Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-13
KAUFMAN 4 CO., Fourth aaa Broad.


the night, and the next morning they
reached the open country above New
Berne.
When they arrived in sight OF the
town the boats were run into a small
stream and hid near the shore. The
party landed on what seemed to be a
little island covered with tall grass and
bushes. Here the men found temporary
shelter and rations were served. One OF
the launches, having been delayed by
running foul of the distractions In the
river, joined the remainder OF the expedi-
ton during the afternoon, and at mid
night the command was called to quarters
and the object of the expedition ex-
planned. The plans were as follows:
Major General George L. Pickett, who
was then in command OF the Confederate
army operating against New Berne, was
to open fire on the enemys lines around
the town, thus drawing their attention
to the land side, while Colonel Wood and
his command, under cover OF the diver
sions, was to attempt the capture by
boarding one or more OF the gunboats
and clear the river of the Federal naval
forces. Arms were inspected and ammu-
milton distributed, and everything made
ready TO embark on what each of the
party felt was a desperate enterprise.
To enable the Confederates to distin-
guish their comrades in the dark each
man had a white rag on his left arm,
and the password, SUMTER" was given
TO each. The boats crew was told ex-
actly what was expected OF them. and to
sell their lives as dearly as possible.
GENERAL PICKETT AT BATCHE-
LOR'S CREEK.
The firing OF Pickett's command was
heard as he made a reconnaissance in
force within a mile and half of New
Berne at Bachelors creek, In which
number Of persons were killed and
wounded. While the engagement on land
was in process the Federal vessels in
front of New Berne took up positions In
the sound, so as to command the plain
outside Of the Federal line OF works.
In the mean time the boats were
launched In the Neuse and arranged in
two divisions, Colonel Wood command
ing one and Lieutenant Benjamin p.
Loyal, OF the Confederate States navy,
the other. After forming parallel 10 each
other, the two columns moved silently,
but rapidly, down the river. The heavens
were covered with heavy clouds, while
the night was inky darkness. The steady,
quiet dip of the muffied oars, the almost ,
forward movements Of the !
boats, and the beating of expectant |
hearts were all that could be seen or |
heard as the expedition made its way in |
two files toward New Berne. When they |
had rowed some distance, Colonel Wood '
called all the boats together. final in !
structons were given, and this being |
through with. he offered fervent prayer |
to God for the safety of his officers and |
4 r.. Il 10 lee
II was a strange and ghostly sight, the |
men resting on their oars with heads
bowed and uncovered in silent prayer,
the commander bareheaded. standing
erect with his hands uplifted in the stern
Of the boat, the black waters ripping be-
Meath. the dense overhanging clouds pour
ing down sheets OF rain. and in the black
ness beyond an unseen bell tolling as IL
from some phantom cathedral The party
peals were sounded-indi-
,ating that II was o'clock A. M. Guided
~ the sound. the two columns pulled to-
ward the steamer. every man in position
his arms. The advance was ne
,essarily slow and cautious. Suddenly,
when about 300 yards from the Under
writer, her big black hull doomed up out
" the almost impenetrable darkness.
Through the stiffness OF the sleeping
'nemy came the sharp ring of FIVE bells
rom the watch on deck for $50 o'clock.
lie was the first to discover the Confede-
ates. and just as the echo of the bell on
he Underwater died away. in quick,
lervous voice. he yelled Justify: Boat
Ihoy!' No answer was made. but the
'oats moved steadily forward. Boat
hoy" again shouted the watch. No an
wer.- Then the rattle on board the I'm
erwrlter was sprung calling the men 10
and the Confederates could see /
he dim and shadowy outline OF hurrying
cures on deck. Nearer Colonel Wooc Il
anne. shouting. Give away Give
way, boys: give awayr' repeated Lieu
enant Loyal and the respective boar
and give way they did, afaHst
y lifting the boats out OF the water. the
ew minutes that followed we're th'ss OF