Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-04-16
From the Raleigh Standard

From the Raleigh Standard.
COL Mnliett's Report of the Fight at Kinstop.
Gsrsrnsr: -Confinement to my bed for the last two
ronths will trust be apology sufficient for the ceay
ia reporting to your Exeeencyt part takes oy my
command in the battle near Kinston, Sunday, De-
gambler l4ta.
ine at o'clsck and reported Immediately to General
Evans who ordered me To take position with my Bat
TALON consisting f19 officers aud 400 men, in the rifle
nits or the East bank of the Neuse river to support
j. c. battery, commanding the county bridge At S7a
O'Clock we were 10 position, ard 10 few moments mus
kerry firing commenced tie left of the lire OF battle
which was formed the West side OF the river and at
o'clock the first gun was fred by the artilery All
81 received order to march al doube quick across
the bridge Having crossed met Gen. Ev'ns on the
West side directing pouring spirits OF turpentine
on cotton placed upon the bridge. He ordered me to
take INV command through the field on The right Of the
White Hall road, ana engage the euemy.
We passed thro1. the field under fire Of shell from
III eremy, dosing many to the distance OF quar-
ter OF a mile, to fence the edge OF swamp the
other side OF which the enemy appeared TO be IN force
Here engaged for some time, but the principal
point OF attack appeared to be the Church known
Horrietts Chapel on my left, where was stationed
section of Starts battery supported by tie 6lst n. o.
Troops under Col r GcIifa. At length, the firing up
on nv part of the line ceased almost entirely Being
anxious to charge the ensmy and drive them back,
sent Lieut. Little to the section of artillery On my lett
10 ascertain the real position of the enemy and of
forces, as it impossible to charge through the swamp
in nay front.
About the time OF Lieut. Littles return, without
any accurate information received written order
from Gen. Evans BY courier, viz Z" Colonel, let me
know If the enemy in yeur front; if not join at
the bridge" At this time, there being indication
of the enemy in 'front.' drew off in good order and
turned to the bridge, but TO my surprise, General
Evans was absent leaving orders or instructions
for
Observing the s. G. Battery commanding the bridge
had been removed and the bridge apparently deserted
l concluded the General waiting for me on the
East side retreated towards kinston, end proceeded
across the bridge In few moments after crossing
by officer of his staff with orders e go back
This ORDER l promptly obeyed, marching again at a
double quick through the field to my former posi-
ton under heavy FIRE from the enemys artillery, and
almost im2ICdia tely holly engaged with bis ntan
try. La about hour | was reinforced with 80 or
100 men from the 6lst regiment n. q. T., commanded
By Lieut. Col DeVane, who took position my right.
The enemy made vigorous charge at this time my
left and vigorously repulsed. Old veterans
could not have met their foe with cooness and
decentralization these newly tried men, He appear
ed determined to force bis way throug my lines at the
church. l ordered Lieut. Col Devane to reinforce my
lett. He took his position promptly aud did good
vice and here take pleasure 10 testifyng to bis cool
ness ard undoubted bravery With his assistance and
the company o! my right flank, commanded by Lieut..
McRae also ordered to The left held the enemy in
check for some time.
My ammunition now began to fail, and after sending
repeatedly 10 the rear, could not be repenshed Ap-
pTe0euOlnS an 10 turn my ALSO, CapIhu
McRae (actIng as my Lieut.. Col.l directed to 90
serve closely and give immediate notice of any ad
vance in that direction. He reported the enemy in
force, who, however, made attempt to Hank me-
owing suppose, to the inpenetrab!e swamp between
At this time, having he'd the enemy i'll check about
three hours and looking IN vain Tor further reinforce
meats 1.-THE section of artillery the church retired
| since learned for want of ammunitiOn,) Immediately
after Lieut.. Col. Devane sent word the enemy
Aanking on the left and withdrew his men toward
the bridge.
Finding myself alone, and the enemy pressing upon
us ordered q retreat which made In good order,
the continuing their ERE with good effect. AT the
bridge intended TO make another stand, but on ap-
preaching, found on fire. and crowded with m2n en-
desyeripg to eress. paDic ensued the enemy press
ing upon in two directions at doUOa quick IN large
force, and the bridge, the only means of escape, IN
flames. The greater portion OF my command succeed
ed in crossing, while others were driven back by the
flames. While endaavoring to keep the men back
tearing the bridge would fall every moment was
wounded in the leg by minnie ball. and obliged to re-
linquish the command to Capt McRae, whose selfpos
session and bravery should not be left unnoticed.
Being under heavy cross fire from an oyerWhe Inning
force. my men and ammunition exhausted, and the
bridge mpassablP advised Capt. McRae to surrender
The enemy directed bis fire upon our retreating
troops the Kinston side of the river who spiredy
returned the fire with good eject, killing Col. Gray,
and Others near the bridge
The enemy's force was between 90 and IS 600 men,
with - pieces of artillery Gen Foster admitted to
had repulsed three of his veteran regiments with
loss Of 100 men, since ascertained to be about $50.
regret TO eport the loss of two OF my best officers
who Tell at the close OF the engagement 1t ID
Red commanding company II, fell by my side near
the bridge, aud 1t. Joseph FL. Hill commanding COM
pdny G, while retreating the kinston side. Both
led their companies CALAMITY through the entire engage
ment Drawer gallant young men (whose loss we
lament) never drew q swerd.
Our loss was killed, % wounded, missing, and
175 taken prisoners. After digent ssarch aud enqui
~ Tor Adjutant E. w. Manz and 1t. R. k. Williams,
reluctantly forced to include them in the list OF
killed.
Officers andmen, who nearly all were under fire the
FIRST time behaved with the coolnCss, determination
and bravery OF veterans.
1t would almost be invidious to call attention to any
particular one, but cannot refrain from Mentioning
theconspicous and gallant bravery OF 1t j. R. Mclean
commanding company /.
Hoping 1 may be allowed TO engage the enemy IN
der more favorable circumstaces.
l am Governor,
Your obi servant,
PETER AALLETT,
Colonel Commanding Battalion.
His Excelieney,