The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-10-18
CoLoRED TROOPS.
march from Fort Fisher to Wilmington.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: After the capt
are Of Fort Fisher our division (colored troopsl,
commanded by Brig.-Gen. c.. J. Paine (who has
since become famous as the builder of the fast
sailing yachts Mayfiower and YolnGtteer)
was stretched from ocean te river, behind
earthworks, facing toward Wilmington. The
JOhnnies in our immediate front were active
and vigilant. Fort Anderson on the opposite
bank of Cape Fear River, became especially OBJ
noxious; in fact, we lost all respect for them.
They seemed to owe us grudge and did their
best to make our lives miserable. One day,
while lot OF officers and men were lying upon
the ground in the rear of our guns, Fort An
dersou opened up with their big guns. One
shell struck the ground Immediately in front
Of a row Of men, burying itself and exploding
directly under them. Strange as it may seem,
none of the men were seriously injured, al
though lifted several feet into the air. On the
morning of the 18th of February, 1865, some of
our pickets came in and reported to Gems.
Paine and Terry that the enemy had left our
front during the night. In short order our
column was in pursuit. The occasion of this
hasty retreat Of the rebel forces was the capt
ure Of Fort Anderson by Gen. Schofeld's force
on the night of the 18th, making the rebel line
on our side of the river untenable.
During the afternoon our advance came up
with their rear-guard; skirmishing was at
once In order. and was kept up until night
In the morning we found the Johnnies had
again left without saying good-by. Again we
pushed on and came up with them, when a
lively and vigorous skirmish ensued, artillery
being used on both sides. The 1st 9th and 9th
Colored Troops We're the sufferers, losing about
80 men. Our brigade commander, Col. Wright
and his Aid-de-Camp, Lieut.. Simmons, were
both wounded, the latter losing leg The
rebels held their ground, but only to leave
during the night of the 21st
80 =
motion. One and a half miles south of Will
mington a strong chain of forts covered the
approaches to the city. When we came in
sight of the works our columns were halted,
stragglers gathered in, ranks dressed, colors
unfurled, and away we went for the works,
over whose sides we clambered only to find
them deserted, save by some heavy guns,
which had been carefully spiked. AT the out
skirts OF the city one solitary Union flag in the
hands Of an aged colored woman greeted our
eyes. With cheers we saluted her and the
flag, which she had preserved at the risk of her
life. The streets were thronged with colored
people, all In a high state of excitement, shout
ing Glory TO de Lord. The blessed day OBJ
SALVATION am cum. De good Lord bress Massa
Linkum7
They all seemed to have an intuitive knowl-
edge that their shackles were broken; that
hencefOrth and forever they were free. No
wonder, then, that their long pent-up feelings
should be beyond restraint. Their cherished
dreams Of liberty and freedom were at last to
be realized. The dawn of new existence was
beginning for them. Born again from slavery
to freedom. What glorious transition
However humble the instrument or part
taken in liberating these grateful beings. it
should be enough to fill the heart with glow
ing admiration for the results of this days
work. Ny heart was full. I was proud of the
color Of my uniform and of the grand old ban
ner under which we marched Now it floats
over the home Of the free aud the land Of the
brave" Was it not glorious way to celebrate
Washington's birthday?
We marched to the north side Of the city,
where portion of the column halted, while
the balance pushed on after the fleeing enemy.
Late Ia the afternoon we came up with them
at the railroad bridge crossing North East
River. The bridge was already burning.
They had laid a pontOon bridge, and were
rapidly crossing. battery on the opposite
side opened up and lively artillery duel took
place, during which they all succeeded in
crossing the river without any great loss to
either side
The condition of our men was bad, some be-
ing ragged and shoeless rations exhausted; In
fact, all a good many had to eat at this time was
psrched corn. We went into camp 10 recruit
and obtain supplies before continuing the
march TO join Shermsn's forces, which We uiti-
mately did al OF near GoldsbOro.
At this point l desire to bear testimony to
the zeal, fidelity. ability and courage displayed
by the cOlOred troops during this long and
eyentful eampaign.-A. q. JONES, Adjutant,
9th Z. S. c. T.