Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1865-03-29
From the Prosress1
Battle Of BentonsyiIle

CANT PAINBR's BR1aABH,l
March %, 1865.
"Never wss there more dash and gallautry' dis-
played than was exhibited by Palmer's Brigade in
their successful assaults upon the breastworks Of the
enemy"
MR. .ED1ToR:- above Is an extract from an
srGer issued by Aaj. Gen. Stevenson complimentihg
the troops of his Division for their gaantry in the
late fight at Bentonsvile. As the 58lh and Goth N.
c. Regiments are in Palmer's Brigade, it will be
:.urce Of qualification to their numerous friends to
learn that they acted with great galantry in this
their first fight upon the soil of their native State.
The Brigade elected praise from both officers and
from different commands for the manner in
which they acted. 1t selscted as the directing
coumn, and at o'clock, p. NJ, moved steadily to
the assault under tho immediate observation of Gems
Stewart, Hill, Stevenson aud Palmer. 1t was the
first Brigade which reached the eremys breastworks,
which they carried, and, without hating, hastened
forward 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 and determination of our
troops
The Brigade at this point. captured several pieces
of artillery and number Of prisoners. They moved
forward some half mile to the front under heavy
FIRE, when the command was ordered to halt and re-
establish more perfect line. Nevertheless portion
of the Brigade still moved forward and pierced tho
centre of the Yankee army. Not being supported,
this portion. of the Brigade came very near being
captured. A strong Yankee line was formed in the
rear, and some $50 man finding that they were en-
tirely cut o from their command were forced to tear
their glorious banners from their staff and commence
the tedious and daring task Of rejoning their COM
mand by fanking from tho rear of Shermau's entire
left wing.
Several men from this party have arrived In camp,
after having passed through Shermans ordnance
train and We have great hopes that the greater part
Of the number will yet rejoin US.
Had the nature of the ground permitted the rapid
movement Of the troops, there is doubt that our
,uccess would have been complete. Too much
praise caLnst be given for the skilful manner in
which Ger JOS B. Palmer handled the troops of his
Brigade Oh this occasion. Ever foremost in tbs
thicktst Of the fight. be inspired bis command with
that courage and determination which Can know nc
defeat. In fact, both officers and men acted noby
and taught Sherman ; lesson which he will never
ferget. The Army Of Tennessee has at last learned
that it is within their power to defeat Sherman when
ever they are willing to charge they did on thi
occasion.
The loss of the Brigade was quite severe, probably
twice great that Of any other Brigade in the
my 1t seemed almost miraculous that any -coulc
escape under such heavy fire from the enemy. Th,
battle field beiag dense piuc forest, affrded grea
protection to cur advancing column. Our Brigad
lost several valuable field officers. Capt. Lowe, Iu
spectox General on Pahner's staff, who has alway
acted with great galantry, was seriously but no
mortally wounded. \.