New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-11-22
expected that any Rebel force was stationed here II
beng supposed that the Rebel camp in Franklin.
seven miles further down the river. contained the

expected that any Rebel force was stationed here IL
beng supposed that the Rebel camp In Franklin,
seven miles further down the river, contained the
nearest OF them. But on reaching the p!aee our
advance guard was saioted by musket.shots from
Rebel picketa, who were driven in aud w lie our
battery was vigorously Smelling the woods on the
opposite shore, about fifty yards off they and the
Massachusetts, 9Th, which was In the front support.
ing them, received several volleys Of muske,ry.
The graybacks could not stand long before the
effective missiles sent by the battery, and they
broke and scattered through the wcods A squad
of cavalry and two companies Of infantry crossed
the stream and found the camp OF q North Carolina
regiment most wretchedly furnished, with but three
tents and dirty quarters, unlike anything yet found
among our own boys. Breakfast was Just beng
prepared, and potatoes and corn bread constituted
the entire bill OF fare. A letter from North Caro-
lima soldier to his sister detailed sad story OF prt-
Walton and suffering Potatoes he said constituted
the principal food. and all tue country side had
been skinned aud left poor enough. His regiment
had been there bat short time from Peiegsourg'
and must before loGg go elsewhere, or starVe. a
few articles snch two three sabers knapsacks,
&C., were found, but several important items OF
information, in letters just written received con-
stituted the cbisf gain.
| Oar main force wond have crossed, and nea:
thing would have been done bat for the accidental
destruction Of pontoon. which prevented the cross.
ing Of the battery, and not knowing how Large a
number might, Ike the regiment referred w. uaye
been transported tlither from Petorsbufg II wa
cousisereo nnsa1e 10 80 over and attempt the pro-
posed project.
AZ about The middle OF the forenoon We heard
what We had been expectipg-the discharge VI can
non at FRANKLIN where portion OF our battery had
been sent ana we were ordered down 70 support
the battery there. smart exchange o. grape,
canister and SHELL was carried Oh at distance ot
TWO miles from Franklin, lasting two three hours.
4 rocket battery, taken by the Reoes from McCle.-
Ian, enc heavy lied gnn and several smaller oaes
were concealed in the woods the opposite side Of
the river, and cavalry force occupied this side
cur arrival, which suddenly decamped, and was
concealed IN the woods on the opposite shore. Twice
the Rebel battery compelled TO change POSITION
pretty good proof that our shots oid some damage.
The stream at Franklin deep, and could not
without "a heavy artillery force, under cover Of
which to build d bridge. fne Rebels have here
swimming ant floating bridge attached to the further
shore. We renamed rs long as Was deemed Deces-
sary when we returned honeward having twice
been under fire. ana accomplished % miles IN 4S
hours without any loss except that Of few strag-
glers who viii yet cone IL. o. possibly some OF
them be p keG up by the guerliias, and have an op-
pOrtunity 10 Welt Richmond.
The Blackwster i admirably adapted for tine Of
dofsuse. Tie banks are high and bold, the water
deep and swift, and the stream narrow. When the
proper time cones will be easy 10 occupy tho foe
t.hcaions 10 Suffolk with small force. and send the
maiu body on 10 Franklin. The Seaboard Railroad
and the Chowan River can Furnish transportation
for supplies equal TO the Norfolk Railroad and the
Nansemond, while the nearness 10 Newoern ana 10
Petersburg would give Us great advantage over
oar present position.
We intend to give the Rebels an opportunity TO
exercise all the troops they afford 70 keep IN Pc
tersburg and along she BlacAwater. SoJoURsER.