The New York herald., 1862-03-19

In among the trees, suddenly diverged out upon the
beach. and the marching was now made through heavy
sand much to the fatigue OF the troops who were en-
numbered with sufficiently heavy load in their wsighty
knapsacks muskes and cartridges Sixty rounds OF the
latter had been distributed to each man.
AT the end Of the two miles (though it realty seemed
three four tho road took sudden turn TO the left
which the head Of the column dealed into. Pursuing IL
for short distance, signs OF an enoampmsnt were dis.
covered pespng the brow Of hill At sight OF IL
troops burst into wild cheer, and dashed up the
slope at run and entered the camp. But the enemy
had vanished The whole place exhibited evidence Of
most preciptate fight. The fires we're still ablaze;
breakfast untouched; warm gridsts cakes were
ready for eating; BEDS blankets clothing, boots and
Shoes, were about hasty but unsuccessful
effort had boen made TO collect them and bear them or
Our soldiers ransacked tho camp in search OF
trophies and relics and took what suited them From
documents which I found in one of the tents, 1
ascertained that the place had been occupied by Q
company OF about eighty cavalry, under command OF
Captain Evans The stay at the deserted camp was but
brief one. The order soon came TO REFORM and the
column, falling into line more resumed the march
The day. which had been nne up TO this time, now
became cloudy and the rain began 70 fall n torrents
continued 10 fall throughout the rest of the day and
eveaing but il dampened the clothing OF brave
soldiers IL failed 70 dampsn thoir powder or courage
Pressing steadily they pursued the road for about
mile more, unli 1t dvsrged into the broad country
road stage between Nswbern and Beaufort. The
road which they had come on to this point was only
ordinary pathway through the woods and OF course
possessed many disadvantages for marching. The
country road, wide and firm, at Arst appeared most
delightful ons but the troops advanced IL became
more and moro muddy, and 1t was with the greatest
difficulty that the artillery was dragged through 10
In places it led swamps and Marshes and it's
almost impossible condition. not at all benefited by the
falling rain However, our troops pushed on with de-
termination and energy surprising n soldiers who had
not before experienced the hardship and fatigue Of
rapid march. The march might almost bo styled
forced one.
Soon after midday tho skrmishers in advance re-
turned with the Information that long sarthwork with
battery ahead protecting tho approach to tho rail-
road the point at which forces aiming, both to
cut off communication between the threatened city and
Beaufort and to obtain cars il possble for the
poration Of the artillery ammunition and baggage.
momsntary halt ordered and recsnnoitering party
was sent out, but almost Immediately back with
the information that the enemy not to DO and
that the enrenchment had been abandoned The troops
got in motion again, passed through tho work BY the
sallyport in the centre and pressed 10 tho
railroad. At the crossing point were some meadows,
upon which the various regiments stacked arms for
short time while skrmshers secured along the track
and found couple Of baggage wagons which were soon
made Of The breastwork excited little CURIOSITY
II about Ave feet In height with its face sloping into
ditch trench, some six eight feet deep, and
tended half mile In length. Il unfinished and
mounted no guns.
After hasty meal from their haversacks, noistened
with draught Of water from the roadside the word to
march was again gveu and the troops, dividing into
two columns, moved-ons on the railroad and tho other
the stage road. No sign OF the enemy, however,
visible. Our skrmishers ahead vainy sought 10 nud
them. After fatiguing march of two hours Il was
dssed advisable TO order anohsr halt, and Just at
point whore the two roads again crossed each other
intervening fields Of grass the two columns they
in sight Of each other rested. Tho broke line,
leved themselves OF their knapsacks temporarily, and
throwing themselves upon the ground or seating
themselves upon logs and fslled trees, recruited
their nearly exhausted strength and rested their weared
limbs The soft, soshy, oras one individual termed
it-bootjack" mud and the marsh water getting into
their boots and shoes combined TO chafs the flesh and
skin in such . TO render many footsore and
lame.
The march was resumed once more, and continued
until about eight O'Clock, the troops still following ths
two roads, II now dark night, and mile or more
had been travelled since the shades OF evening fell The
soldiers ranged out the woods. and halt was or
dered until morning. Soon the bright flames Of many
bivoaac FIRE shot up between the trees and the soldiers
wrapping themselves in their blankets, laid down upon
the wet ground and without any shelter from the driz
zng ran passed tho night before the battle. Pckcts
were thrown out. the fires repenshed by watches
and silence soon broodsd over the scene
In the carly part Of the evening scouting party in
advance came in contac. with some cavalry pickets Of
the oncmy, who fed when challenged. The fact gave
token that foe and friend cot far from each
other.
The farm houses In tho vicinity furnished shelter u
those who fortunate enough to got inside
them Happened to be among the lucky few, though
first there seemed to bo alternative but to share the
folds and woods with the majority your readers viii
permit brief narrative Of correspondents adventure.
that night, IL may repay perusa and will at least
give idea OF the in which those who obtained
such shelter passed the time Separated during the
march from the newspaper correspondents chance threw
into company with Mr.. Schell, artist Of Frank Less
and wc decided to share common bed during the night
wherever might be. Having made application at one
house. and finding already 1lled, ncgress conducted
Us some two hundred yards away another which bs
longed to her "marsa but had been deserted by him
and all his family the slaves Lieut. schlacbter
other members Of the signal corps within and kind
ly greeted bright re Of logs had been kndled ID
tho hearh which threw its warmth to every Of the
apartment Gathering around, we drew forth our mecr
schsums sweebriars aud tobacco aud while refreshing
ourselves with the fragrance Of our kcknick" " dried
soaked clothing and awaited supper. Tho means for
this latter furnished by foragng party who went
out into the ouhouses and barn. and there discovered
chickens the dislocation OF whose cervca vertc
brse accomplished much to the disgust Of the Negro
guide. who each fowl u!tering in the agoniei
Of death at his feet, pronounced II I" done gone for"
cbboard furnished with the necessary dishes
the slaves cooked the chickens, and also some lndar
cakes aud altogether We partook Of most hearty meal
After another pperu and another attempt to dry oui
clothes, we slept as best we could some on the floor
others the table, but was fortunate enough to have
feather bed between and the damp boards. In tn,
morning another foragng party furnished more poultry
for breakfast while those who desired out into th,