Newbern progress., 1863-01-31

I AT tne rlsk ei certain Qeatn II caught III thrlr
attempt. waded through the swift, breast high,
icy current of the river, into which they threw
their arms, and in half frozen condition ar
rived at our picket fires. They belonged to
Fulerton's brigade of Anderson's division and
Longstreet's corps, and state that their reg
ment lost heavily in the late battle but that
of the exact extent of their loss TIA are gno
rant. They also say that great part of the
rebel force tired of the contest, and would,
If they dared, cross to our lines but that men
proposing such a venture are pretty sure to be
consigned TO the tender mercies of n court
martial and he fire of platoon. AS to food,
each private is allowed one pound of flour and
half pound of bacon per diem and coffee is
luxury unknown to the unfortunate myrmi
doms of King JEFF. As to raiment our three
friends did not. however, seem to be illpro,
vided-two having uniforms of stout gray
cloth, with blue blouses bearing the United
States button the last named article evidently
secured in some manner or other from the
abundant wardrobe of Uncle Samuel, and for
which they were charged by the rebel govern
nent. The third was attred in a civilians
orercoat, in very good repair, and. of The three,
two of them were provided with strong, we'll
made boots which they averred cost $50
pair and the other with $40 shoes. They tel,
however, sad story about nearly halt of their
late comrades being barefoot (but not on that
account relieved from duty) or wearing home
made, or rather camp-made mocassins OF raw
hide Ihey were without tents, and supply
their place as tar as possible with the evergreen
foliage with which this country abounds.
Under such circumstances it seems doubtful
whether the memories of Valley Forge and the
sunerlngS OF the Continental army-to when
the rebel leaders love so much to hken their
own ragged host-would inspire ardor enough
to counterbalaEce the present intense degree
of cold which our misguided brethren suffer
IN their attempt to destroy the nation which
Washing on created.
As to the movements of the Southern army,
was informed that A. P. Hills division start
ed on their way to Culpepper Court House
two days after the battle; that McLaw's d'vis-
ion marched TO the same place the day before
Yesterday, and that their own - Anderson's
division, Numbering upwards of six thousand
men - had received marching orders, Since
the battle every night has been employed by
the rebels in digging rife pits. They estimate
their force on tn" day of battle at seventy five
thousand men; are in daily expectation Of an
attack bv US, and on Friday distributed sixty
rounds of cartridge.
The deSerterS sent to Gen. Wilcox's
headquarters for further examination.
Our troops were to dav reviewed by Gen
Burnside, who expressed his admiration at he
display which our corps, Notwithstanding Its
shattered ranks and battle torn flags. can still
present.
FALMOUTH. Va, Jan. 10.
Consolidation ofthe l 63d and 73d Regiments,
Ne,o York Volunteers
Orders were received on the 18th inst. from
the War Department, for the consolidation of
the 163d New York volunteers (rased in New
York city under the name of Third Empire)
into the 73d New York volunteers (also raised
in New York city und the title of the Second
Fire Zouaves) When the above news became
kpn in ha Of ha NaI
unteers, 1t caused universal dissatisfaction
among the men and officers, and although the
latter used every endeavor to get the men to
fall in and march to the encampment of the
73d, the men soutly refused to comply. V,r
rious were the reasons they aSSigned-Somcr
and by far the greater part, that they had
fought under Gen. Carroll and would do so
under no other man, and that they were quite
willing to be transferred to any o. the other
regiments of his brigade another lot COM
planned that they had not been paid since en-
fistnent. and that they would not go until
they were while ano'her lot complained that
they had been "sold like so many niggers,
and taat if they were compelled to GO that
their purchasers would find them but poor
bargain As evening approached the men
anietly adjourned to their respective tents, the
officers having ia led to shake their determa-
ton of not going. Later in the'evering their
camp was surrounded by squad of cavalry.
a brigade of infantry and some artillery. with
their pieces, sent to enforce their compliance.
The men, seeing that resistance was fruitless
against such a force fell in. ard were marched
off. l. was rather a singular sight to see about
one hundred aud thirty men (all that We're on
the ground) marching with such number
guarding thnm.
The following is an order issued bv the Di-
vision General TO this regiment on its leaving
his command. from which NAV be judged he
previous character of this regiment for dsci
pliae and bravery:
GENERAL oRDRRs-No 3.
Headquarters Third Dir. Third Corps, !
Camp Near FALMOUTH, Va, Jan. II. { |
By orders from the War Department the
One Hundred and Sixty third New York Vol |
unteers is to be consolidated with the Seventy |
third New York Volunteers, and relieved from
this command.
The General commanding this division de-
sires TO assure the officers and men of this |
gallant regiment that the separation from them |
is most painful one-it seems like the part
ing of family ties. BY uniform good conduct |
in camp and upon the march. and especially |
by bravery in battle, this regiment has won
the appreciation and confidence of all; and, |
although it goes to add ustre to another or
ganiZation. it has given renown to the colors |
and to the men of the One Hundred and
Sixty third New York Volunteers.
BY command of Brig. Gen. WHIPPLE.
HENRY R. Dalton, Asst. Adj. Gen.
am somewhat inclined to the belief that
the main body of the rebel army have fallen |
back to a point nearer Richmond. and that no |
battle will take place near Fredericksburg |
This has been asserted If late by deserters
from the rebel army; and, in conversation
With fredericksburg refugees at Falmouth, |
learn that extensive earthworks have for
months been in progress, commanding the |
junction of the Virginia Central and Richmond, |
and Potomac Railroads. This |
s the precise spot that won by the bra
very of the troops under Fitz John Porter in |
May last. At this point the rebels COM
"rtably quarter the troops, while the force
-eq-ire to hold the line will admit of sparng |
much Of the army which particlpated In the |