Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-01-02
For the Standard
Gof.nsBoRo', y. c., Dec. 81. 1862.

GohnsBoRo', n c., Dec 81, 1862.
Mr.. 'EDIrOR Having seen several accounts of
the engagement of our forces with the enemy at
White Hall Bridge and knowing them to be ilioc,-
feet unjust and untrue have concluded to give
you the facts they are and ask, a favor that
you give them an insertion in your paper, and re-
quest the papers of the State to copy. These facts
may be unpleasant to some of our, forces which
should hare been engageL and who have taken great
credit for bravery due to others.
The historian, in compiling i history Of this war
will have to depend, il 4 great measure, upon our
public Journals fOy his material; therefore it is Of
the utmost importance that the truth should always
be stated in giving an account Of an engagement
with the enemy for publication When this is DONE
the public can give credit to those who are Justly
entitled to receive it without having wait for an
official account.
The 18th CI5etheD Regiment n C. T., command
ed by Col COllett Leventhorpe, was stationed at
Franklin, Va, where, on Sunday the 18th, we re-
ceiVed orders to SO TO the supporter Brig. General
Evans, at KinstOn, VINO was there being engaged
with a very superior force of AbolitonIstS, under
Gen. Foster At Weldon we were Joined by Dor
tons of Col Ferebee's and Col. P. G. Evans Cav
airy regiment, dismounted, under the command of
Gen. Robinson. On our arrival at Goldsboro', at
midnight, we were met at the Depot by our ener-
getic and patriotic Governor who directed us to
lose no time getting to Kinston On arriving at
Mosely Hall, first notified that our forces
great loss on the enemy As orders were to
report to Gen. Evans, We proceeded to his head.
quarters five miles below MOsely Hail. About day
light on Monday morning, information was received
that large force of the enemy were proceeding up
the opposite bank of the NeuSe towards White Hall
Bridge. The 1lth, Cot Leventhorpe; Col Ferebee
and Col Evans Regiments, under the command of
Brig Gen. Robinson were ordered to proceed thth-
er, burn the bridge and hold them in check This
bridge is ten miles from MoSely Hall and eighteen
below GoldSbOro'. We arrived at the bridge about
5 o'clock, P NJ. After a reconnaissance by our
commanding officers, it vas though best to destroy
the bridge whereupon, about forty barrels of rosin
and turpentine was placed upon it ready for the
torch. This had not been done but few moments
before the enemy made their appearance just the
torch was applied. They were evidently much dis
appointed they gave vent to their rage in curses
loud and Deep The conilagraton of the bridge was
one of the most beautiful sights ever bcheld; the
river for about two hundred yards was a complete
sheet of LIQUID fire. caused by the large quantity of
turpentne floating down from the burning structure.
Company c, Capt Bird, was ordered picket
duty at the river Tor the night; the remainder of
forces fell back to a skirt Of woods about half
mile FROM the river. During the evening we were
reinforced by two sections, Il pieces from Major
Moore's battery We were enjoying ourselves fine
Iy before camp fires RECALLING ourselves on roas-
ted sweet potatoes, when the enemy opened upon
us and company c. at the river terrible discharge
Of grape, canister and she'll, which was kept up very
briskly for an hour; they were promptly replied to
by our colour company 9, Capt. Bird, who were on
duty near them at the time. l am sorry to say we
had some very fine potatoes destroyed for the want
of time to remove them from the fire before we
changed our 6ass: With this exception, no damage
was done, and in the language of the sanity Abra-
ham, we can truly say nobody hurt.
We were permitted to pass the remainder Of the
night in peace, and were only interrupted by CON-