Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-11-21
IAo Semi Ucekiy SfaQoaFo.
For the Standard,
CAMP French, 26rH Rect. N. c. I.
Mar PETERSBURti, A., NOV. IF, IoO4' J

CAMP FRENCH, 26TH RECT. n. U. L.
Near PETERSBURG, VA, Nov. II, 1867.
Fatigued and almost worn out, the zoth arrived
N camp this morning, from a laborious and appa-
rIv rruitless expedition into Eastern North Caro-
linn | find, by looking over the papers, (Which,
H. ,Lc way we have not had the pleasure of read
inv since we left,) that so many different versions
L,2e been given of it, l think it due our regiment
c,necialy that should state facts, which, though
f, may not be of interest to the general reader,
will serve to inform our Hlehus vi 'c par oui ieSi
meat performed.
We left camp on Friday 23i October, and arrived
,o., that ni~ht at Tarboro', Edgecombe County,
where no arrangements whatever had been made by
III. authorities for our reception or quarters. We
Lirouacked in the grove near the Depot 1t ap-
r.arc,l difficult to ascertain what we were 10 40 or
where destined but after much enquiry and labor
wa succeeded in procuring three horse wagons,
r- indifferent ones at tha', for transportation and
r-rIr to pilot us in the direction OF Washington.
TfIS i'll provided to advance upon the enemy lines,
orrr unknown roads (our Colonel could get no maP)
~, started and arrived at olG Fort Church on Mon
&,. i mills west of Washington, and distant -
miles from Plymouth -,
c,nnot pass the pleasant little village of Tar
1or,' without saving that the citizens with their
characteristic generosity, threw open their doors,
I rrnicrcd us that kindness and hospitality which
We heartily appreciate, and VIII not soon forget
We were ordered to report to Col. Radcllite, OF
th 18th regiment he being senior officer ana having
CHARGE of the expedition, but he took his command,
consisting of mis- own and the 18th regiment, one
battery Of artilIcrv-and two companies OF cavalry,
,r3 marched in the direction of Plymouth the day
I.orc o,,r arrival The day after we reached old
Farl Church he sent orders to Col: BurgWyn TO
disnatch five Of our companies to W iIliamStoh.-
They were immediately sent back to that place un-
H.. c,,,,rand of 1t. Col Lane This left Colonel
D,rrD-vn on the pickct lines of an enemy ten th0u-
SiuL strong, with only about three hundred mep,
yi,hout forage or commSsary stores with three IN
sufficient wagons, and our supplies to be transported
from Tarboro', distance Ot % miles, without any
troops for support nearer than Nllllamstoh, 10
miles distant, or Plymouth, p miles dIStant-with-
ont a map and 10 organized method for obtaining
information of the geography of the country, roads,
a., and only u of Capt fuckers cavalry to aid US
in Guarding several important points and roads,
These latter rendered US valuable aid, for they arc
true and gallant soldiers.
Our Colonel, by his characteristic energy and
perseverance, succeeded inzdrawing very correct
diagram of the roads, and obtained very reliable in-
formation of our surroundings. In this condition
We. remained, pickcting, fasting and looking for
something important to turn up, until Sunday
morning At 5 o'clock that morning we were at
tackled by 800 Of the Yankee cavalry, the celebrated
"Whitc Horse leading the charge, supported by
6uuo infantry and four pieces of artillery. They
came up at full speed, yelling at every step, until
they received a vOllcy from company E, who were
on picket, when they returned at the same rapid
rate chased by handful of our cavalry. MAJOR
Jones commanded the pickets, and behaved with
his usual coolncss and bravery. Some Of their
horses were wounded, We got the old, Captain
overcoat and sword. Private Phillips, Of company
f. was badly wounded in the hip. Immediately
upon the opening of the fire, Col Burgwyn dis
patched a courier to Col. Radcliffe, informing him
of the attack and advance of the enemy and one
also 10 Lit Col Lane to fall back to Rawls Mill, IL
niles distant from He placed the three re-
manning companies in readiness for action, and de-
tailed Scr't Major Polk to obstruct the road and
destroy the bridge.
Maj. Jones had 100 barrels Of turpentne set on
fire and sent intelligence to Col 3. that the enemy
were endeavOring to flank US by taking up the
Jamesville ROAD. Col B. brought in the pickets,
ana left Major Jones with 60 men to cover the re-
treat The bridge destroyed and roads eflectualiy
hlockadcd, we fell back in perfect order, Col b.
dcspatchng couriers time and again informing Col.
L. of our retreat the probable pursuit of the Yam
KEGS, the road they had taken, their numbers, &c.
We reached RawlS Mill about 4 o'clock, and found
1t Col. Lane busily engaged in throwing up breast
works. He had selected most excellent position.
The creek by short turn Just at tie MILL formed
two sides of triangle of which the breastwork
formed the base. The creek impossible for
miles above and below us, and position COM
lnanded the ground for half mile in front. As
soon as We halted, Col B., Col. Lane land Major
Jones struck off down the road running with the
creek and into the GAINESVILLE road miles below,
To Tecpnnotre Our position. In a few minutes they
came back reported the Yankees within three quar-
tcrs OF mile of Us. They came near being cap
tIrcd or Killed. as they saved their time by about
one minnie Immediately Maj. Jones with compa-
ny ~, Capt. McLauchlin, company D, Capt. Adams,
Company |; Capt. Bradford went out to meet them,
with the simple order to touch them up briSkly"
1hc Major and the companies walked off in as high
g!ce and as much composed as if they were going
out TO company drill. They met the advanced
guard, the same "White Horse" cavalry, and be-
Lore they knew any thing about it. our boys had
several Of then and their horses piled indScrimi-
aely together in the road, and then the ball opened
We had good position on the bank of a small
stream They pushed their heavy columns up to
The other side not than thirty yards from the
Uca'iy ann OF our boys, and were driven back each
II Time In utter confusion. Our men would calmly
await the order to fire each time After their third
I'lui$e they " fixed bayonets" and formed their
iie OF battle anew, if determined to do with their
baEoncs what they had failed to effect with their
Nis' Iner officer at the top of his voice gave the
MICr distinctly, ge-chargc-charge :" but
they ialtercd, when our brave and daring Major
cred ont Why in the h--ll don't you charge
we are ready for you" Under a tempest of ball.
N"oi aHd shell, these three companies held their
l"'SitI0n an hour and half when Maj Jones got
~ MerS to iaIi back when he thought it necessary.
lie sent back word that he could hold tire position
SSanst them, if he was not lllnked lie started
n'ck according TO orders, but before he had gone
Ear he met Col. Lane who brought orders TO hold
ms position il hc could lie took COM a lies Il and
J. went back and drove the Yankees from his Do
SlInn which they ht'i taken. Col Lane now Joined
'' Major, and they were about to make hot work
VI IL when Col. Radcliffe arrived with his regiment.
ulC IIth, MOurc'S battery, and two companies of