The New York herald., 1862-02-16
THE ROANOKE ISLAND AFFAIR.

tfrofD the Richmond Dispatch, Feb. IL Il
We have obtained some additional facts in regard 10
affair at Roanoke Island from persons actually en-.
gagged, and from private letter received yesterday
lieutenant James H. pcarce Of this city left the is
land Saturday night after the surrender In q soop
snd succeeded In running the blockade with 100 900
sounds Of ball cartridge which he brought safe TO Nor
fo,k although chased for six hours by federal steamer
Rs stated atsrward that he would have blown up the
vessel before the enemy should have had cartridge
The attack by the fedcrsl neo reported by an eve
witness 10 have been magnificent spectacle They fred
l,750 shot and shell on the first day friday, and only
khlse and wounded another.
Charles Thomas, Jerry Desmond, "A. r. Johnson James
smith and Charles r. De Hart, or the Ben McCulloch
kAngers, arrived In this city last evening having
eeeded In making their escape from the island after
Tho night over. Mr.. Desmond informs US
that early saturday morning the Blues and
Rhe McCuloch Rangers went forward as skirmish.
and retired 10 me battery. The battle commenced
about O'Clock, and lasted until half past one
O'Clock. There way for the enemy 20 advance
except the face q the battery the road was skrted
citbor side ny marsh and attempt was male az
ehe aeht the enemy about three hundred yards dis
tabt from our small force. The Blues on the Ief Of
NE battery end the scCuoeh Rangers the right and
bsiBg thus exposed these Companies suffered more than
the others, which either behind the battery or IN
Ever aftcr the ammunition exhausted our
had no as Of surreudcrng until the order for re-
area was given Mr. Desmond positive that cur bolo
nss Of killed and oundsd does not exceed one
shAt OF the onsmy be could not ascertain. hut ,a,y
enough % satisfy hin that it was very heavy
Our forces rctrs,1p the island, and meanwhile Colonel
shaw sent Tag u tacs TO the enemy 70 negotiate terms
"
ttonal for mcssas was soon sent TO Colonel Anderson
20 march tho mon down. council o. officers was held
tks conclusion very reluctantly arrived at that
use contend longer swahout ammunition, against an
overpowerng force Ycsid be best to take the chances
Of federal prison. and tasy accordingly marched down
and surrendered.
But Desmond and his four companions made up their
epds 70 escape such fatef possible watching their
opportunity they got Le woods and gained the
beach where tbey found ND bateau partially buried
the sand. With this frail esse they launched forth
the sound and under covtv of the night succeeded
w reaching Coaan kland wheretner was CONFEDERATE
battery On receiving Information OF the surrender OF
Roanoke the ocers ordered the des Tucton oil the works
and tbs small orce there left for t@ main land Our
small party of advenurers also went ia one OF the
boats TO plsce called Fort Landing and thence
travelled egbieon miles on foot 10 COLUMBIA, In Tyrrs
county, ~ :, fhere they embarked In tHhooner, and
landed at New Hope whore they procured dorses and
came op 10 sgfolk, Va.
Our informant says that Captain Wise was living wbcD
he left the sland and he learned from Dr. Coles Nat he
was doing we but there is sti reason 20 appreNend
that bis wounds terminated fatally. Captain WaIls~e
whom he after the battle over is unburt and
also Major Lawson. Lieutenant Miller he thinks vas
wounded In the shoulder carly in the engagement but
not dangerously.
Mr. Despond gives glowing description Of IN. brave
sor hours and refused 10 yield TO vastly superior bn
tsys until their ammunition was exhausted.
From other sources, learn that the following vgi-
mia companies probably on the ssnd and captured
~ NE fsderss tSsis ofAys, CAPTAIN W O. Mperslrcm