The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-04-04
BATTLE OF BENTONsvILLE.

without decisive results.
BATTLE OF BENTONSVILLE.
We have eonversed recently with several intel
Hgent officers and prlvates who were in the battle
Of Bentonsviile in this State, and our conclusion
from the information received is, that this was one
Of the hottest battles Of the war. An officer who
has shared all the fortunes Of the Army Tennes-
see informs that the roll Of musketry for two or
three hours, on Sunday the 10Th, equal to any
he had ever heard, with the exception OF the battle
Of Gettysburg. Our troops charged with steadi-
ness and impetuosty, driving the enemy from his
two lines of 5reastworks and occupying them
The battle Of Sunday brilliant victory for
Confederate arms. On Monday and Tuesday the
fight was renewed to extent; but we may
state with truth that Cen Johnston displayed as
much skill in Withdrawing his troops as he had
shown determination and vigor in the conflict Of
Sunday. 1t is not proper that should publish
the reports as to the position of the respective for
ces, but we may say that Gen. Johnston is in a
safe position where he can deal blow after blow on
the enemy.
Our loss in these battles is estimated at some
1000 killed, wounded and missing, and that of
the enemy at 5000 We learn that the North
Carolina Senior and Junior Reserves fought like
lions. These men and boys know no such word
rs fear.
Bentopsville is about forty miles south of Raj
eish, and is between Mill and Stones Greeks,
about four miles from Neuse river 1t is also about
fourteen miles south Of Smithfeld, in Johnston
County, aud on the line east from Fayetteville to
Goldsborough .-Roleigh STANDARD.
Correspondence of the Raleigh Progress.
CAMP PALMER's BRIGADE March %
"Never there dash aud gallantry dis
played than exhibited by Palmer's Brigade in
their successful assaults upon the breastworks Of
the enemy"
Mr. Editor:-The above is an extract from an
order issued by Major General Stevenson compli-
menting the troops Of his Division for their gal
lantry in the late fight at Bentonsville. AS the
5Sth and Goth N. G. Regiments are in Pamers
Brigade 1t will be source of qualification to their
numerous friends to learn that they acted with
great gallanry in this their first fight upon the soil
of their native State. The Brigade elicted praise
from both officers and men from different COM
mands for the manner in which they acted. 1t
was selected the directing column and at 3
O'Clock, p. M, moved steadily to the assault under
the immediate observation of Gems Stewart, Hill,
Stevenson and Palmer. 1t was the first Brigade
which reached the encmy's breastworks, which
they carried, and, without haltng FASTENED for
ward to attack them in their second and stronger
position. Here the enemy had strong line, sup
ported by artillery, but they were again forced
back by the irresistible courage aud determination
of our troops
The Brigade at this point captured several pieces
OF artillery and a number Of prisoners. They
moved forward some half mile to the trout under
a heavy fire, when the command was ordered to
halt and re establish more perfect line Never
theicss portion Of the Brigade still moved for
ward and pierced the centre of the Yankee army
Not being supported, this portion Of the Brigade
came very near being captured strong Yankee
in tho I
finding that they were entirely cut off from their
command were forced to tear their glorious ban
ners from their staff, and commence the tedious
and daring task Of rejoining their command by
thanking from the of Sherman's entire left
wing
Several men from this party have arrived in
camp, after having passed through Shermans rear
ordnance train; and we have great hopes that the
greater part of the number will yet rcioin US
Had the nature Of the ground permitted the
rapid movement Of the troops, there is no doubt
that our success would have been complete Too
much praise cannot be given for the skiful manner
In which General Jos 3 Palmer handled the troops
OF his brigade on this occasion. Ever foremost in
the thlckest of the fight, he inspired his command
with that courage and determination which can
know no defeat In fact, both officers and men
acted nobly, and taught Sherman a lesson which
he will never forget. The Army of Tennessee has
N
feat Sherman whenever they are willing to charge
as they did on this OCCASION
The loss of the Brigade was quite severe, pro-
badly twice as great that Of any other Brigade
In the army. 1t seemed almost miraculous that
any could escape under such heavy FIRE from the |
enemy. The battle field being dense pine forest.
afforded great protection to our advancing column.
Our Brigade lost several valuable field officers -
Capt Lowe, Inspector General on Palmer's staff,
who has always acted with great gallantry, was
seriously but not mortaly wounded. X
Parson Browniow, ''Governor" elect of Ten |
nessee, has been awarded $4,000 III suit for .
damages inflicted by imprisonment and persecu-
ton at the hands of certain prominent rebels of
Knoxville, which is to be assessed upon the prop
erty OF ramsey, Sneed and others, who were infu-
entail, IN the early days of the rebellion in get
lug the Parson into jail.-Norhera Paper