The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-04-28

FROM EASTERN NoRTH-cARoLINA.
KINsTos, April I'll You have doubtless heard
before this, that our entire force around Washing
ton. under the command of Gen. ID. Ell. Hill, have
been Withdrawn from that section of the country,
and that unfortunate portion Of our land again
given over the ravages of the invading adverse
nv. l learn from the most reliable authority that
the abolitionists are playing the very mischiefin
that section of the country occupied by troops
around Washington. The Yankee devils are
burning up houses and laying waste the country
generally, as they go, committing all kinds of de-
gredations to the inhabitants, mean, base and dis
graceful Helpless women and children are drIv-
en- from their homes without food or raiment, and
not wherein TO lay their heads, being dispossessed
of all means upon earth by the vandal foe. 1t is
most awful state of affairs. 1t is horrible to con-
template.
A most terrific skirrnsh came off on yesterday
on the Dover road, II miles below this town.
The enemy were at least 1000 strong. They
were at:aked by 3 companies of the 49th N. G.
Regt, under Col Fleming, and portion OF Maj
Nethercut's Battalion. The enemy were twice
repulsed, but afterwards heavily reinforced. Our
men were compelled to retire-but were not pur-
sued | learn that we had one killed in the en-
gagement of yesterday (Simpson Harper, Of
Lenoir county, who belonged to Maj. Nethercutts
Battalion, and about 80 wounded and missing.
The wounded were brought to this place last
night Cor. Of Raleigh Journal.
parThe Withdrawal of General Hill from the
vicinity of Washington is no longer doubtful.
The idea Of forcing the Yankee army entrenched
there to capituate by stsrvingit out, had to be
abandoned 10 consequence of the fact that more
than one vessel with supplies had succeeded in
running the gauntlet of our batteries at Hills Point
The hope Of taking Washington by investment
always seemed to US to be about the feeblest. We
are forced to change opinion and to question
whether there ever any, even the teeblest hope
of taking the place in that way.
But for thing the capture of Washington,
even if it could have been accomplished, would
have proved barren victory; for without fuller
and more elaborate defences, the river than we
have could easily place there it would not have
been retained. The only advantages to have been
gained by the taking Of Washington would have
been the capture of some Yankee prisoners, as al
50 Of sundry lazy, skulkne and scoundrelly ne
groes There were supplies in Washington, it
having been the custom Of the Lincontes to send
them weekly from Newborn, where their main
depot is kept Wilmington Journak
AFFAIRS IN CRAVEN CoUNTY-We have
letter from an intelligent officer now at Swift
Creek, Craven, written the 18th. He says
that ever since the demonstration on Barring
toms Ferry, the enemy have been increasing their
ing waste everything as they 90. When the enc
my were repulsed at Blounts Creek they retreat
ed towards Newborn, blockading the roads, burn.
ing houses, fences, and destroyed everything as
they went. One old lady they made come out of
her house and burnt it before her eyes. Not only
this, but they took away stock, horses provisions,
and everything that available, leaving the
people entirely destitute How they are to live
our correspondent says it is impossible to tell.
Tho.c~ Ill 81
Of the young men in Craven County are in the
service, and the old men, women and children are
trying to live as best they can-the women
working on the farms; but wherever the enemy 60
they take everything and leave them chance
Roteiyh Progress.
FROM NEwBERN, N. CA letter from New
bern, N. e., gives some account of the condition
of affairs there There was much Joy and excite
mcnt among the citizens of the town when our
troops came in sight few weeks since, with the
Confederate flag flying, and corresponding
disappointment when they retired.-The Yankees
have sent seven hundred negroes to Washington
to take the place of teamsters, and allow the
detailed white to return to their REGIMENTS
This is plan which the Confederate authorities
might follow with a decided increase Of the fighting
men of our army. There were four suicides in
Newbern in week Of Yankee soldiers who
were "tired of the war;" Generals Prince, Palmer,
Wessal, and Spinola, were in the town. They
are putting their colored brethren through. They
make them work with the ball and chain to their
feet and the Jail is full of and women all the
time Yet the citizens dare not insult one of
them. foraging party that left Newbern recently,
took an old man, seventy years DID, from his house
and dressed him in woman's clothes, and brought
him back, put card on his back with these words
on tia guerilla caught in woman's clothes"-
and marched him through town, notwithstanding
he had taken the oath of allegiance and had
protection from "Governor Stanley"
Stanley has resigned and Lincoln has appointed
Daniel t. Goodloe to be "Military Governor of
North Carolina. Goodloe formerly an editor
OF the Washington Cd. c. Era, and an extreme
niger worshipper. Dispatch
GEN. WHEELERs RECENT OpERArIoNs.-A
correspondent of the Chattanooga Rebel, writing
from McMinnvlle, Tenn, gives some of the par.
ticulars of Gen. Wheeler's recent Exploits. Nine
miles beyond Nashville, Gen. w. arrested q train
on the Louisville aud Nashville Road and aptur-