Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-11-16

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out t. nave been greatly exaggerated
We are enabled, from conversion with a
number of wounded officers and men who
were in the fight, to give a fuller and
more reliable narrative Of the affair than
has been published. Tho fight occurred
near Kelly's Ford, our forces being on
the further side Of the river, and the Yam
KEGS appearing in force to drive them off
and force a passage of the stream. The
Confederates engaged were Hayes's brig
ade, consisting of the 9Th, 7th and 9th
LOUISIANA regiments, commanded by
Gen. Hays !; and the 9th and 30th n. &.
Regiments of Hoke's brigade,
ded by Col. Archibald G. Goodwin.
These troops had been stationed on the
north side Of the Rappahannock, doing
picket service, when about II o'clock on
Saturday morning the drums beat to
quarters, and orders were given that eve
~ man must fall into the ranks and be.
prepared for an immediate attack. In a
very short time our outpost pickcts and
the enemy's skiraishers were holly en-
gagged, our W pickets gradually yisl-
ding the ground 70 superior numbers
The main body of tue enemy was not
long in making its appearance, emerging
from the woods, and soon our small
forcs were confronted BY overwhelming
numbers, estimated at between ten and
fifteen thousand. Then commenced a
terrible battle, which continued without
intsrmission from two o'clock in the af-
teunoon till dark, at which time, itseems.
we had been entirely surrounded, and a
large portion of our troops had already
fallen into the hands of the Yankese.-
The situation becoming desperate, and it
appearing that the longer resistance was
continued on our side the less chance
there would be of escape, orders were
given for a retreat, which was done un-
der very great disadvantages. The bridge
crossing the Rappahannook being COM
msnded by the enemy in such a manner
as to ronder it madness to attempt to
cross by that means, the whsle of our
retreating force took to the river, which
they forded
The number which fell into the hands
of the enemy is about fifteen hundred.
We learn that the 9th North Carolina
regiment entire fell into their hands, and
that about 400 of Hays's brigade also
failed to escape.
The fight is represented to have been
of the most terrific character, and whom
we take into consideration the great dis
paragsment in the two forces engaged,
it is remarkable that any of our gallant
men escaped at all. For the space of
three miles in an open field, we learn,
that the ground seemed literally swarm
ing with Yankees, who, to adopt the ex-
preston Of one Of the wounded, seemed
to rise up out of the ground. In this
! feAt their artillery was Ilsed with great
efficiency, and unlike what has hitherto
been their practice, it was used at shor-
ter range than usual. Part Of the time
the conflict was hand-to hand, and it
men were pressed upon by overpower-
ing numbers and compelled to yield up
to them.
1t is regretted that our artillery was
not supplied with shrapnel shot, as it is
believed greater destruction could have
been done with them than the solid shot
which were used. Never were guns
more %stubbornly defended or moro eff
GENTLY manmuvred, and charge after
charge. was repulsed before the enemy
finally succeeded in capturing them.
At one stage Of the battle the impetu-
osity of Gen. Hays led him into the very
heart of the enemy's ranks, and before
he was aware of it he was hsmmed in on
all sides. Drawing his sword and putting
spurs to his horse, he dashed through
them, and finally escaped capture. In
his fight he leaped q parapet of con
siderable height, and ~plunging his horse
into the river reached the south bank of
the Rappahannock uninjured.
I Colonel Peck, of the 9th louisiana
reglzaent, Lieutenant Colonel Hodge, Of
the same regiment. and Lieutenant Colo
mel Terry, of the 7th Louisiana regiment,
were also taken prisoners at one time,
but succeeded in making their escape.
Among the prisoners are Colonel Penn,
of the 7th louisiana regiment, and Capt.
John Anger, commanding the 9th Lou
siana regiment. 1t is alss believed that
Colonel A. G. Gsdwin is a prisoner, as
on Sunday, the day after the battle, both
brigades we're under the charge of Gen.
Hays.
The list of killed and wounded on our
side will probably not exceed three or
four hundred, a very small portion OF
whom being officers. Col. Sellers of the
30th North Carolina regiment, received
A mortal wOnnd in the right breast. Thi: