Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-08-18
Correspondence of the Savannah Morning News.

MACoN, au&. D. 4cps.
Ed. NeWs Communication between this city and
Savannah having been interrupted by the late raid,
have not been able to send you any port OF what has
occurred 10 this vicinity during the past week. As
account Of the affairs have already doubt been
published, 1 will briefly give you few particulars
which, perhaps, may not have reached you. On last
Friday about O'Clock in Tie stseInoon courers ar
rived 10 this city, reporting that the ankees were Al
Clinton, in Jones county, about twelve miles from Ala
con. The artillery and infantry took up their pos ons
directed by Generals Cobb and Joseph f. Johnston
We turned out in all about elk thousand men, all Of
whom in fine spirits and eager 10 meet the lnva-
ders. number of tlot rs also sent to Mlledge-
vile and Gris wodvilIe,
On Saturday morning the courers reported the an
KEGS about three miles from this city. At about Blk
the skirmishing began ard by the fight was fairly
opened. The shells and mnie balls soon began to ny
in ali directions reaching the workshops and ware
houses OF the Central railroad. A great numbar OF
the enemys shells did not explode Three shells passed
through Mr. Cutters house in East Macon, but did no
serious damage. Our troops advanced on the enemy.
forcing them back aud about eleven O'Clock the an
KEGS gave way and retired in disorder Their officers
tried in vain TO rIiy them, but without eject They
scattered in all directions.
The dead and wounded were then cared for, ard
brought in. Some of the poor fellows were badly
wounded Our loss will number ten killed and forty
two wounded. Our troops continued in pursuit of the
enemy, ard in few hours Gen. Stoneman and about
seven hundred of lis men prisoners Gen. Stone
man was captured about eighteen miles from Macon,
with all bis oicers Gen Stoneman is tall map, with
light brown beard and dark hair His features very
regular but upon entering this city his countenance
wore detected and haggard aspect. He stated to a
Confederate officer that he NOR tilted and humllla-
ted at being compelled to surrender to interior force
He said that his out with fatigue and
want of Sleep dsprited with the loss they had sustain
3D. and were so demorazed that they could not and
would not fight. He said they all western troops
selected for this raid and that their object to cap
ture Macon and relieve The Yankee officers confined at
Camp OglethoIpe He was greatly disappointed at the
force brought against him, having been info rmed that
Macon and the surrounding country entirely des
tute of troops Instead of releasing his brother officers
at Camp Oglethorpe, be has been assigned quarters
there himself, where be will have opportunity to re-
fleet upon the vciesudes OF fortune.
This battle will be known the battle OF Sunshine
Church. 10 General Alfred Iverson is due the honor
and credit OF tn, capture aud dispersion of very for
midsble raid. The enemy lost about two hundred men
in killed and wounded. Many of them had large
quantity of jewelry, money and watches on their per
sons all of which they bad stolen their route. We
captared s their artillery, and upwards OF one th0us
and fine SharpS eight shooter rifles together with
large number Of horses.
| The enemy were ali made to march into the city
about eleven o'clock yesterday morning. They are all
fine, large men, but very dirty.
We have Just heard from Eatonton The raiders
have burnt the warehouse at that place. When they
first attempted fire the building tine Agent begged
them desst, AID they went of, but the commanding
officer ordered them back and compelled tham to fire
the building.
All again quiet, tie trains will run through
Sunday or Monday