The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-05-17
THE EXPEDITION TO NEwBERN.
From the Goldsboro Journal, 10th May.

We (the Junior returned on Sunday morning
from the ssfront" at Newbern whittier we had been
to see and record the result Of the expedition
manded by Maj Gen r Hoke. The result is
now generally known, and in the few remarks we
purpose making, it is our intention merely to re-
cord few details.
| The main body of Gen Hoke's troops encamped
on the north side of Trent river Wednesday
night the 4th inst Before going into camp, how
ever, a force was sent to Deep Gully, from which
three companies of Yankees were quickly elected
On Thursday morning the troops crossed to the
south side of the river and early in the afternoon
arrived on the south side of Newbern.
The main body was preceded by our cavalry un-
der command of Brig Gen bearing. They crossed
Brices Creek in two bcdies-at Evans Mill and
at point higher up, nearly opposite Croatan sta
ton. At the former place they encountered a
somewhat formidable block house with necessary
outworks, garrisoned by fifty to one hundred Yam
KEGS, who Immediately opened on our cavalry with
one piece of artillery. They fred but two shots
when one of our batteries was put into position
and vigorously replied. One more shot from the
Yankees and they fed, taking their gun with them
but leaving one of their number pierced through
the head bySa musket ball from the cavalry. AT
the latter crossing the ehemy's pickets were en-
countered and four Of them captured. The adj
vance columns shortly afterwards passed over by
LVaES MIL uuIutcTTupteu
Gen. bearing has made an attempt to cut of
the train going down from Newbern to Morehead
City, but in consequence of an unexpected delay
in cutting his way through swamp, was too late.
lie then turned his attention to the destruction OF
the railroad, with a success which dense columns
| of smoke too truly attested. He next pushed for
ward to Croatan where be found considerable
fort or block-house garrisoned by pretty heavy
force. He had this work surrounded and then
made demand for its surrender, in terms more
emphatic thar polite. ..s.-.-
They refused. however, and a section of artillery
was Immediately applied for to Gen Hoke-the
jaded horses, we presume, not being fit condi-
ton to "storm' the works. Before the artillery
arrived, however, the Yankees surrendered to the
horsemen. Ffty-nine prisoners were taken with
their arms accoutrements &c. On our side no.
body hurt. ..
Whilst this was going on, the main body was
pushed on towards the railroad along the road
leading from Evans Mill. The exploits of Gen
bearing had by this time attracted the enemy s
attention aud their railroad monitor was sent out
to check our advance. Gen Hoke now ordered
forward number Of pieces of his artillery which
were put into position by the side Of the railroad
Between these guns and the Yankee railroad moni
tor a spirited duel ensued lasting for about one
hour Amongst the artllerymen on our side no
injury was done to man, horse, gun caisson
On the part of the enemy we could not ascertain
the damage.
During the progress of the duel fort on the
river side, towards the mouth Of Brice's Creek,
threw number of heavy shells in the direction Of
the artillery, and the point at which the infantry
was held in reserve. From this fire suffered
to the extept of five men killed and some twelve
or thirteen wounded.
During the progress Of the firing, Gen Hoke re-
connoitered the works of the enemy and pronounced
thenr 'pretty strong"
Next morning demand was sent in by. flag of
truce for the surrender of the town. This request
was politely declined, after delay of three hours,
and as had already been decided upon, our troops
then began to move of-their presence, in the
language of the Yankee telegram announcing the
evacuation of Washington, being required else
where. The retreat was conducted without the
slightest interruption, our men, however, being
much disappointed in their desire to drive the last
Yankee from the State
The question is much discussed by outsiders
whether could have captured Newbern, had
time been afforded. We cannot really say. The
troops know they could, but we don't. The AL
bernardo should have been up to assist them
Thursday night or Friday morning, but she did
not come. With her we think the Yankees would
have been "dug OUT" without her the attempt
was very properly not made, and there the matter
must rest SO far as opinion is concerned.
The cause of the non arrival of the iron clad
Albemare is briefly this. On the 9th she passed
down the, Roanoke and within nine miles of its
mouth encountered nine Yankee guu5oats An
engagement ensued, lasting during the whole af-
ternoon, in which she sunk one gunboat, crippled
three and off the remainder, not, however, be-
fore they had captured her tender, the Bombshell,
laden with coal, &c. This compelled the Abe
marie to return to Plymouth for another tender to
insure her fuel, and this delay caused her non-
appearance amongst the Yankee craft at Newbern.
The Bombshell was small Yankee transport re-
Gently captured at Plymouth. The Albemarle
was not hurt.
We marched with our troops from Kinston to
Newbern and back, aDd it gives great pleasure
to bear testimony to their spirit and discipline.
Heavy marches of twenty-five and twenty-five miles
accomplished without scarce murmur over
dry, dusty roads, ill supplied with water. When
it is remembered that most of these men had then
been marching for over twenty days, with sore and
blistered feet, the patience of the brave fellows
may be fully appreciated We heard but one
murmur, and that was very general amongst men
and officers, and that was-that they had to endure
SO much suffering and fatigue without being per-
mitted to "fnish the job" With such troops,
what may not be accomplished.