Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-04-15
For the Standard.
Col. Malle,,'s Report OF the Fight at Kinston.
FAYETTEVILLE, N. c., Feb. 20, 1863.

FAYETTEVILLE, n. o., FEB. ~, 1913.
Gorernor Confinement to my bed for the last
two months will, I trust, be apology sufficient for
the delay in reporting to your Excel!ency the part
taken by my command in the battle near hinston
on Sunday, December l4th
arrived at Kinston by Railroad, on Sunday
morning at o'clock, and reported Immediately to
Gen. Evans, who ordered me to take POSITION with
NV Battalion consisting Of 10 officers and AGO men,
in the rife pits on the East bank of the Neuse river
to support S. G. Battery, commanding the County
bridge. At 81 o'clock we were in position and IN
lew moments musketry firing commenced on the
let! of the line of battle which was formed on the
West side Of the river and at o'clock the first gun
was fred by the artillery. At 81 L received an Or
der through one of Gen. Evans aids, 70 march at
double Quick across the bridge Having crossed,
n.et Gen. Evans on the West side, directing men,
rn:,rng spirits of turpenne on cotton placed upon
the bridge. He ordered me to take my command
through the field on the right Of the White Hall
road, and engage the enemy.
We passed through the field under fire Of shell
from the enemy, Qosing one MANI to the distance
OF a.quarter of q mile, to a fence on the edge OF
swamp on the other side of which the enemy ap-
resrej to be in force. Here We were engaged for
some time but the principal point of attack ap-
peGred to De the Church known as Harriets Chap
Il, ON my left, where was stationed a section Of
STAIRS battery supported by the 6lst n e. Troops
VI der Col. Radcliffe. At length, the firing upon
my part of the line ceased almost entirely. Being
AZ xious to charge the enemy and drive them back,
| sent Lieut. Little to the section of artillery on my
-ft to ascertain the real position of the enemy and
Il forces as it was impossible to charge through
The swamp in my front
About the time of Lieut. Littles return, without
say accurate information, received a written ord
from Gen. Evans by courier, viz: "Colonel l.:
kno in froD If NOT
Join me at The bridge At this time, there being
no indication of the enemy in front, drew of in
:-od order and returned to the bridge, but to my
surprise, Gen. Evans was absent leaving no orders
Or instructions for me.
Observing the S. C. Battery commanding the
bridge, had been removed, and the bridge apparent
~ deserted, | concluded the General was waiting
for me on the East side retreated towards Kinston,
aud proceeded across the bridge. In few moments
s'ter crossing, vas met BY an officer Of his staff
With orders to go bac& This order /. promptly
obeyed, marching again at double quick through
the same field to my former position under heavy
fire from the enemy's artillery, and was almost ia'-
medately hotly engaged with his infantry. In about
an hour l was reinforced with 90 or 100 men from
the 6lst regiment n. G. T., commanded by Lieut.
Col. Devane. who took position on ny right Tbs
enemy made vigorous charge at this time on my
left and was as vigorously repulsed. Did veterans
could not have met their foe with more GOODNESS and
determination than these newly tried men. He ap
reared determined to force his way through my
lines at the church. l ordered Lieut. Col Devans
10 reinforce my left He took his position promptly
and did good service, and here take pleasure in
testifying to bis GOODNESS and undoubted bravery
With his assistance and the company Of my RICH
flank, commanded by Lieut. McRae, also ordered Z
the left, we held the enemy in check for some time
Ny ammunition now began to fail, and after sen
~knl1 To ~ho Soh
ed. Apprehending an attempt to turn my right also
Capt McRaA (acting as my Lieut. Col.) was directed
to observe closely and give me immediate notice O
any advance in that direction. He reported the enc
ny in force; who. however made no attempt to 1anl
me, owing suppose to theimpenetrable swami
between us.
At this time, having held the enemy in checl
about three hctrs, and looking in vain for furthe
seinforcements the section of artillery near th
church retired, since learned for want Of ammuni
:,ion3 immediately after Lieut.. Col Devane sen
rue word the enemy was fankng us on the left an,
Withdrew his men toward the bridge.
Finding myself alone, and the enemy pressing up
on us, L ordered retreat which was made in goo,
order, the men continuing their fire with good eli
fsct At the fridge intended to make anothe
sea1d, but on approaching found it on fire. an,
crowded With men endeayoring to cross. A mani
easuedi the enemy pressing upon US in two di
rectione double quick large force and the bridge
the only mears,of escape, in flames The create
portion of my command succeeded N crossing
:~nsls others were driven back by thefaues. Will
enaeayoriug to keep the men bank, fearing tn
j. 2rdgs would fall every moment, was woanded !,
sss leg o. minnie ball, and obliged to rslinquisl
ana bravery should not be left unnoticsd :,
nsing under a>heasy cross fire Srom an owe.
W. "aneimng force, my men and aQmunitisn exhaust.
ana the bridge impaAsable. TSIfeieeda Cant M