Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-01-31

tempted TO empty the wagons and escape with
them, but in this they were frustrated. Our
troops next reached gorge heavily wooded
ON both sides, IL creek running through the
center, and bridge crossing the creek. inns
bridge was prepared in such manner that
after the retreat OF the rebel troops over H. IL
could be destroyed before our troops could get
over it. Col. Baker, the rebel officer who had
charge of the destruction Of this bridge did 1t
sllillflv after his rctreating troops had passed
it, The last rebel crossing this bridge sprung
a trap, and the bridge was rendered untcna-
bic On the opposite side of the river the
rebels had splendid redoubt with just room
enough for one horse to enter ut Il time.
From this work the rebels opened brisk fire
of musketry on our troops. which fire was as
promptly returned by ours. At the first fire
of the rebels private Charles Morey of COM
pany c, 81 New York cavalry was shot dead.
He was struck in the head bya buckshot The
same volley wounded private Archibald Nc
Carly of the same company. He was shot in
both hands, in the head, and in the leg. His
wounds are not considered serious, and he
will recover. Several horses were shot dead
or wounded.
After the first voey from the rebels, the
cavalry howitzcr battery was brought to the
front, and shower of grapnel sent into the
rebel works. 1t was subsequently learned
that the rebel loss in this atiair-which was Il
| success 10 our Side-was heavy, including the
rebel commander, who was killed. Three
| horses on the rebel side gallopcd of without
| riders.
Under cover of the fire of our howitzers,
the bridge was rebuilt, before the completion
of which the rebels had retreated. This bridge
was across what is known as the Northeast
river, four miles distant from Onslow Court
House. The rebels had got well off i'll the re-
treat and had crossed the bridge Of the New
| river before our troops could Overtake them.
When the last ofthe rebels reached the east
ern bank of the river, they were only in time
to set the jacksonville bridge, three hundred
| yards long--a fine structure-in flames. The
great rapidly with which the torch was
applied to this work, among the best public
works of North Carolina, shows that the rebels
had anticipated our movements in that direc-
ton, and prepared for the destruction OF this
bridge. So far as the actual damage to us
goes, it is Il mere trile; to the rebels the loss
/ viii be severely felt. Should it become
necessary for our army to cross this stream
st any time, our pOntOOns can soon be thrown
/ over it. The destruction of this bridge ended
for the present the pursuit of the rebels. Late
in the afternoon Col. Mix counter-marched
his regiment, and returned to Young's Mills
I with three rebel prisoners and a numerous
| staff Of cohtrabands who joined the rear OF
our troops to escape from their masters.
FIFTH DAY.
The return home was ordered to-day and
the regiment marched from Young's Cross
roads to Newbern, tweny-one miles, bringing
with them the prizes. 1t was learned that
1 Stonewall jackson is in command at Will
mngton, and Longstreet at Goldsboro. An
other important capture by the gallant Third
was numerous pack of bloodhounds belong
ing to Mr.. Mcdaniel, which were used for
catching runaway negroes. An old negro,
the trainer. had charge of them when the cap
ture was made. In reply to Il question rela-
tive to the leading dog, the old negro replied,
dat he would totch niger from swamp
quick enough, if he only smell his heel" The
result of this raid was that three counties of
North Carolna-O nslow, Trent and Jones
on which our troops have never been before,
were secured, and the rebels driven out pris-
onerS arms, negroes, mules and colors cap
turcd. and much available information OBJ
! tanned