Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-04-17
FROM NORTH OAROLINA.
PHILADELPHIA, Ap

IHlLADELPHIA, Apfll ~.
The Bulletin Of this city learns from a
passenger, just arrived in the steamer Emeie,
the following facts in reference to Gen. Fos-
ter's position at Little Washington, n. c.:
One vessel had reached Gen. Foster since
the rebels had surrounded his camp.
Two of our gunboats, the Hunchback and
the Smithfeld had for some days been sta
toned Just below the rebel batteries and had
kept the rebels busy in replying to their
shots.
As the Emeie left Newbern two Union
gunboats arrived and were about steaming up
to the relief of Gen. Foster.
Land reiniorcements were also on their
way to relieve Gen. Foster, but none had
reached Little Washington at last advices.
1t was the opinion Of my informant that
Gen. Foster could hold out some seven or
eight days from the date Of the sailing of the
Emelie, as communication by means of small
boats had been had with him during the siege
The situation Of Gen. Foster was, how
ever, critical, and everything depended on
succor reaching him quickly, as the rebel
force was very heavy.
The Herald prints the following, relative
to Cen Foster:
1t is stated that the rebel force on the 9TH
er side Of the Blackwater we're under march
ing orders on the Sth, with two cooked, and
fys days raw rations, besides, unprepared.-
A force OF Union cavalry under Gen. Dodge
are out for the purpose Of capturing the de-
tached rebel force in that vicinity. When
last heard from, which was at noon on Thurs
day, they had had a skirmish with them and
taken some prisoners.
The vessel sent from Newbern with rein
forcements for Washington had not been able
to reach that city. In the direction Of Frank
lin the rebels had greatly strenthened their
pickets and outposts and had advanced their
cavalry yidetts. This news was brought into
Suffolk by accommodating force that had
been sent from that post.
From the Richmond Dispatch Of April O.,
we have news from Washington, n, c. as
late as SUNDAY. It says;
Our forces have captured the battery at
Hills Point, situated on the banks of Tar
river, seven miles below he town, which po-
stion gives us an open field and iair fight
with the Yankee shipping Two gunboats
followed by several large transports attempt
ed to run the blockade at llill's Point on FRI
day, when they were fired upon by our bat
teries and 40 badly damaged as to be obliged
to put back. They could not pass our guns.
At last ceounts they were landing troops
at point below. Ia an attempt to go by,
the steamer Louisiana was sunk by our guns.
There are about 2000 negroes in Washington
whom the enemy tried 10 get out, but failed.
The enemy has refused to surrender, OF allow
the wcmen and children 70 leave that place.
So General Hill, it is presumed, will shell the
town"
The message Of Gov. Benham of South
Carolina, transmitted to the Legislature on
the Sd inst, would suif were other proof
wanting to show the extreme dostitution from
which the rebels are suffering. lie states
that he has called the Legislature together
for the express purpose of considering the
proper measures to be taken TO provide food
for the sustenance of the army and the desti-
tute people.
The Suffolk correspondent ofth Baltimore