Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-05-15

NEwBERN, y. c.. May s. 1862.
Among the parties which have been lately
sent out from here was one of the Massachu-
sets 10Th, on Tuesday, to take possession of
notorious rebel some seven miles from here,
ON the opposite side Of the Neuse river. As
there was prospect that cavalry might be
met with, the party was made one hundred
strong. Capt. Hudson of Gen. Fosters staff
took command. They crossed in small boats.
landing about three miles above here. and
thence proceeded near four miles inland On
the road to the residence of Can't. Latham. the
parsonage IN question, we passed battery of
earthwork, which that traitor had erected at
his private expense to defend that approach to
! Newbern. 1t seems that Latham who is n
wealthy planter, contributed extensively
toward the batteries on Roanoke Island
and he commanded one at the time our forces
went there. He was taken prisoner and re-
leased on parole. Perceiyng, as he thought.
lmpertechon in the battery which opposed us
there, and believing he knew the course our
! forces would take whenever they went to
Newbern, he undertook, at his private ex-
! penSe, to locate and erect battery and man
1t with his employees. Two old 32-pounders
| were placed IN position so as to command the
road at point where most dense morass
was on either side, apparently impenetrable.
'iN suns nave SillCt DCtU ulSnlOuntEU and
spiked, and the magazine destroyed
\ mile beyond the battery is the house of
Capt. Latham, and when the foraging party
arrived there his wife and several domestics
were found, who were very much frightened.
put when assured by Capt MouIton and some
OF the other officers what our sole purpose
was, they concluded not to shed tears over if.
Inc house Is a splendid mansion. in a delight
1ul location, and everything about. EXCEPT the
swamp at no great distance, presented n
charming scene. In a cedar swamp in front
OF the house were two swans, and ducks and
geese in large numbers. While an inventory
OF the property was being made out some of
the party RECALLED themselves with strawberries
IN garden not far from the house Several
me horses were among the things seized
\ detachment OF men. under Lieut.. Tucker
was then sent to the residence of the father of
this Latham, who lived about two miles dis
tant, and who has conducted himself in such
a manner Of late as to justify his arrest and
Imprisonment at Newbern. Another splendid
horse was taken, with a valuable mule, and
the party returned with a larger amount of
spollS than was reckOnCd at the outStart 1t
may he that some wiseaCreS will doubt the
wisdom Of thus summarily dSposing Of rebel
property. If such will not follow the army
and see what may be seen here of rebel viii
lainies, if they have one spark of patriotism
left they will never twice urge their obiec-
tons. If every cent Of their property was
thus disposed Of these netarious traitors
would not then get their just deserts
Among the early varieties" Of the season
are strawberries, raised without hot-housc
which retail for fifty cents quart. The camps
of most of the different regiments in this Vi
cinity are presenting beautiful, forest-like
appearance. They have planted trees in the
streets, erected arbors of evergreen, and taste
fully placed notices over the main entrances
complimentary to the generals and command
ing officers. Among the most beautiful and
tasty of these is the camp of the DIST Massa-
chuSetts, Lieut.. Col. Clark, commanding.