Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-04-21
EaIPORTANr FROM NORTH Gaze
W,HEA
The Demonstr alton Of The Re5sls against Wash.
iHton-IEH and Pettigres IN CsamaHd-
SsiriaisIiBg and Some Loss Of Life

fHt0n-ffiA QNh F6tttgIel1 81 Cea1M4na--
SsiTmisLiHg and Sons Loss Of Life.
Correspondeneso 81 ths New York Times
OK BOARD UNITED STATES STEAMER -
BELOW WAsmNGros n. c., April ., 1863 !
On Monday, the 20.h Of March, a strong
force cf rebelB. under Generals Hill and Petit
grew, marched saddenly on Washington, North
Carolina There are, as nearly as can be as
certained, about tea thousand Of them around
the north side of the town, ard seven regi-
iRents are On the south bank Of the PamGco
river. At their FIRST appearance, skirmishers
hGd been sent cut by cur forces, and were
driven back with considerable loss. Two com
panies Of the 44th MASSACHUSETTS marched right
into ga ambuseede, knowing nothing of It until
q short turn in toe road brought them under q
WitheTing Ere of musketry, from an Overwhelm-
ing force at short range. Some of the 1st reei-
ment of loyal North Carolina troops under
Capt. Lyon, were badly cut up little further
down the river, and barely escaped with their
boats Three OF their number were killed aud
Elk or eight wounded. Among the latter was
Capt. Lyon. As soon as she could ascertain
the whereabouts Of the enemy, the gunboaa Hult
opened on them with shell, and drove them of
for the time being, but during tho night the
rebels IntrenchCd themselves IS follows: Those
on the north side of the town took position
on Red Hill, an elevation about two and half
AllfF5 ltIu4 ton u WHICH GUllulAIi45 Euo utakOlai
Qualifications. The rebels on tho south side Of
town occupied Hilrs Point, about six miles be-
low, on which was 8 deserted earth work, and
placed eight-held pieces ia position TO comm nd
the bsnieades in the stream and the channel
which winds quite close in shore at this point
They were thus enabled to deliver q pIunging
fire on any vessel attempting to pOss. They
also took up tho buoys et the passage IN the
"barncsdes," making 1t impossible for largo
vessels to ruR by them without being snGcgsd
Further up the river, Rodmeu's Point was
fortified, and on the same bend Of the stresn a
second battery was placed, thus entirely com
mandDg ths channel, which, from that plscs to
town. is very narrow and crooked On Tues
day the Commodore Hul's uppor works were
badly shattered by the rapid fring of these two
batteries as she ley aground. Sac used Up al
her ammunition, and had to receive tho Ere Of
the rebels without replying, but she still kept
her flag up Badly as the vessel is damaged,
but three Of hersmen were wounded-and they
slightly.
During the Gay a lighter, with dispatches
from the beleaguered garrison, managed 10 run
tbe batteries, By keeping ia shoal-wstsr, at some
distaues from the Publications. She was able
TO get through with only one shot, which struck
her anidships. The dispatches brought By her
were promptly replied 20, and gunbOats we're
forthwith dispatched. The transports General
Prince and SpiRola also started forthwith, with
Teinforcements, but, unfortunately, they were
not able to pass the rebel earth works, and ara
awaiting more help in order to reduce the bat
teries comm snding the river.
On wednesday, firing was continued without
much effect on either side.
On Thursday, a small lighter vas ruu out of
the town with dispatches, and, on her returning,
sbo carried q fresh supply of ammunition.
The rebel General Hill has notified the com
mander Of the national forces at Washington to
remove the women and children, as he intended
10 shell the town. Up to the present time, how
ever, there has bsen no direct attack upon the
town, as the gunbcats have kept The rebel bat
teries busily engaged.
FRIDAY, April Major General Foster Is at
tha post of danger, and, even without additional
it IS thought that he can hold the
enemy il check More gunboats arrived today,
aud It is expected that tomorrow morning (4th)
viii witness a fine display of nine inch" and
90 one huHdred-pounder rife she'll" for the
special amusement Of the obnoxious batteries
There is, however, a possibility that the town
win be vigorously attacked by an overwhelming
force, and that it viii be burned before the gun
boats can work their way up the crooked chan
mel without buOys"
II is rumored that JEFF Davis has declared
that North Carolina must be cleared of Ysn-
KEGS" snd that General Hill hiss promised to
accomplish the task with forty thoUgand men.
R. B.