Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-05-13
Letter from Suffolk, Va.
CAMP. SUFFOLK. Va. Nav 4th. ]

SAhfs d, hdg ttti, lOUos
DEAR Row The past week has been one
OF unusual quiet, save some occasional skirm-
iShing among the pickets and firing upon our
gunboats as they passed MP and down the Nan
semOnd. Things remained in this shape till
yesterday morning, up to which time the reb-
els hsd became SO bold and threatening that
it was deemed expedent TO put stop to it.
This seemed to be task of considerable mag
nitude as the rebels, most contiguous US at
Suffolk on the opposite side of the river, had
thrown up rife pits and bad planted Batteries
so as to command the river. Accordingly an
expedition was set in motion by Gen Peck to
drive them from their position, and establish
our own lines instead. Our forces crossed the
river early in The morning. and by A NJ. all
was ready for the duty assigned them. They
moved. edately on the euemy's works,
aud were met with determined resistance from
the rebels who were secreted behind them,
But our men moved on with the firmness and
steadiness of veterans, and the esrebs'' disli-
king the appearance OF the array of steel, for
sock their rife pits and took to the woods
Here they took advantage of the cover; and as
out as special mark. The fight was kept up
all day, and resulted in driving the rebels
back about mile. d id not learn the differ
ent commands that were engaged, or the prob
able number OF our men. The l03d N Y.
was engaged, and lost heavily in officers and
men. Their Colonel was mortally wounded.
ana died to-day. Two Captains and one Lieu
ant mo II Ial
they made a sortie into the woods and became
completely surrounded, but by their deter.
mined bravery succeeded in cutting their way
out. 1t was expected this morning that a
general attack would be made on our lines
Ii such thing was at all contemplated by the
enemy, and in order to guard against surprise.
a reconnaissance was made on the Edenton
and Sommerton roads to learn what was going
on. But after proceeding as far as the scene
of the skirmish of the Oath April. no trace of
The ''rebs' could be found. The party moved
on but could find nothing to modest them.
The enemy had fed leaving their empty ri
fe pits and redoubts to take care of them
selves. So rapidly did they leave that cav
airy scout of half day failed to come up to
them. A few stragglers, who pnrposely stajd
behind, were picked up and brought to head
quarters. 1t has been ascertained during the
day that the whole rebel line has been remov-
ed beyond the Blackwater, and consequently
the siege of Suffolk is raised. Longstreet will
now have to turn his attention to something
else; perhaps the movement of the Army of
the Potomac, will furnish food for his contem.
plation.
do not know at this time whether our lines
will be advanced or not, but presume they
will in atew days. The weather is propitious |
and If it is the design of the troops in this To-
eality, and on the Pininsula to accomplish
any thing beyond the protection of the par
icular posts which they now occupy, now is |
he time to do il. Let the attention of the |
-ebels be drawn towards every point, aud they
will be deprived of the advantage they have !
hitherto enjoyed of concentrating their forces
On any particular point. Menace them from
every direction, and deal quick and decisive |
blows upon them at every opportunity. aud |
he task OF suppressing this rebellion will soon |
'e consumated. Yours truly, w.R.B.