The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-05-03

sired, aud where all Gid so we'll it would be next
to Injustice to discriminate. The gallant Colonel
Mercer was killed whie leading acharge, and thus
sealed with his life-blood his devotion 10 his con-
try He was native of Georgia, and Che only
field officer lost by us during the siege of Plymouth.
The Richmond Examiner gives the following
facts concerning the fight and the victory, obtain
ed from participant:
awe have had conversation with George
King, Sergeant in the 1lth Virginia regiment,
who participated in the battle, and who was sent
on in charge of some Of the wounded men. He
gives us stirring version of the battle and some
interesting details He states that troops
started from Tarboro' on Friday and reached the
cross roads, three miles from Plymouth, on Sun
day evening. Kemper's brigade, consisting of the
First, Eleventh and Twenty -fourth Virginia reg-
ments, was ordered to the front, and drove in the
enemys pickets at War Neck. The other forces,
Hoke's and Ransoms brgades of North Carolina
troops, and one reg iment of Georgians, were sub
sequently engaged. bearings battalion of artille-
ny, in which are the Fayette from Richmond,
Lathams from Lynchburg, Branch'sfrom Peters
burg, and others, commenced canDonadiDg the
enemy Monday morning, and continued their fire
at intervals during the day and night
On Tuesday desultory firing took place between
our forces aud the enemy, who protected by
eight forts and five gunboats During the day the
troops on our right carried by storm Of the
enemy's works which mounted four guns.
The principal fort was Fort Williams, eight
guns. This was regarded as the key of the posi-
tiou Tuesday evening flag of truce sent
to Fort Williams demanding the surrender of the
enemy The flag taken by Colonel bearing
and another officer; and General Vessel, the
Yankee commander, refused to treat with them,
but requested conference with the general COM
handing. At the interview which enseed the
Yankee commander said to General Hoke that if
he surrendered he would be sacrificed by his gov
eminent, and he feared, would be retired from the
service.
"Then," replied General Hoke II understand
that you fighting for your commission and tor
no other cause. If such is your reply, have on
ly to compel your surrender, which will do If
have to fight to the last mao"
The general assault followed Wednesday morn
| ing. 1t was made by all our forces. AS our
troops within range of the artillery, they suf
fered very severely, as the ground ia front had
been surveyed and was saked off with target posts
for artillery practice. Latham's battery had been
placed just by one of the targets, and was shelled
with such skill by the enemy that all his horses
were killed AS our troops steadily advanced upon
the enemy's works, the Yankees, not waiting for
their charge, threw away their arms and rushed
forward with cries and tokens of surrender
There were white hankerchiefs suddenly unfurl-
ed at all parts of the enemys lines General
Vessel and bis staff were left alone in Fort Will
ams, the garrison having gone over to US under
the white handkerchief display, and they thus Tell
into our hands as prisoners of war.