The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-03-28

Col Clark OF The 2lSt Massachusetts. was
now steadily pushing his way up the rail
road, and in the face of deadly discharge
of musketry, with three companies, rushed
inside the battery from their right, the rebels
retiring before the fire from the flank. Just
as they had got fairly into the works. large
force sprang up in their rear, and for 4 mo-
ment drove them back. Seeing this move
ment, Gen Parke sent the 4th Rhode Island
to their support, who charged and drove back
the rebels who had temporarily repul>ed the
2lst, and took possession of the works. In
front, the 18th Massachusetts, followed close
" the 24th Massachusetts,, and when the or
der came to form in line of battle. the 2ith
formed to the right of the road, and the 18th
Massachusetts on the right of the 2Ith.-
The 18th advanced in the wood and thicket
in line of battle toward the enemy's breast
work. The 23d Massachusetts,, Col kurtz.
advanced into the open space directly under
the hottest fire and maintained their position
until the charge. While in the wood the
enemy opened fire in front, and shot and
shell came down from beyond their right
flank Shells came over from behind and
struck Just in front of their line. Thinking
the enemy might be outtanking their right,
four right companies were thrown round TO
the right to resist any such attempt. n
messenger was sent to the rear to cause the
firing to cease. They were then ordered to
pass to the left and support the 9th Massa-
chusetts. While crossing the road TO seek
them. they came to their artillery stationed
on the road, and were ordered to remain
there and support it. Afterward, at the or
der, they charged, and their state color
was the first state color iESide-a United
States color Just preceding. They followed
the retreating enemy down the railroad. >kir-
mishing along the road. They took several
prisoners in the wood with Enfield rifles in
their hands.
TIE DECISIVE STRUGGLE.
\ flank fire from the Rhode Island Ith
soon cleared the battery. some of the rebels
crossing over and taking shelter behind the
ritle-pits. while others escaped down the
railroad. The troops of the first and por-
ton of the third brigade now poured into
the captured battery, followed by Gen Burn
side and staff. As the general entered
through the wide embrasure in the centre OF
the work. shout Of victory went up from
the assembled troops, which made the wei
kin ring. The stronghold OF the rebels had
been taken, but they were still contesti2g ev-
cry inch of ground behind their redoubts TO
the left of the railroad, under Col Avery
Gen Renno sent the 9th New Jersey round
upon the enemy's right, who with the 5ls'
PENNSYLVANIA. charged and took possession
Of the works driving them ont bv the bayo-
net Observing that the rebels were falier-
ing, Gen Parke sent the 18th Rhode Island
to attack them in their last strOn,!lold-the
riiie-pi;s nearest to the railroad. The con.
test was sharp but br!e!. Capt Tiiinshas
was here shot al the head OF his command
and fell cheering forward the men. Tn,
rebels finally gave way, the Min body hav
Ing already taken the cas-. which were stand
ing ready on the track 10 receive lhem.-
The line OF their retreat, and the railroad
, track over which they passed. was stained
with the blood ot their wounded. whom thel
: conveyed from the field. Some 200 prison
, ers remained in our hands. Thus ended or,
of the severest fought battles since the be
: ginning of the war. Gen Burnside declare,
it was the hardest battle he had ever bee.
: in.
On Saturday, 10Th, Gen burnside issued {;
general order in which he congratulated hi.
, troops as follows -
, "The general commading congratulate
: his troops on this gallant and hard won vic
: tory Of the l4th. Their courage, their pa
, tience, their endurance of fatigue, expOsurr
) and toll. cannot be too highly praised. Al
ter tedious march, dragging their howitzcr
$ by hand through swamps and th;cke:s; Z!
r Ter sleepless night passed in q drenchin:
. rain, they met the enemy in MS chosen posi-
; ton. found him protected by strong earth
| works, mounting many and heavy guns, al,
although in an open field themselves, the
conquered. With such soldiers advance i
victory. The general commanding directs
, with peculiar pride, that as well deserve
: tribute to valor in this second victory os tn
expedition. each regiment engaged shall in
: scribe on It's banner the memorable name
.Newbern.'
INTERESTING PARTICULARS.
5 The series of rebel forts taken were Fer
. Dixie, four guns one l00-pound rifle ant
D three 32-pounders. Fort Thompson, twel,
r guns; two lO0-pound rifles and ten s.
e Founders. Fort Ellis, eight guns: one )
/ inch Columbiad, one 100 FOUNDER under ca.s
i mates. and six 32-pounders. Fort Ian,
i four guns: two l0O-pounders and TWO -
S Founders. Two forts, at the foot of the Gil,
/. mounting two guns each. Three guns Oh
S car and two lying on the wharf.
S There were in all the light batteries, chie
|, ly of ) and l2-pounders, found within til
b main breast-work, with ammunition wagon
It well stocked. Their horses being all shu
!, down early in the fight, it was imroSsibl
e for them to have removed them from til
/ field. A large quantity of small arms, man
e of them new Enfield rifles, were thrown ava
r, in their flight. These, with boxes of Eng
= lish caps found upon the ground, were, /.
G doubt, late importations by the Nashville
IS which recently ran the blockade at Beaufor
n Scattered over the ground were carloads {
If every description of bedding and wearing al
el parel, picks, shovels, axes, and other utensii
y used to complete the works. Over thirl
e dead horses lay behind the breastworks, an
< here and there the bodies OF tie rebel dea
g in the ditches and on the field. The appea
e ance of SO many dead and mansled huma
" beings in every stage of mut;lation, was
IS sickening sight, and one which few woul
: wish 10 behold second time. In the riff
ID pits, where the Rhode Island 18th made th:.
: last charge, heaps of rebel dead lay seaitere
S among the fallen trees. The dead were bu
al led on SATURDAY..
h, Although the fleet could not cooperate
ID the fight, they sileneed the forts along Ii
20 river which made verv little resistance. son