Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1864-09-07
WAR NEWS.
The late Fight at Rsams, statisx.

WAR NEWS.
The late Fight at Rlams' Station.
A correspondent of the Erprsss writing from
Malones crossing on the Petersburg and Weldon
Railroad, under date of Aug. Goth, says:
The people residing in this locality, have just re-
ceived idea of the war, which has most indelbly
impressed it upon their minds. Heretofore they
have only read the newspaper accounts end heard
the ,recials of the wounded and convalescent, as
they would pass back and forth to their homes.
We felt sure the Confederate authorities would
protect this Railroad, but this feeling Of security
was greatly shaken, however, when on yesterday
two weeks ago, We learned that Grant had suddenly
swung around an entire army corps, seized the
road, and proceeded to fortify. The subsequent
unsuccessful efforts of our forces to dislodge the
enemy, had the effect to still further depress us,
and when, during the past five or six days, we
learned that the enemy we're gradually extending
their lines down the road, hope gave way to a feel
ing of deep despair. We prepared fer the worst,
and many, We regret to say, have realized all and
more than they expected
Destruction of the Railroad.
walk to-day, from the IA Mile Crossing to
Reams, distance of four miles, showed truly
sad scene On both sides of tho track the enemy
have swept fences and crops, leaving scarcely
vestige remaining. The crops consisting chiefly of
corn and sorghum have been fed to men and horses,
and the fsnces piled upon the railroad sls to assist
in the burning.
Tho road is quite ehectualy destroyed .s far As
Mrs. Fannie Hattons place, distance of about 2t
miles south Of Reams' Station. Above the station,
l did not extend my walk, and therefore cannot
speak from observation, but from all can learn,
the same destruction has taken place at least to the
y ellow Tavern making al about nine miles of the
track destroyed. In some places observed that
the ss had not been destroyed but for the greater
portion of the distance, sills have been burnt and
the iron heated.
The Battle Yesterday.
The battle yesterday opened in this immediate
neighborhood, early ss II o'clock, and was COM
marded by that gallant son of South Carolina, Gen.
Wade Hampton. He had at hand his brave asss-
tants, Generals Butler, Rosser, Barringsr and also
Chambliss' Virginia brigade, whose noble leader
fell but few days since on the north Of James riv-
er, but by whom commanded yesterday, have been
unable to learn.
The enemy's cavalry were centred chiefly about
Malones crossing, with = strong force extending
out on the county road leading to Brunswick stage
road This force was encountered half mile or
more from the rsilroad and our cavalry dismounted
and ordered to charge.
Like veterans they obeyed the command, and un.
der the eye of their great leader, rushed forward
with an impetuosity that proved irresistible Upon
nearing the railroad, there are woods to protect
an assauiting column, and the approach is up
steep hill. Through this open space and up tAis
rising ground, our fighting troopers drove the enc
my to and beyond the railroad, for q distance Of
half mile or more. In the meantime, such of tie
enemy as had advanced to the south Of the crossing
hearing the firing on their right quickly drew il
thsir lines and fell back.
The way being now clear south of the crossing
Gsn. Hampton quickly swung bis column of dis
mounted cavalry around to the right of thesrail
road, facing in the direction of Petersburg and con
tinued to advance, the enemy falling back befor,
| him.
From short distance above the farm formerl,
owned and occupied by Dr. Crawford, on both side,
of the railroad the enemy had thrown up strons
fortihcatioas, bultof logs, fence rails and EARTH
These Notifications extended on the left high ur
as the lower water tank at Rsams stretching across
| the road, and passing on to the right in front O
Oak Grove Church ~ far east as Emmons plaata
tlon On the right the enemy's works extended uE
the side of the county road from L.niers place tt
about 400 yards this side of Duvars Blacksmith
shop, where they abruptly turn to the right anc
I extend in northeasterly direction around DuyaI.
sugar cane field, until they strike the other line o
works away off near Emmons' place. They wer
protecte3 on all Sides and IS they thought both il
front and rear.
Ata given signal. the order to charge was given
ana on both SIDES OF the road up came the Copfsd
crate troops-ths cavalry on tho right, and Gen
A. +. hills infantry on the left. Both charges
were alike successful, but the works on the lef
being the strongest, and most heavily manned, tn,
infantry suffered most. The cavalry never Tough
better, and many of them leaped the brsastwork
and shot such Of the enemy as remained in th'
trenches The cavalry column couprissd Georgi
ans, South Carolinians, North Carolinians and Vir
g'nlans, all racing to be in first at what they OK
pected would be the death struggle. Strange t.
say, the casualties here were unprecedentsdly
small, and am credibly informed that the 18th
Virginia regiment lost not man killed, and hst
but two wounded Capt. Junius Goodwin, vel
known In your city, commanded 4 squadron o
Chambliss brigade, and was in the thieLest of tn
fight. Fifteen of his men captured fftyon pris
| Oners.
Gen. Hampton occspisd prominent position
overlooking the field, and it was enough for tn,
cavalry to know that the eye of their noble leade
was upon them, and that his wise head and skill
full hand controlled and directed all their operations
! General Hampton will prove most worthy sue
cessor to the chiValrous Stuart The men not onl,
have confidence in him, but they love him, and a
long as bis life is spared to command them, w
may safely predict in future for the cavalr
where it is possible to command success.
Of the subordinate cavalry generals, it was N,
fortune to meet only with Gen. Barringsr of Nortl
Carolina. more courteous gentleman, and on
who enjoys to greater extent the esteem and res
pect of his men, the service cannot beast Gen
| B. has done much service in the vicinity Of Peters
burg; and your people are nuch indebted to hin
and his men for their timely aid On the memorabl
| 9th Of June, wnen kautzs raiders actually enters