The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-04-22
THE FIGHT NEAR YORKTOWN.
From the Petersburg Express of the 18TH

THE FIGHT NEAR YORKTOWN.
! From the Petersburg Express of the 18th
Intelligence reached this city early hour yester
day morning that engagement of severity had
taken place the Peninsula, Wednesday afternoon, in
which 10000 men We're engaged 5000 on each side The
fight is said to have been spirited. and continued from
until O'Clock, p. m when night closed upon the con-
lict At the time OF this writing without the full
particulars. 1t known that the 18th n. c. Regiment
engaged and that the gallant young Colonel Of that
regiment, Robert NJ. Mckinney was killed while braycy
| leading his men into the fray
| The fight occurred at Lees MILL and was commenced
by the invaders, who attempted to drive forces from
that position They have long desired obtain posses
sion of this MILL it is not only strong position but
the mill itself furnishes provisions to considerable
! for troops.
Col. Mckinney, whose death we record with sincere
regret, was young gentleman of thorough military
aainments handsome features commanding person,
and widely known and beloved. He was a native
of Lynchburg Va, where his parents still reside. He
leaves relatives also in this city, who have been
plunged into deep distress at his untmey DEATH Col.
the youngest Colonel in the Confederate service, if
except Col. Omstead, of Georgia. who in command
of Fort Pulaski last week when it surrendered.
LATER-After the above was in type we received a
despatch from Richmond giving further particulars of the
fight on "wednesday. We infer that the fight of
much greater magnitude than first supposed The
enemy must have intended general forward movement,
as they opened furious bombardment all along
lines but We're spendidly repused to use the language
to force Gen. Cobbs position, between Lees and
Wynnes Mills, and succded&a in gaining a momcntary
advantage but were again quickly driven back with
heavy loss Our casualties were not large and there is
every reason for qualification at the result
The fight will not end here, unless Mcclellan has re-
ceved the impression from the repulse that the
Richmond via the Peninsula, is equally difficult road
to travel was that via Manassas last summer. But
should this be his impression, the North will
him for retiring after effort of but day, and
with only 5000 men engaged. He try again, and
bring his 100000 into action, before the popular clamor
of the Yankee nation will BE- satisfied.
STILL LATER.--We saw gentlemen last evening who
had conversed with some two three officers attached to
the Fifteenth N. c. Regiment, and who in the fight
on Wednesday. From them get few additional
particulars.
1t is stated by one, that the 18th North Carolina had
been in line of battle for three four hours during the
day, momently expecting attack. but the enemy not
appearing they We're ordered to stack and prepare
for dinner While enjoying their repast, couple of
Yankee companies waded Warwick river, very narrow
eludng pickets came suddenly upon the camp. The
long roll sounded immediately and the rushed
to their arms, driving the enemy back into the creek
killing all OF both companies, except eight who
surrendered and taken prisoners. 1t is stated that it
during this charge Col. Mckinney killed, the
bullet striking him the top forehead and passing
through his head. He died instantly.
Another statement represents that the regiment
drawn up in line of battle, and the Colonel discovering
that wing of his regiment appeared taer rushed
in that direction. with his cap off and waved to his
to follow him. This singled him a prominent
mark for the enemys shap-shootcrs, and he fell MORALLY
wounded.
The enemy, hearing the firing, appeared in large
beers opposite bank of the river and the fighting then
became general the 18th n Carolina the 10th Georgia and
the I'd Louisiana being actively engaged.
The fight lasted from three p. until scven and not
from eight m. until p. NJ. stated in Geographic
dispatches.
Gen Howell Cobb commanded and is stated that
the troops under his command were handled with
sumnlate skill.
One report says that the ereny must had an
tire brigade engaged and that the river and the hills be-
yond literally covered with the dead and wounded
We took several prisoners who made various
hrfxa yl,atfb a,
1t is stated that Gen Cobbs Adutan received
wound in the leg, and that twenty of the
18th North Carolina killed but have been unable
to ascertain their
h FURTHER PARTICULARS.
We understand that the 18th North Carolina the
brunt of the fight half-hour more before the
Louisiana and Georgia regiments came to their aid They
had been the rife pits for two days, hourly expecting
fight with but little food and opportunities for sleep
had retired for dinner, but halfhour before the
enemy made his appearance. When attacked. they
fought with great gaantry and suffered considerably as
the following list of casualties will show: IL killed. "a
wounded and 81 missing. OF the wounded, two had
died yesterday before informant left and some 20
others it is thought will die. We unable to learn
the names of any of the killed wounded or missing.
We learn that Col Mckinney buried in Lynchburg
the l5th followed to the grave by large procession
At tn" commencement of the he professor in
the N. c. Military Institute at this place.
The SECOND CAvALRY.-We have received the fol-
lowing Of the affair in which a portion Of the
Second Cavalry formerly commanded by Col SDrnil)
engaged. The source from which it comes is be-
yond question. far as his information goes
1t appears that Saturday the Second Cavalry, or
q part of them, under command of Leut-Col. Robinson
went scout. He had captured a body of Yankee
Pickets and was returning when, below Trenton and
near VIM. McDnniers he was surprised and very much
cut to pieces by large body of the enemys Cavalry
losing his prisoners and n number of men. Lieut. Col
Robinson is among the killed.
Such is the account our correspondent has received
and such the account he has sent We trust that
fuller accounts may modify il. Col. Robinson was
talented regularly educated and spirited young officer
aud we shall be rejoced to learn that the report OF
either his death or capture is Incorrect Wilmington
Journal.
Other reports state that Lieut.. Col Robinson
ly wounded and taken prisoner
THE WHEAT CRoP.-The wheat crop is un-
usually promising in this eounty at the present
time, and if no untoward disaster happens to in
iure it between this time and harvest, the yield
will be very large. The great fear is that suf-
fcient labor cannot be obtained, in consequence Of
the large number that have gone to the war, since
the wheat was planted, to harvest the crop Some
farmers Offering in advance 81 day each for