The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-11-10
A. SUCCESSFUL DASH.

A, SUCCESSFUL DASH.
We have conversed with a gentleman who re-
Gently arrived from Currituck county, N. g., aud
have learned from him the particulars OF a sue
cessful dash recently made upon the enemy, by
Major Edgar Burroughs Battalion of Partizan
Rangers, who are operating in that section.
Major Burroughs started with his command
from Currituck Sound, in sail boats on the night
of the 18th. They sailed up North to Bethacra,
hours before day Capt Catfee's, Capt Grandy's
aud detachment of Capt Sanoerlin's companies,
were placed in position the river, to watch
the movements OF The Yankee boats.
In about one hour, the steamer j. b. White,
having in tow steam dredse and three lighters,
was seen coming down the river. The men re-
maned concealed until the White came in thirty
yards of them, when they jumped up, and with
muskets pointed, demanded surrender Fhe or
der not being promptly obeyed, she was fired into,
and two men killed, and the steamer disabled
The crew, consisting of the Captain and eleven
men, then surrendered The Captain and nine OF
The crew were paroed and sent to Norfolk, and
two negroes were sent to Raleigh, and the steamer,
dredge and lighters were burned.
Learning that the mail steamer Fawn was on
her way down the river, Captain Grandy with his
command and aportion of Capt. Caffeys were sent
Immediately to Ackiss' Ferry. They concealed
themselves, aud hour had elapsed, along
came the Fawn, not suspecting danger uigh AS
she approached the Ferry, her hurricane deck was
discovered to be crowded with officers and women.
Captain Grandy waited until the steamer was
within thirty yards of him, when he suddenly APP
peared in full view with his men, and ordered
surrender. An officer on board, supposed to be a
Major General from his uniform. cried out, ''For
Gods sake don't shoot, we surrender" The boat
was stopped and Capt Grandy allowed them to go
below, believing they would come ashore, but in
true keeping with the Yankee character, as soon
as they went below they put steam and ran by.
When Capt G. discovered this breach of faith, he
two hundred rounds before she turned the point
1t learned afterwards that six or eight were
killed aud wounded.
Although the Fawn and her crew and passen-
gers escaped, the bject of the expedition was az
ccmplished, viz the stopping of the transit of the
United States mail between Norfolk and Newbern
and other points the Carolina coast, by this
route.
Maj Burroughs command is doing good service
In that section Since this battalion was organ
lied the enemy have committed much fewer depre-
.datons in Princess Anne and Curriuck counties,
aud the little thieving squads that formerly roamed
through the county have been entirely stopped
Now they only in force. All the Yankee
forces have been removed from South Mills, Cur
rituck, Canal Bridge aud Currituck Court House.
Capt Sanderlin's company have been very efficient
in Currituck county.-Rtersburg Express
>--------
ESCAPE OF CONFEDERATE OFFICER FROM
Fort MCHENRY.-Abou ut the time of the capture
of Charicstown by Gen Imboden, Capt. John C.
Backford, of Major Gilmores battalion, was sent
In the direction OF harrisburg. with view to as
certain as much Information possible with refer
ence to the position and numbers of the enemy at
that point. He had with him some thirty select
men, but their movements were observed by the
Union men of the nei yh borhooG, who informed the
enemy In the town of his location. At night a
large force was sent out to effect his capture which,
unfortunately, proved successful The whole par
ty was sent to Fort McHenry. They had been
there but few days when Capt b. determined to
attempt an escape, and, mentioning the matter to
some of his men, two of them resolved to Join him
in the attempt. That nj ght the three managed to
get out of the fort aud took to the water but had
scarcely commenced swimming before they were
hailed by sentinel, who gave the alarm aud the
whole guard v9s turned out and commenced firing
upon the party The other two, becoming alarm
ed, turned back, but Capt Black ford, resolved up
on regalning his liberty, kept on, and across
to the Lazaretto. From this pnut he made his
way into the city of Baltimore but the fact of his
escape had spread, anc Lincoln's detectives were
actively on the look out for him He was not
long in falling into the hands Ct two of them, who
started with him to the office of The Provost Mar
shall. Fearing that he would be arrested, and hav-
ing no other arms, he had provided himself with
TWO rocks Ut pretty heavy Galore, aud watching
his opportunity, with these he knocked down both
the detectives and fed He next morning found
himself making strait line for the Potomac which
he reached with the assistance aud direction of
good Southern man. His troubles did not end
here, however, as he had to pass through the enc
my's lines on the Virginia side This he succeed
ed in doing safely, and few days ago reported at
Major Gilmore's camp in the Valley -Richmond
Dispatch.
Ra~ The Yankee papers say extraordinary
case of treason has recently come to light, at Gin
cnnati, Ohio, having for its object the overthrow
of the State government and the release of the