The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-11-18
HAMILTON, N. G.
Correspondence of the Petersburg Express.
MARTIN COUNTY, n. c., Nov. 10, !86:


Mr.. Edto"-I suppose ere this time the public is on
tipoe to know the particulars of the raid of the Yam
KEGS into old Martin and | you that We
have gone through of the fiery ordeals that
experienced. On Monday last informed
that our army had fallen back to the breastwork on
the Roanoke, which excited my curiosity to go to
town. When there, could get but little information
from the army, all being confusion Late in the
ing understood that our army had evacuated their
breastwork and burned the bridges. The people then
began to prepare for the worst; they then began
evacuate the town, to give place to the enemy. On
Tuesday morning started for the purpose of moving
off of my sonsin-law. who thought that his place
would be much exposed to the shell and ru1ian SOL
diers but owing to circumstances, could get any
of his things then turned my wagons and horses
back towards town, where they were filled with
women and children, and ordered them to be driven
my house six miles in the country, where they
remained during the night. News came that they
had taken Hamilton, and pursuing the citizens
and shooting those who did not halt when commanded
and destroying almost everything before them, but
hopes that their raid for the present would not
extend beyond the town. Still later in the night there
negro to my bed and requested me to arise and
dress that the enemy then surrounding the house
of of neghbors, for he had heard the shrieks
of women and Children At my door, | met other
neighbours who testified that they had the of
the house, who had left his wife and daughter their
fate instantly had my horse saddled, and started for
our army-whch | found asleep by camp fires, and
some in bed in comfortable houses. went from place
to place'relatng my story, until became Disguised
and COMPOUNDED. then started back to my once hap
Ply home to meet and prepare for the removal OF my
family. requested them to take change of raiment
and little something to eat, but by the time that
could get my family carriage, and before could
get my daughter in the Yankee Cavalry came dashing
up and taking my horses from the carriage carried
them off, the time saying that should be
further troubled In short time could hear them
passing another road on the way to Tarboro. | then
in hopes that that would be the last of them,
knew that troops could, (f they would slaughter
them some distance the remarkable State road and
del W IN ich | no I
good place for artillery and infantry. In few hours
heard their cavalry coming back l supposed and
hoped fortheir gunboats but contrary to my expecta
lions, they went into the interior very private
road and thnly populated country for another road to
Tarboro But finding that did not suit them, they
then returned with the whole army by my house. They
stopped and placed guard around for the protection
OF my family; but they carried off sixteen horses ana
mules, took all the poultry, robbed bee hives and
stole from the negroes. They actually stole the pillow
from beneath the head of old negro To
what extent have suffered tell. | Yesterday
went to town and some of the country when the
destruction and desolaton of all the country through
which they passed. 1t enough to scken the heart
OF any but robbers, whose hearts cannot be made SICK
Poor old women, from seventy to eighty years old. are
left without change of clothing, and where to lay
their heads; exposed rain and cold without moutf-
ful to eat. Stately mansions as we'll as humble cot
tageS lay in ashes such is now the scene OF the once
pleasant little town of Hamilton. The state OF
things exist through the country which they passed
farms laid waste, and houses despoed. Many that
were able made their escape with their YauaDles put
there many delicate ladies and children without
change of raiment 1t is also general stampede
with the negroes. Something ought be done stop
this thing this fruitful country cannot give any as
Sistance. The corn is in the fields ungathered-hands
gone-teams stolen-and the once wealthy farmer left
house his in basket, and that to make for all
stolen that were kept in view. After gong
through these scenes, went to my plantation on the
river to find everything in ruins house standing
except cribs everything being in waste; not one living
thing % be seen, except mules that was stolen oy
them and got away, which carried to my house IN
hopes of returning them to their former owners
W. r. II. HERRoD.