Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-06-04

charge the battery with the Eighteenth and Thirty
seventh. Colonel Lee sent to the general asking
him to cause Latham to engage the battery and to
send up other infantry support for the Eighteenth
and Thirty seventh.
The Eighteenth and Thirty seventh commenced
the charge-the Eighteenth sweeping calamity
through an open field in the face of terrible fire
with good effect. At the same time the Thirty
seventh advanced with rapidity and steadiness
through dense forest in which the underground
was so thick that could not be seen more than
thirty steps. The Thirty seventh rushed forward
with enthusiasm until it encountered the Yankees,
who were concealed behind logs, trees, and in the
cut OF roadway, which was bordered by fence OF
cedar brush. Here the enemy had every advantage
OF position, while his force vastly superior but
Colonel Lees men stood like veterans. Officers and
men stood as firm rocks within fifteen or twenty
PAGES of the Yankee line Volley after volley of
grape from their cannon and of Minnie balls from
their infantry moved down men, still the Thirty
seventh moved forward, driving the enemy foreit
Unable to stand the weldirected fire of the Eigh-
tenth and Thirty-seventh, the enemy fed from his
battery, leaving his flag on the field. While these
two regiments were fighting as only brave men can
fight, and were driving from his position an enemy
OF six regiments OF infantry and battery of ar
tillery, strange to say no assistance was sent to
them, though General Branch had at his side bat
terry of artillery and four regiments of infantry
such heavy Odds the two regiments fell back, stub
bornly contesting the ground as they retired They
had fought long, especially the Thirty seventh,
which had been under fire for nearly six hours
Their loss was very heavy The Thirty seventh had
only seven companies on the field Companies d and
being on picket, and company B being detailed to
guard the wagon train), yet it lost hundred and
sixty in killed. wounded and missing, more than
one out of every three men. The loss of the Eigh-
tenth quite severe, they leaving some hundred
and sixty of their men on the field. Colonel
Campbells Seventh and Colonel Wade's Twelfth
North Carolina troops now covered the retreat hold
ing the enemy in check in fine style, None of our
other troops were in the action, except Captain
Saunders company Of the Thirty-third North Caro-
lima troops, which, while deployed as skirmshers,
captured Yankee hospital, and with it surgeon,
four men and ten horses. The hospital contained
forty-nine wounded Yankees Their loss was quite
severe-greater, perhaps, than our own, including
a field officer.
Our officers all behaved well. Colonel Lee and
Maj. Hickerson were both knocked from their horses
by shells. Lieutenant Colonel BARRIERS horse was
killed under him, and he was slightly wounded in
the neck. Adjutant VIM. F. Nicholson'S horse
was killed and came very near failing upon him.
Colonel Lanes regiment was entirely cut off, and
had to take care of itself Colonel Lane has cause
to he proud Of his men. They encountered the ad-
vanccd regiment of the enemy and killed some eigh-
ty or more, and captured some sxtyeight prisoners
who were sent to Richmond, besides others who af-
forwards escaped.
Colonel Lane was then opposed by superior
force which almost entirely surrounded him, yet
he conducted his command off and reached Richmond
yesterday. His loss, however is great as many of
his men broke down. and it is believed were captur-
ed by the Yankee cavalry. Captains Ashcraft and
| Farthing, of the Thirty-seventh, with some one
hundred and forty men were on picket, and started
70 Colonel Lane when they heard his firing. Captain
Ashcraft, with forty-four of his men, and fifteen Of
Captain Farthings escaped; the rest it is feared,
were captured.
The above is true statement of the facts, which
will make the battle of Lebanon Church sad, but
SO far as the men, company and reglmental officers
are concerned brilliant affair for North Caronans
| OF the rest the public must judge.
l am, sir, &c,
| HAN0VERn