Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-04-10
For the Standard.
Col. MaIIeu's Report OF the Fight at Kinston.
FAYETTEVILLE, \. c., Feb. 20, 1868.

FAYETTEVILLE, n c., Feb. 30, 1868.
Cgcernor confinement to my bed for the last
two lnGnths will, | trust be apology sufficient for
the delay lu reporting to your EXceilency tue part
taken by my command in the battle near huhsiOn,
on Sunday, December 18th
| arrived at kiIston by Railroad, on Sunday
morning at O'Clock, and reported immediately To
Gen. Evans, who ordered me to take POSITION with
my Battalion, consisting of /? officers and 4GO men,
in thu rifle pits the East bank of the NeuSe river
TO support S. c. Battery, commanding the County
bridge At 81 clock were in position, and III
few moments musketry firing commenced on the
left Of the line Of battle, which formed on the
West size OF the river, and at o'clock the first gun
was tired By the artillery. 1T Of | received an
der through one OF Gen. Evans aids 20 march at
double quick across the bridge. Having crossed,
met Cen Evans the West side, directing men,
pouring spirits of turpentine on cotton placed upon
the bridge. He ordered ME to take my command
throu Oh 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, dosing one MANI to the distance
of quarter Of mile, to a fence on the edge Of a
swamp on the other side Of which the enemy ap-
Peare, to be in force. Here engaged for
some time, but the principal point of attack ap-
peartl TO De the Church known Harriets Chap
Il, on my LETT where stationed section of
Starts battery supported by the 6lst n Z. Troops
under Col. Radcliffe At length, the firing upon
my part Of the line ceased almost entirely. Being
seI.t Lieut. Little to the section of artillery my
lel ascertain the real position of the enemy and
of forces it impossible to Charge through
the swamp in my 'front.'
y ,out the time of Lieut. Titles return, without
any accurate information, received written ord
from Gen. Evans by courier, viz; Colonel, lcS
me know if the enemy ure in your front; if not,
ioiu me at the bridge" At this time, there being
no Indication of the enemy in front, drew of in
good'order ard returned to the bridge, but to my
surprise, Gen. Evans was absent leaving no orders
or instructions for me.
Observing the 5. c. Battery commanding the
bridge had been removed, and the bridge apparent
ly deserted | concluded the General was waiting
for the East side, reres;ed towards Kinston,
and proceeded across the bridge. In few moments
after crossing, | TaS met by officer Of his staff
wuh orders TO go back. This order I promptly
sbeyed, marching again at double quick. through
the same 6eld to my former position under heavy
fire from the enemys artillery, and was almost i'm
mcdately holly engaged with his infantry In about
al hour ! was reinforced with 80 or 100 men from
the 6lst regiment n. c. T., commanded by Lieut.
Col Devane. who took position ny right The
enemy made vigorous charge at this time on my
left and was as vigorously repulsed. Old veterans
could not have met their foe with more GOODNESS and
determination than these newly tried men, He ap-
peared determined to force his way through my
lines at the church ordered Lieut. Col. Devane
TO reinforce my left. He took his position promptly
and did good service, and here take pleasure in
tesifyng to his GOODNESS and undoubted bravery
With his assistance and the company Of my right
flank, commanded by Lieut. McRae, also ordered to
the left I'VE held the enemy in check for some time
My ammunition now began to fail, and after SEN
ding repeatedly to the rear could not be replenish-
ed Apprehending an attempt to turn my right also
Capt. McRae (acting as my Lieut. Coll was directed
to observe closely and give me immediate notice of
any advance in that direction Hereported the enc,
my in force. who. however, made attempt to flank
Iro owing ! suppose, to the iupeuetrable swamp
haiween Us
1t this time, having held the enemy in check
hh nut three hours, and looking il vain for further
ISntorccments Ohe section of artillery FEAR the
g. Tch retired, since learned for want of ammuni
':2n) immediately after Lieut.. Col. Devane sent
mo word the enemy was h4nking US on the left and
withdrew his men toward the bridge
Finding myself alone, and the enemy pressing up
%; Us, ordered retreat which was made in Sood
"FaeI> the men continuing their fire with good ef
tTct at the bridge intended to make smother
S'aDdg but on approaching found it on fire and
''o"hed with men cndes"oring to cross. 4 panic
F'sued; the enemy pressing upon us in two di.
icolS at donbc quick in large force and the bridge
!he only incars OF escape. in flames. The greater
lmrtlon at my command succeeded in crossing
nue. Others were driven back by the flames While
<naeaVorng TO keep the men back fearing the
'.F'Qge would fall every moment, was wounded in
h e !sE oy Minnie ball, and obliged to relinauish
'Re command to Capt. McRle whoso self ,o.s,cio,
Sn9 bravery should not be left unnoticod
teing under u heavy cross fire from an over.
's-'ing 'orce, my tpen and ammunition exhaust
-, erd the bridge impossible, advised ca. S
,.ae 70 surrender The enemy now directed his Tro
uPon our retrearing troops the Kinston side of-
me TTs; who spiredly returned the fire with oood
'S Ts klIns aCo Gray, and others near the br@e
,, ''nS iorce was between 20 and On 61n
"ttn q pieces g artillery Gen. Foster I'D,
ted ts ne we mad repulsed three Of his veteran
to ba sh with loss of 100 men, since ascertaned
GERS be to- to report the loss of two of my best off,
/ pa leIl At the close of the engagement Tt
ne,r E .s commanding company H. f bV M, . IL
go 0'''ge' and 1t joseph H. Hill, Command,