Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-05-28
For the Standard.
Stdn0Afd.
THE 18th N C.. REGIMENT IN THE FIGHT
NEAR WILLIAMSBURG

TOT the Otan0arQ.
THE 18TH NJ c. REGIMENT IN THE FIGHT
NEAR WILLIAMSBURG.
Among the many statements published in the
Virginia papers in relation to the fight at illiams.
burg, the 9th inst, there has been no particular
mention made of the part taken by the 18th regi-
ment of N. g. troops, in that engagement This reg
iment belongs to Gen. Longstreet's division, and
Gen Colston's brigade
On Sunday evening" the 4th inst, they had pass
ed through Williamsburg, and bivouacked about a
mile beyond the town. On Monday morning the
battle commenced, and they were held in reserve,
until o'clock in the afternoon, when they were Or
road leading from Yorktown, and about one mile
beyond Williamsburg. To gain this position, they
were compelled to go through thick woods expo
sed to the fire Of the enemy. But on they went-not
a man faltered.
Before all of the companies had taken their places
in the ditch, a body of men were seen advancing
who, seeing our men were preparing to fire upon
them, cried out. Don't shoot-we are friends-we
belong to the - regiment" Before the engage
ment Col. Scales had been cautioned against firing
upon our own men, as regiment was stationed
near that point Thus the enemy were permitted
to advance within 25 80 yards before their treach
cry became apparent. But this ruse availed them
but little, for four of the companies A. B, G and K
poured deadly fire into their ranks which caused
them to retire.
But they soon advanced again and tried to effect
flank movement ard pour their deadly fire along
the line. At this time the fight was 6ercest, and
the companies above mentioned were suffering Sc
verely, and were almost driven from their position
Just then, Lieut. Col Ruffin, who commanded this
wing Of the regiment ordered them to charge bay
onets, which they did with alacrity The Yankees
couldn't stand this, so they were driven from the
field. During this time our loss was quite heavy,
and the total loss during the engagement was 7S in
killed wounded and missing. The Yankee loss
must have been very large
The regiment occupied their position during the
afternoon and until after 10 o'clock at night three
hours after every other regiment had left the field
Orders had been sent them to retire. but from some
strange and unaccountable neglect, they we're not
received. They would have held their position the
entire night and probably been taken prisoners but
for the fact that an officer, whom Col. Scales had
sent for orders, met with Gen. Pryor, who informed
him that orders had long since been given them to
retire. . t-".sr 81 y;
Col Scales won for himself the admiration of all
who witnessed his gallant behavior during the
engagement and Lieut. Col. Rufin, who was in the
hottest Of the fight displayed great GOODNESS and
bravery. In fact all the officers and men acted
bravely, as the heavy loss which the enemy sus-'
tanned will abundantly testify. 80
We have thus endeavored to give correct state
ment Of the part which the 18th regiment took in
this engagement The facts above stated were re-
ceiyed from persons who were participants in the
Eight, some Of whom were not connected with this
regiment.