The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-01-11

Sld sisocIus. sser an hours brisk engagement the
Colonel Lees brigade was IN advance Of the main
edge o. the woods lining the railroad track Riggs
terry (Thrd New York artillery was placed in position
and opened upon them, when the enemy retired
Ine Ninth Now Jersey ordered 10 strike the ran
road track and follow up direct TO the bridge which
they were to burn. Three regiments Of Colonel Lees
brigade were ordered TO their support 1.-THE Twenty ath
Twenty seventh and Third Massachusetts) The remain
ing regiment was thrown the left TO protect flank
in that quarter General wesses' brigade was advanced
aud formed the hill overlooking the track SC lhres
regiments thrown to the left aud the remaining 70
gimonts in line, 70 be available at any point. Ny arti
ery brought forward and placed ia position firing
the frontand left principally ut the bridge The enemy
replied With artillery from the othor side Of the river
Colonel Hickman advanced steadily up the track fight
ing the cnemys infantry posted at the bridge, and
ccving hre the artillery in Monitor Car tho
track Of the bridge After two hours he reached tho
bridge and under q heavy fire Lieutenant Graham,
Twenty third New York battery, acting as aiddecamp
Colonel Hickman. fred the bridge. All who had e.
tempted 1t picked of, as was wounded Lieut. b
N. Mann, Seventeenth Massachusetts, who accompanied
him.
brought all my artillery TO bear to prevent any effort
to thebrdgc and when the re was doing LIS work
ordered councrmarch for Newbern, leaving Col Leo 70
form the guard. Col lee was forming his brigade
TO leave the field deemng the fight over, when three
regimenal ooors the railroad track the
men protected by the embaDkmcnt which the track
laid Col Lee placed Morrson's battery in position
and recalled his regiment line. The enemy advanced
with cheers the ENTHUSIASTICALLY In line upon Col
lecs brigade Morrson's battery opened on the advane-
ng line with sper which did good oect bat they
steadily until within three hundred yards OF tho
battery where unable 70 stand the fearful loss they were
sustaining frUm tho battery they broke and retrcated
Their rorea was Unexpectedly covered by masked bat
terry ia tho woods left. Bolger's Rhcde Island
battery which had been brought back opened In reply
the battery andon two regiments which came in view
supporting their guns. Riggs battery Third New YORK
artillery, placed an eminence on our left aud In
limo with the enemy then, bringing cross fire TO bear
they were forced return also regiment In
the woods ON our right Colonel io having orders not 70
attempt any further move again formed his brigade and
halted on hoaringt the firing from Colonel Leo
This was bold attempt Of the enemy TO entrap and
Colonel Lso's brigade and Morrisons battery
Owing the efficiency Of Colonel Lee and Morrsons bat
terry il WIS disastrous failure
With strong cavalry roar guard then started on my
by the direct road took and transported my alex
and wounded men from Whitehall and Kinston bringing
them oil safely TO this point.
Commander Murray United States Navy, to attack the
the river at Knston but owing to the ownes
son, under Colonel Manchester, Marine artllery-wss
brought into action The works being too strong she.
aftcr gallant resistance, was obliged TO retire
In conclusion, take great pleasure in reporting on tAs
conduct Of the officers and under my comand twas
most excellent, ana maintained fully their high reputar
ton General Vessels brigade Of General Pecks divi.
sion behaved like veterans and by thor drM
and discipline and steadncss under dre the qualities
their commanding 0fncer.
admirable regiment, always in advance and displayed
the greatest courage and efficiency.
Lieutenant Colonel Iegge Gas they always havo me-
behaved In the most gallant and dashng manner, making
o charge under fire which, In twenty minutes, killed
and wounded ninety out OF three hundred and forty
Colonel Potter OF the First North Carolina Voluntoeu,
acted my star and was Of the greatest aid and asss
ance 70 me BY his coolness AMI observation
must particularly mention the conduct OF LieutenA1s
George W. Graham, Twenty third New Y0rkbattcry, act
ing aid to Colonel Hickman. Throughout tho entire
march no was conspicuous for his venuresomo courage,
Mana Seventeenth Massachusetts, Volunteers, advanced
and fred the bridge, under the ire OF the cnenys h
fanry and artillery He only escaped capture by jump
ing from The bridge down the bank Lieutenant Mann
The artillery force under Colonel Ledie was vol paesl
and VOL served and tho commanding officers and tho BEL
teries, without exception did mee excellent service.
The Third New York cavalry, thsugh not acting -
regiment were IN oil cases prompt brave and efcients
asshown ~ the oodxsot my report.
Much credit Is due to Mr. b. ". Wilson, engineer whs,
In charge Ohe pioneers and force Of coutrabands Az
most excellent service 10 building bridges, repairing
roads, &c.
enclose to General r. A. Hitchcock the list OF parolod
herewith enclose lists Of the killed wounded and is
ing showing an aggregate OF ninety Killed -four hunroA
and seventy eight wounded and nine missing.
Among the killed must mourn Colonel Gray Of The
head OF his regiment the Knston bridge Though bot
few days In this department, he had already won tne
high esteem OF all hero.
In the Charge Of the Tenth Connecticut thsy lost OAps
Il. A. Wells and Lioutensnts H w. Perkins, z. d. HIN
and Coming. all goed end sxcellens Ocsrs who d'sd
For many details Of services Of individual
officers beg to refer 10 tho brigade and regimental
ports herewith enclosed
have the honor TO DO, worry respectfully your obsd-
ent servant, J. G. FOSTER,
Major General Commanding Department.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES or THE ARxY Jan. 3, 1888.