The National tribune., 1897-08-12

organized, and returned, catching Hamp-
tons men in turn, scattered and drove
them away, recovering most of his camp
and artillery but Hampton got off with
Kilpatrick's private horses and a couple
hundred prisoners, of which he boasted
much in passing through Fayetteville.
ENTERING FAYETTEVILLE.
1t was also reported that in the morn
ing. after Hardee's army was all across
the bridge at Cape Fear River, Hamp-
ton, with small body-guard, had re-
manned in town, ready to retreat and
burn the bridge as soon as our forces
made their appearance. He was getting
breakfast at the hotel when the alarm
was given, when he and his escort took
saddle, but soon realized that the alarm
came from a set of our foragers, who, as
usual, were extremely bold and rash.
On these he turned; scattered them, kill
ing some and making others prisoners;
among them Gen. Howard's favorite
scout, Capt. Duncan. Hampton then
crossed the bridge and burned it.
/ took up my quarters at the old
United States Arsenal, which was in fine
order, and had been much enlarged by
the Confederate authorities, who never
dreamed that an invading army would
reach it from the west; and / also found
in Fayetteville the widow and daughter
of my first Captain Gen. Childs, of the
Sd Artillery, J learned that her son Fred
had been the Ordnance Officer in charge
of the arsenal, and had, of course, fed
with Hardee's army.
During the 18th the whole army
closed down upon Fayetteville, and i'm
mediate preparations were made to lay
two pontoon bridges, one near the
burned bridge, and another about four
miles lower down.
Sunday, March y, was day Of
Sabbath stiffness in Fayetteville. The
people generally attended their churches,
for they were a very pious people, de-
scended in a large measure from the old
Scotch Covenanters, and our men, too,
were resting from the tolls and labors OF
six weeks of as hard marching as ever
fell to the lot of soldiers Shortly after
noon was heard in the distance the
shrill whistle of steamboat, which
came nearer and nearer, and soon q
shout, long and continuous, was raised
down by the river, which spread farther
and farther, and we all felt that il
meant messenger from home.
The effect was electric, and no ons
can realize the feeling unless, like us
he has been for months cut off from al
communication with friends, and com
PEELED to listen to the croakings ane
prognostications Of open enemies. Blu
in very few minutes came up>througl
the town to the arsenal on the platea
behind a group of officers, among whom
; was large, iorid seafaring man names
Ainsworth, bearing a small mail-ba
from Gen. Terry, at Wilmington, havin
left at p. m. the day before. Gu
couriers had got through safe fror
Laurel Hill, and this was the promr
= reply.
COMMUNICATIONS OPENED.
/ As in the case Of our former mare
: from Atlanta, intense anxiety had bee
felt for our safety, and Gen. Terry ha
been prompt TO open communication
After a few minutes conference wit
Capt. Ainsworth about the capacity
e his boat, and the state of facts along til
II river, | instructed him to be ready I
start back at 6 p. M, and ordered Cap
1t Byers to get ready to carry dispatch,
e to Washington. | also authorized Gel
= Howard to send back by this oppo
o tunity some of the fugitives who ha
e travelled with his army all the way frol
Columbia, among whom were Nh
Feaster and her two beautiful daug
h tiers.
a ] Immediately prepared letters f