
himself bohemian" Of the battle of Roanoke
Island, as follows:
"The 3lst North Carolina at once ran to their
quarters, Col. Jordan riding at the head of the
frightened procession"
The above is totally untrue. Eight companies Of
the 3lst were on or near the battle field. two of
them, Captains Lilies and Knight, were in the re-
doubt where the hard fighting took place. under the
command of Col. Jordan. Six of theln Captains
Belts, Manly, Plcot, Jones, Mckay, and Witty,
were held as reserve under my command, assisted
by Maj. Yeates, in the rear of the redoubt. The
two companies first mentioned behaved in such a
manner to extort praise from all who witnessed
their gallant conduct. The six companies in re-
serve, though under fire for four hours and half
without being allowed to fire gum behaved with
the utmost GOODNESS, and showed every disposition
to engage in the battle which was waglng The or
ders received by the were to stand fast un-
til sent for. The Adjutant of the Regiment Lieut.
Holden, was dispatched to Col Jordan to inform
him of our readiness to engage in the fight and un
der orders, remained near Col. Shaw during the
whole of the fight so to bring the earliest nfor-
nation Of the reserve cling needed. When the re-
treat commenced, two OF the six companies were
thrown in some slight confusion for moment but
as soon as they heard my voice ralyng them, they
stood firm, and allowed their retreating brethren
who had fought so gaantly at the redoubt, to pass
them. As the last companies from the redoubt
passed. the order was communicated to me to let
my fall back with the rest; and then, and not
before, they fell back. They preserved their COM
and then, owing to the narrowness of the road, and
the number OF men crowded to ;ether it became i'm
possible.
This correspondent says they "ran," Mr.. Edi.
tor, he must have been looking at some other men,
for the forces under my command did not run, but
walked walked part Of the way with them my.
self, and afterwards accompanied them on horse.
back. Had they have run, should have mounted
my horse at once.
The other two companies Of the 3lst were station.
ed as follows: Capt Godwin's at Fort Forrest. on
the Tyrrell SIDE Capt &. renamed at his Fort,
which also manned by Capt Whites company
of the l7h until Saturday night after the surren'
der. Whenever the enemy came within range, they
fred upon them very vigorously. After the sur
render Fort Forrest was evacuated. Capt Godwin's
company was the last to leave, as have been in.
formed. Capt. Goodwin, with Capt. Vernon. were
the last men to leave the Fort When they left
they fired the magazine, which exploded about dark
Capt Millers company was left in charge of the
camp. DAN'L G. FOWLE e
1t. Col. Slst Regt N. G. Vols.
Feb. 8, 1862. = 8