The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-11-03
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

We mentioned yesterday the fact that there was
some excitement in our extreme Western coanues,
caused by the advance of the enemy. A sklfmlsn
with party of the enemy at the Warm Sprngs
some thrty-seven miles West of Asheville, mas
certainly taken place, and as Maj. Woodhn was
seen to fall from his horse it is feared he was KILL
ed AS to the nature or number of the advancing
column we know nothing. We made dgent in
quires at the Executive Office, but the only facts
known there were the following, namely: There
had been a skirmish with small party 10 Madl-
SON county, we think at the Warm Springs; MAJOR
Woodfn was seen to fall from his horse, aud the
impression is that he was killed. Gen Vance the
cummandant of that military department, said he
was being pressed by the enemy and ordered
troops forward. These all the facts known
here 1t may be an unimportant raid OF a few
bushw hackers, or it may be an advance In force,
with the intention of occupying Ashevlle. We
have troops in striking distance. Gen. Vance is
gallant, tried aud faithful officer, and we doubt
not but they will be repulsed, should they attempt
an advance into the mountain region OF North Caro-
lima.
Gov. Vance left for the West on yeste rday, and
his presence will rally the troops and the home
guard. which from several counties we learn is
marching to the threatened scene of invasion.
We are inclined to think that the whole thing
has been magnifed and that we shall soon ascertain
but there is nothing lost by vigilance.-Rale'yh
Progress 18th.
From the Ashevle News, October %.
Fight attic Warm Springs.-Death Of Maj.
Woodfu-A fight between small body of our
cavalry-Iess than one hundred men-and four or
five hundred of the enemy occurred at the Warm
Springs, 36 miles below this town, last Thursday.
Our forces, overwhelmed by numbers, were COM
PEELED to fall back. We had two men killed, the
gallant aud chivalrous Maj. John W. Woodfn Of
this place, and private Smith of Polk county.
Maj Woodfn fell pierced by two balls, while lead
ing his men in a charge upon the strong position
Of the enemy. Maj Woodfn was widely known,
and no words of ours could add to the reputation
be had earned by hard and faithful service. A
distinguished lawyer, public spirited citizen, a
warm hearted and generous friend, brave and
accomplished officer his loss is heavy calamity,
not only to this Immediate community, but to the
entire State and Confederacy. His body was re-
covered BY flag of truce, brought home, and buri.d
on Monday last with appropriate military honors.
We had four wounded, viz: Jacob Davis, j. b.
Ramsey, and W. l.. Henry, of Buncombe and
Lieut. Thompson OF Polk. The loss of the enemy
not known. Our men brought off two three
prisoners. The enemy was posted il the large
brick hotel at the Spriugs-a strong position.
ANOTHER FIGHT!
Another fight took place near the Warm
Springs, two or three days since, between portion
Of the 18th N. e. Regiment, under command of
Lit. Col. Sam. q. Brysou, and large force of the
enemy. They outnumbered our boys, very large
ly, and after stubborn fight Col. Bryson fell
back. We had six killed, Lieut.. Hyatt,
Sergt. Collins, Monroe Huskins, J. H. Townsend,
j. Dodgins, Williams, and one wounded, West.
1t. Hyatt was an excellent officer, and gallant
and worthy man. Six were missing, but it
confidently hoped they would come in. The loss
Of the enemy was reported to be heavy.
The soldiers speak in the highest terms Of the
ga!lantry Of Col Bryson.