The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-06-02
THE FIGHT BELOW KINSTON.

The 18th and 56th N. G. Regiments, stationed
at Gum Swamp, some distance below Knston, n.
c., were attacked on Friday the 22d of May by
i've regiments 81 the enemy and defeated. We
l1fc seen several reports of the untorun affair."
81: presume the following from correspondent of
tic Fayetteville Observer under date Of the 22d,
5 about as correct az any:
The enemy advanced on our outposts on the
Dover road at Gum Swamp. The 5Gth Regiment
was stationed there, Colonel FaIson commanding,
supported by six or eight companies of the 25th.
There was not much fighting aud not many killed
wounded of our men or of the enemy. The
Goth escaped through swamls, and many have been
most Of the day coming in through swamps and
mud Several lost their accoutrements in their
retreat.
The enemy were five regiments, with some
Cavalry, and perhaps Artillery, all under command
OF Gen. Jones, of Pennsylvania bold, skilltul and
competent officer. We were infol med of their
advance last night, as cavalry pickets four or
five miles below had been driven in, and the enemy
expected to advance i'll force early this morn
ing. Our entertainments had been somewhat
enlarged since the skirmish there with the 5Gth
two three weeks ago. Most of the men
were just over Gum Swamp and on both sides of
the Dover Road cn the LETT of the Railroad a few
yards in advance of where they were in the fight
previous. About day light the enemy showed
himself in front, but in very large force; and
scattered around in sight from the Railroad away
to the Swamp our left. The enemy did but
little If anything in our front, but kept up fire
from the Swamp our left Our men fired
occasionally, more because they could do nothing
else and remain behind their breastworks About
lOoclock everybody was startled by volley after
,volley poured right into men by two or three
regiments of Yankees drawn up directly in our
rear, commanding every avenue of retreat. There
no alternative bat retreat and each man to
take care of himself Most of the firing was done
at this time by both sides, and most damage done.
The 25th being farther to the rear were not so
entirely fanked and surrounded, and by skillfui
management all escaped. One gun of STAIRS
Battery was at the brcastWorks and was CAPTURED,
together with six splendid horses. 1t Whitmore,
and twelve men were with the gun and probably
captured. 1t is said that they stood manfully
at the gun till the last Adiutant Hale of the
Both had ball to pass through his coat sleeve,
grazing his arm after long and tiresome retreat
he came ont safe with twenty-five men. The seth
lost its ordnance wagon, medical wagon and two
ambulances, with their teams and contents. Bagy-
age, &c all saved. The enemy then advanced up
some two miles and then fell back, pursued bv
our renforcements.
Citizens say they saw one hundred and seventy
five of our men going on with the Yankees. 1t
is thought that the enemy got round in position
il our rear during the night 1t has accustomed
, surprise why the enemy should be able to Sc
completely surround our picket post with such a
large force without their knowing it. 1t was
certainly very unfortunate thing aud it is to be
! hoped that it will not occur again. They got in
rear ~ fanking our right and coming through the
! Greek. They came very near capturing General
Ransom and staff, accommodating.
/ 1t is said that a tory piloted the enemy to the
rear of our men.
] a correspondent Of the Raleigh Progress, in a
/ letter dated Kinston May oath, says: Our loss
/ is only wounded and none killed that we know
of. Our greatest loss is in prisoners. We had
some so or 70 men taken prisoners, some say 100,
1 but think that is too large an estimate as they
still keep coming in. The Yankees, some so or 60
in number, went to Trenton, Jones county, and
burned several houses, amongst them the Court
House, large building called the Garrett House.
!! DIR. Shackleford's office and one or two more,
They set fire to several others, which were put
out by the citizens after they left. Mrs Charles
Garrett attempted to put out one of the buildings
(which was set on FIRE when one of them drew a
pistol and told her that be would shoot her if she
did not desist. They said they burnt the town in
revenge for some of their pickets which our
toldiers had SHOT