Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-07-23
For the Standard.
DRUkY's BLUFF, July Is, 1862.


Mr.. EDITOR Il noticed an article in the State
Journal a few days ago, in which an attempt is
made to injure Col Vance and his regiment, by re-
peating the old SANDER that he was not in the fight
at Newbern 1t states that only two, or two and
half companies under Maj. Carmichael were en-
gagged and then adds that Lieuts. Rogers. Graham,
and Capt. Hayes, of the I'd cavalry, were with the
right of the regiment and they say they were not
exposed at all, and did not see the enemy until the
retreat commenced 1t states, Also that the Colo
rels retreat has been severely criticised and insin
yates that he ordered bis to throw their guns
in the creek by saying that there was no necessity
for throwing the guns in the creek at the time it
was done.
Now, Mr.. Editor, was in the sixth company
from the left of the regiment, and know that live
companies the left were holly engaged about three
hours and three Of the right companies were ex-
posed to CALLING fire from the enemy nearly all
the time, but did not fire but little in return be-
cause the enemy were concealed behind the trees
and bushes Oh the opposite hills; and Col. Vance
ordered not to fire till they in good range of
our nuskets- The two companies on the extreme
right were not exposed Lieuts. Rogers, Graham
and Capt Hayes were still on their right, and of
course were not exposed Company IL was the
right wing, and had its Captain and two men killed
and one wounded. All the left companies lost some
| in killed, wounded and prisoners. | believe Major
Carmichael and Capt. Martin, of our regiment, were
the only officers killed IN the hSht-and our regi
ment lost more men than any other regiment except
the 33d, which was greatly exposed, and fought
most calamity.
| Now, Mr.. Editor from simple statement of the
facts think that disinterested man would hest
| tate about saying that Col Vance and his regiment
were in the fght-and expect if the Editor Of the
Journal had been OH the right of our regiment
enjoying the music Of the MINES, and the shower
of balls that raned around and among us as we left
our works, he would say that he was in the fight.
| heard Col. Fance's retreat highly complmented
after his arrival at Kinston with his regiment, but
do not know how 1t has been criticised since by the
Journal and its friends. Of course, they know all
about how it was conducted, and are good judges Of
| such matters.
The Journal would make it appear that Colonel
Vance ordered his regiment to throw their guns in
the creek. This was certainly not the case. Part
Of two companies got lost in the swamps, and wan
dered back nearly to the breast works supposing
they would be taken prisoners, they threw away
their guns, but not by Col Vance's orders With
this exception, the most of the regiment brought
their guns with them. One hundred of our men
were at home on thirty days furlough, having re.
enlisted all Of their guns, and those of our sick
were taken and given to q militia regiment on the
morning before the battle. The most of them were
scattered along the road, and our regiment charged
with throwing them away by those who saved part
OF them. This account think is true, and is
intended only to do justice to Col Vance and his
regiment. LEON.