New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-03-19

county road into cad plight, and our troops marched
for five miles through mud and water, such ~ one
would hardy expect to lnd this SIDE Of the heavy
clays OF Ycrfshire. There was no struggling or
hanging back, however, for the officers met every
loierer with the order 10 cose Up ranks and keep
together. The 2ith Massachusetts, having the right
OF the LIST Brigade was, of course at the head OF the
column the llth Connecticut brought up the rear Of
the 81 Brigade. We had proceeded perhaps five
miles when the skirmishers came upon u clearing
with line OF breastworks and batteries apparently
mile in extent. The column was Immediately
halted, and reconnaissance being made by Captain
Williamson, Typographical Engineer on Gen. Burn
sides Staff it was found deserted. The work must
have required the labor of a thousand men for a
month, being constructed in the most thorough and
scientific manner. deep and wide meat extended
along the 'front.' and an abatiis Of feed timber had
been made on both TANKS. No guus had been mount
cd the enemy probably thinking the Division was
10 move first Norfolk, and that great haste was
required in preparing tie nice little thing for our re-
cepton.
A mile further on road crossing our line OF march
ran down to the river. Thinking that tho enemy
might have fertilization on the beach, with large
supporting body Of infantry, a reconnaissance was
ordered by Gen. Foster and L.euienants Strong,
penileton, Capt. Hudson end other Of his aids nd
ing down found urge battery, which had been de-
serted in haste. They waved a white handkerchief
"a signal to the gunboats, and boat put OF mme-
diately from the Delaware, and the national flag was
hoisted on the pardlet.
al the afternoon II had been raining by showers,
the intervals being filed with continuous drizzle,
which alone would have wetted the men to the skin,
so that when night was approaching without our
having met the enemy. it il not strange that we
should have looked with anxiety for the order to
halt. Gen. Renos brigade hai been turned off on
the railroad a, t.e lrs point where the county road
crossed IL with the view of faukiDg the enemy
while the main body attacked them in 'front.'
The two bodies met at another crossing, and here
man coming on horseback from Newbern was ar
rested, and gave us tie information that Manassas
We evacuated. The joyful news was passed along
tie columns from regiment to regiment, aud was
hailed By such tempos; Of cheers az made the
welLin ring ndeel. Imagine the cheering Of
whole army iisef on the march 10 battle, on bear
inq snch ioyfu tdings ga these Whether true or
lee tie effect Of the story WIS excellent, for when
the order FORWARD was given, the men sprang
into their places with cheerful alacrity which
could hardly have been expected OF jaded men
At6oolock We had advanced to within Il nile Of
the eneuys line 0. Notifications, and hale was or
dered. Gems Burn ide and Foster and their stalls
were riding some distance in advance, even Of tie
It nj I IL I'D
that We SHOULD all for / happened 10 be with the
Marty Tor an hoar or so be basyel BY some mauraud-
ing squadron Of Rebel cavalry, who would dash out
and u.Ls ~ il the rear. Capt. Williamson and
Csrt. Potter and Lieut.. Strong were sent ahead to
rec5uroer, and ailer riding Lali a mile, came upon
some cavalry pck.,s, by whom they we.o hailed and
whom thay challenged ~ return. On their reporting
10 Cen. Burasle. tle column was ordered % halt
and Iigouac lr ils lit Oh both idy OF the road II
WASH ve'. miserable night the rain-4r'ps showeF.a8
down ,,.,n s from the tgsas, aud TIE Sudden leaves
.ao .y,o,s..nol maane .HJ ding ba. a comfortable
c,nch. However. We out down some ye!o"'plle
trees for fuel, aud by .io genial warmth Of D.youa
are. were soon smoking pipes and making feeble at-
sr.,l. To- fsrls, oa. aaai,les. ao; vetuess.
In tss t0.nar a. clock AZ tLe Generals were il
tleir aIIes. aa.. o.. = DE column was in notion
I-',, column ~ Gcu. Reno, GA the railroad, was Che
r-.. IL move. $40 4ia Massachusetts,, as the rgh
n.nk regiment, leading DE advance. In its appro-
nrin,s place would here mention that Renos brg-
lde byonarked alon. side ile tract two companies
%. tho DIST having been thrown on ~ pekc.s.l The
"a. imeut had nj Proceeded lls before on tuning .
curve ia ihe road they saw train OF cars. which
a.. l..
on the track. H. front Of tie locomotive, plat
form car, hid been large rided gun. which was
evidently 70 be placed in position 20 rake the road.
Orr men. however. advanced n. the doublc-quok
and poured TO 2 volley with such accuracy OF ain
lat tie enemy, who had already rolled the gun and
sson o the car did not stop 20 unload tie carriage,
but ran into the ntrenchmerts and tie trim was
backed toward Newben leaving the patiorm-car
,anding o the track. The 2ls, had got within short
range before discovering the formidable nature OF
.he eueuys ear,hworAs bui now iell back aud,
forming line OF hst,le I'm the woods, opened ire.
The 5lst N0V-YorA wa- moved b. The left and or
dered forward 10 engage q series of redans the 9th
New-Iersey occupying the leit Of the line. and the
5lsi Pennsylvania held in reserve u rear OF the Jth,
n little to the lefi.
Meanwhile Gen. Fosters brigade had advanced up
the main road 70 ths clearing, when the 2th Massa-
chasets was sent into the woods the right Of the
road. and opening heavy ire on the enemy com
menced the action Of the Fitr Brigade. The 9Th
was sent 20 their le; 30 support them, and news be-
irg received tat the enemy were trying 10 oufiank
ms on the right the 18th was zen, on, o. resist tho
movement. The 23d being moved to the front mex
in line of battle, opened fire upon the enemy which
was replied to By very heavy yolleyf, and a cannon.
ade from % parA Of field pieces behind The breast
work The vcry irs' caunon-slot killed L.eur'Col.
Henry Merritt OF the 2Jt, the ball passing through
hi. body As he fsll be threw up lis arms and said