Litchfield enquirer., 1862-04-03
F THE BATTLE OF NEwBERN. Ertract from Letter of Lieut.. James M Pier
 pont of Co. B, lltt RegL c. V.ss'r ti
NEwBERN, March, 16th, 1862.

5rav ,ss as NEwBERs, March, 16th, 1862.
 We arrived here, or few miles below, on the evening of the l2th inst, in g drenching rain. Started about o'clock, P. M. for the City. Af ter marching ten or twelve miles through mud knee-deep, we halted for the night, and lay down to sleep, most of us being wet to the skin. It rained good part of the night but the boys seemed quite cheerful, and no complaints were heard from any one.
 We got into line not far from six in the morn ing, and the battle common ced in about one half hour. Our Brigade was not called in until near ly eight. The rebels had in every respect the advantage of us, as they had Qualifications which mounted nearly one hundred guns-while all the artillery we had was . few small guns, which the men hauled through the mud, from the landing We had only about seven thousand men enga- ged, while from the best information we can get, they had at least ten thousand against us. The battle lasted until noon, when they gave it up as a bad job, and left in great speed, leaving all their effects behind. Thers were two draw-bridg- es across the river, which after crossing, they burned, leaving no opportunity to follow. The last we heard of them, they were making quite as good time as we did, on the 2lst of July, 1861. Capt. Dewell was unwell, so the com mand deyolyed on me, and must say the boys did nobly. a9 .1s .sl7' @~$. .''
 We lost quite number of men from our Re- giment, but few, however, considering our posi- tion, which was in front of battery, where we were exposed to heavy fire of grape and can mister for nearly an hour. Of my Company not e man was killed, and but one wounded, and he not mortally. u +
 The men are bringing in all sorts of plunder, from gold watches to chickens. Provisions are plenty, as we have taken all their stores, and many of them threw away their arms in the flight. The natives have nearly all left, for near ly ten miles around. rs- .
 am now quartered in Secesh barracks, sleep on their bed, eat their provision, and am now writing with secesh paper, ink and pen. was pretty much used up yesterday, but feel better to-day. We have very good opportunities to learn the sentiments of people South, as we have carloads of letters left for our perusal. Some express the idea that it is best to give it up, while others are confident of success. Most of them have very wrong impressions of our recent vic- tories-or we have-one of the two.
 The contrabands are beginning to come into camp now. As they see more of us, they are less shy. Many of them have the idea that we shall sell them or kill them if they get near us.
 The amount of work the Southern army does, is. truly surprising. Their Notifications here were very extensive. Their labor to blockade the river did not amount to shucks as our steam tugs in one night cleared the channel of the spiles which they had driven, having sharp irons in the top, by throwing cable around them, and drawing them out. .-'
 I send you a letter, which the writer had not time to send, as presume he left sooner than he expected to,- Owing to the Captains being sick, and Lieut.. Barnums being detailed as off, cer of ordnance, have but little spare time.
 With my best respects for the good people of Morris, am, Yours, &c.