The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1895-11-23

tai were being sent to me TO defend it
on the South side, and it did not oC-
cur to me to send forward the regi-
ment to Richmond, merely to be re-
turned, for the important purposes al
ready indicated.
Although the enemy was defeated
on the 10th, and driven back to his
works mt Bermuda Hundred, he still
very Outnumbered me and held a mem
acing position dangerous 10 the safety
of the capital. l did not deem it pru-
dent and wise therefore, to send it on
the 18th to Richmond, but directed it
to watch and protect my flank ON
James river.
May 22d, Col Fcrcbee. with the
Fourth n. c., having renewed Col. Ba-
ller, was ordered Immediately to re
port to gen. Bragg at Richmond, and
he did so on the evening of the 23d. The
detention was authorized, l respect
fully submit, by the eXigencies of the
case and demonstrated by the signal
service the command rendered ON the
10th at Drewery's Bluff"
lie asked for a court of inquiry, but
Gen. Lee expressed himself as salts
fed, dismissed Bragg's complaint and
refused a court.
On this occasion Col. Baker repeats
that his marches were thirty miles a
day, and that as soon as pickets and
cOuricrs reached camp under orders
at midnight, he started at 3 a. IN. Little
rest was there for the wearied soldier
for the remainder of the bloody strug-
gle.
a few weeks later, June DIST, 1864,
the regiment lost Col. Baker by cap
ture. He was considerably in advance
of the regiment, with but one or two
men. 1t is thus told by the enemy:
June 21st, 1864, $40 p. IN.
''Theo. Lyman to Maj. Gen. Meade:
Il have just been to meet Gen. Bar
low. About mile from the railroad
wv. d w. and Petersburg he engaged
dismounted cavalry and two guns;
took the Colonel of the Third n. G..
Cavalry, who thinks Early is behind
on the railroad
During the month of August the re
organization of the field officers took
place, as heretofore referred to, and
Maj. Roger Moore promoted later to
Lieutenant Colonel) was left in com
mand. The regiment was now in the
brigade of Gen Rufus Barringer.
where it remained for the rest of the
war. 1t was in the division of Gen.
w. II. L. Lee, under command of Gen
Wade Hampton, commanding the
corps of cavalry.
1t participated in the brilliant at
tack on the enemy at Reams' Station,
August 25th, 1864. From Gen. Hamp-
tons report the following is taken:
Gen. Barringer, whom / had sent
with his brigade to the east of the rail
road, reported that he had met
strong force of infantry with cavalry
| ordered him to picket the road
strongly and join me with his COM
mand at Malone's Crossing. 4 y
Col. Roberts. with his regiment,
charged here one line of rifie-pits, car
rying it handsomely and capturing
from sixty to seventy-fiye prisoners
He struck the rear of the
enemy, with Barringer's brigade in
the center of his force Under heavy
fire of artillery and musketry the line
advanced steadily, driving the enemy
into his works. Here he made a stub
born stand, and for few moments
checked our advance, but the spirit of
the men was so fine that they charged
the breast-works with the utmost gal
lantry, carried them and captured the
force holding them. This ended the
hghtIng, my men having been engaged
twelve hours. We captured ISL pris-
oners, 25 commissioned officers; buried
143 OF the enemy and brought off IS
OF their wounded. Our loss was: total
killed, IS; wounded, IS; missing. 3. OF
these Barringer had 10 killed. so
wounded, l missing. Gen.
Barringer commanded Lees division
to my satisfaction, while his brigade
commanders, Col. Davis and Col.
Cheek, performed their parts we'll"
The following letter from Gen. Lee
to Governor Vance, in reference to this
gallant achievement, will live in his
tory as one of the fairest laureIs ever
won by sons of the Old North State.
Under date of August 20, 1864. he
writes:
Il have frequently been called upon
TO mention the services Of North Coro-
lima soldiers in this army, but their
gallantry and conduct were never
more deserving of admiration than in
the engagement at Reams' Station on
the 25th inst.
The brigades Of Generals Cooke. Me
Rae and Lane. the last under the COM
mand of Gen. Conner. advanced
through a thick abaltis Of felled trees.
under a heavy fire OF musketrv and
artillery and carried the enemies
works with Il steady courage that
ELECTED the warm commentator Of
their corps and division commanders.
and the admiration of the army On
the same occasion the brigade of Gen.
Barringer bore a conspicuous part i'm
the operations of the cavalry. which
were not less distinguished for bold
ness and efficiency than those of the
infantry.
Ii men who remain inNorth Caro-
lima share the spirit of those they have
sent to the field, as I doubt not they
do, her defense may he securely in
trusted to their hands"
| am with great respect.
Your obedient servant.
Il. f. LEE.
General.
His Excellency L. h. Vance, Governor
of North Carolina.
The dark and gloomy winter. the
last of the war, was now approaching
The regiment was now to endure the