The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-03-21
The Battle of Ncwbcrn.
BURNsIDE's EXPEDITION.
Brilliant Charges by tho Federal
Soldiers.

NbW IOhh, haiCH i1'
The following are the details Of the New
bern battle: .s.' .''l
Commander Rowan was in command o
the fleet of gunboats, and had sunken vessel
torpedoes and other rebel distractions I,
overcome and pass, but surmounted oil will
but little damage to only two OF his iiteer
vessels. ,........ .r....rs.,
Three barques, two brigs and ninetccI
scbooners were sunk by the rebels above twc
rebel batteries. The latter were silenced, tn
sunken vessels passed, "Olj Glory" being
hoisted over the sienced batteries us our fore,
went along. This was on Saturday after
noon and night closed in. poi"
On Sunday morning heavy fog set in blu
lifted, and our boats passed up safely and 81
fenced Fort Thompson with its two heay,
columbiads. "0ld Glory" was again hoist
cd DIDO ..' .'.
Then Fort Ellis, with nine gurs. was cap
tured after very brisk fighting, but the reb
els fled in panic, and "Old Glory" waved
over another rebel fort.
Only one fort was left to DO engaged and
Newborn would be at the mercy of our troops
This was Fort Lane. but the rebel, had hat
enough of the boats and offered little if any
resistance and fled. TT.
Tho rebels then fired large number Of
scows filed with rosin and turpentine. in
tending to Goat them down and burn our
gunboats. but they got struck and burnt away
iuriously, consuming only their own CON-
bustibles. 49,. ,31.
The gunboats then shelled the depot and
railroad track, but our troops had then
crossed, and white flag was hOisted. Our
navy did not lose man.
The operations on land were briefly rs fol-
lows: Our troops landed twelve miles below
Newbern, General Reno's brigade in the
advance, most Of the troops being 30
anxious to land that nearly every regiment
jumped into the water and waded ashore,
ind the whole division was ashore In less
than two hours .. ...
After marching two miles they found q
deserted camp with fires burning and hot
rebel breakfast unt.isted. A brcastwork was
also passed and the division biyouacked for
the night. ..I.... ......
Early next morning, 18th, diminishing
commenced. Fosters brigade, comprising
tho Massachusetts, 2ith, 25, til, 9th nnd 23d
with the 10th Connecticut in reserve, were
10 line. and engaged the twcnty-gun battery
of rebels on the left flank, who showcred
grape, canister and shell upon them with
heavy musketry from their infantry. OIL
Tho second brigade, comprising 2lst Mas
sachusetts. 5lst New York, 5lst Pennsyl.
yania and 9th New Jersey, engaged took u
position in 'front.' The FIRST brigade bore the
brunt of the battle. and the 9th Massachu-
setts soon had Major Stevenson and Lieut..
Horizon wounded. and the Odd Mass. lost
1t. Col. Merritt by cannon ball carrying
away one side Of his body. ii" RI. tn'i''
The 10th Connecticut were ordered TO sup
port tho 9th Massachusetts, which had
suffered severely. The Sd Brigade with the
Cd. executed flank movement and the order
to charge bayoncts was given. 80,
A hand.to-band fight ensucd Of the most
desperate character, when our troops drove
the rebels out Of the works at the point OF
bayonet, chasing them out Of sight.
When the word "charge'' was given, our
troops gave tremendous cheer and dashed
to the muzzles OF the rebel guns, the traitors
ingloriously retreating in many instances.
Tho rebels took possession ofa railroad
train and fed from Newburn. although
closely pursued, burning the bridge, the
Washington House, some private dwellings
and q number Of whiskey and turpentine
distilleries. . IN 'l. ll,i' iaA
Slaves had commenced pillaging, but were
stopped. A considerable number OF Union
MAJ, ,rora f,,nd In tho citv