The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-02-16
PARTICULARS OF THE FIGHT NEAR
NEWBERN.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch
CAMP NEAR KInsToN, N. c., Feb 4, 1864.


CAMP NEAR K1NsToN, N. c., Feb 4, 1864.
Forty-eight hours ago / was standing on the
hill overlooking the strongly fortified town of
Newbern, now down trodden by vandalism and
treason; and now our brigade is quietly bvouacked
in. the woods near Kinston Some of our boys are
summing themselves, stretched lazily upon the
broom sedge, while many of them boiling their
rations of pork over their hot fires, recounting
their adventures of the past few days. As am
neither fatigued nor hungry, | will employ a few
moments In reciting to you the late dongs of this
command. On Saturday evening we were dump
ed out of the cars at Kinson, and, after marching
about five miles, were halted to cook our rations
for march; and BY light on Sunday morning we
started off the Dover road, perfectly ignorant
of our destination.
Before had gone very far we learned that
we were probably going to Newbern, and it seemed
more than probable that we were, and we antic-
pated jolly time pitching into the negro troops
there After marching through vast marsh,
which seemed interminable, We accomplished about
20 miles.and struck dry spot, where we rested
in the dark, not being allowed to kindle fires, and
exhausted soon fell asleep. Long before light we
were off again, and our advance captured the Yam
kee outpost pickets, and pushed on; but the alarm
was given, and volley or two of musk cts told us
that passage was disputed. Rapidly We push
ed ahead but on arriving at Bachelors Greek it
|
posted in strong earthworks, and had destroyed
the flooring of the bridge, preventing further pur-
suit Our regiment acting as sklrmlshers,
and after great deal of shooting in the dark we
ordered to protect ourselves aud remain where
We were, and l was Just nicely settled behind a
create stump to finish my nap. Suddenly the
whole heavens seemed on fire, and the thunder of
two cannon almost uprooted the stump which alone
stood between me and the Yankee Notifications.
Before the sound had died away, volley after vol
ley was fired by friends over the water, and
the minnes few thickly amongst and over us.
With the lightnngs swiftness the guns above us
belched forth their hail of iron and lead, and the
canister and minnies filled the air, and ratified
through the woods. For about an hour THIS furi-
Gus firing kept up, when, as if by mutual con-
sent, the firing ceased and all was again still and
ptchy dark; but did not attempt to resume my
nap. AS the light dawned an occasional shot
greeted our a rifeman imagined be got
glimpse of his foe A heavy mist hung the
creek, and, although lines were but twenty
five yards apart, the morning was far advanced be-
fore We could distinguish objects across the line
by degrees We able to distinguish the strong
line of Notifications along the edge Of the creek on
both tanks Of a powerful block-house which COM
manded the approach to the bridge.
Before the fog had raised, our cannon again
belched forth, and was again met with voeys Of
ninnies, and during this furious shower of shot
and shell the right of our line succeeded in push
ing through the marsh and effected a crossing,
fianking the enemy vigorous attack made
BY our noble boys, and the Yankees were driven
out, aud began falling back We rushed upon
the bridge, laid our pontoon panks, crossed, and
joined the fight Charging with yell, we broke
the line of the cowardly skunks who mizzled from
their cover. In the twinkling of an eye artil-
ery was gallopng after US, and was wheeled into
position, and engaged battery Of the Yankees
l. had i Ill
thing for our gallant artillerymen, and they fought
bravey, driving the Yankee battery off in fine
style. AS quick as lightning young officer in a
blue Yankee overcoat and slouched hat, who COM
handed batteries, ordered pieces to the front,
and off like TIE wind after the retreating artil
lery, regardless of the minnies and Belgian rife
balls which flew about him. Position after posi-
ton selected, but after few shots each was
abandoned, and onward dashed our artillery after
them: Though we pushed on as rapidly as our
legs would carry us, they far ahead and
the last we of them they were far ahead, to
our left hammering after train OF cars loaded
with Yankee troops. This officer, learn, is Capt
Caskie, of Virginia, who commanded portion of
behring's battalion.
Early IN the afternoon we reached the woods
overlooking Newbern, taking about $50 prisoners
In the chase. Here remained in line of battle
all night. The next day forces in the rear
captured splendid battery of two pieces, horses
DC, complete, and about 200 prisoners. who had
been cut off and had secreted themselves in the
woods. Since then some 100 more have been
taken, making in all between $50 and 500 prison |
ers and two pieces Of artillery, besides horses,
balances, and wagons MOTTO mention the plunder /
of Yankee camps which boys fell heirs to. AL |
together, We have bad jolly good time of it, and
have had a sight of Newbern. A. FL. ?.
The following official dispatch from Commander
Wood, gives She particulars of the destruction of
the gunboat mentioned in the dispatch of General
Pickett
KINsToN, Peb 4th, 1864.
Hon s Il Mallory: The force under my COM
mand boarded and captured, last night, the United
States gunboat Underwater, four guns, and ninety
men and officers. !
strong works of which rakng the vessel
during the time we had possession, and her not
having steam up caused me to burn her.
Our loss is twenty killed and wounded, aud four
missing the enemy's unknown.
j. TAYLOR WOoD.
pay~ We learn that among the Yankee prisoners !
taken below k!nston, there were forty FIVE desert
ers from Nethe1cutt's Battalion. They were in |
full Yankee uniform and will of course suffer the /
penalty eminently due the base crime of desertion
to the enemy. One deserter from the 9Th Regi-
ment caught 10 Yankee uniform, was shot on !
Thursday last, with several ers.-Ruleiyh Con-
teder0te