The New York Herald Newspaper, March 19, 1862, Page 4

caused by the want of proper boats, the dock being in puch shallow water that but two steamers oot: om, Alongside, and even they, drawing but two or three fee! pf water, were frequently touching bottom; the men ‘ore all in good humor, however, and the time passed a& pleasantly as possible, Op Friday the men were rapidly disappearing from the and, but few regimonts remaining. The Fifth Rhode Island was stationed on th® beach, just near the landing, and I visited them for the purpose of seeing the breaking up of the camp, and was Quite’ pleaged at the order and quietness with which everything was conducted. It was expected that they wonld leave in the afternoon, but it was fully nine ‘o'clock before Major Wright gave the soldiers the order to march, As soon as the, tents and other fixtures had been taken to the dock, aad everything packed, amusement was then the order of the day. Camp beds, floors, boxes, barrels, and ovérything combustible was pressed into the service to make roaring camp fires, around which the boys clustered. Much has fboon said and written about such things, but the best descriptive power fuilsto give a true picture of such a scene. The different faces, gestures and amusements of the men form a’study ouly forthe painter. Most of the ton gathered about the fires, the younger singing, rol- licking, and otherwise enjoying themselves. by harmless ‘amusements, while the elder and more steady appearea es if'they were turning thoir thoughts upon the'coming. strife, and calculating the chances of their return from She feld. ‘Th of home at such times arepacred, ‘fund not to be interfered with.” Major Wright at last gave the word, and the line was formed and the dock reached “tna veryfow minutes. As the Fifth Rhode Island con- sists only of a battalion, \it-was divided: and two of the ferry boats taken for their accommodation. & On Friday, the 7th.instant, an order was.sent on board Dy one of the General's aids for the Jersey Blue to pro- (Boed to, Hatteras and report to Captain Morris, of the #irst Artillery, United States Army, for any further ‘erders. Accordingly the anchors were weighed and the Steamer started for her destination; but, owing to the wantof a pilot, Captain Jackaway being left to find his ‘own way over the shallow and dangerous path between Roanoke Island and Hatteras, she was compelled to fezchor twice, the wind blowing a perfect wale all the time. We managed, however, to pick our way in safety down to that most cheerless and barren strip of land known as Hatte: fnd running alongside a canal boat that acts.asa dock, Reported as directed, and then proceeded to take in ® supply of coal. But we had hardly been tho:e an hour r two before the little steamer Phenix was ron down from Roanoke with another arder ,coming from Gen. Burn- Bide, commanding us to return at once to headquarter, providing that we had not already taken on board that for which we were sent. Not having done so, wo Bgiin got under way, and taking a pilot on board fo carry us in safety over the much dreaded Swash, we beaded towards Roanoke Island, and after Bome little difficulty, such as touching bottem two of three times, and carefully feelmg our way, we arrived here on Sunday morning. It was a magnificent day, and the appearance of the gunboats and transports as thoy peacofully rose and fell on the water was a thing only to be witnessed a few times during the course of a Hite. Tho decks were crowded with the soldiers, who bad a few days before been comfortably quartered up Shore, the places where their camps bad stood now Presenting a most dismal aspect, nothing being visible where before stcod the pretty white tents, with their beautiful background of green, but the remains of afew Bamp Gres, still smouldering and occasionally throwing Out a light feme, The men were in excellent spirits, and cegarded the unknown expedition upon which they were ound in the light of a most brilliant victory; such thing as a defeat or cvena repulse, however slight, never entered” tieir minds. Those who bad not been in the Roanoke Island fight, wanted an opportunity to show their zeal in the great cause, and be abie toreturn to their Dative places as horoes of at cast one fight; while those who had taken a part in the late struggle wore desirous of adding fresh laurels to those that they had Siready -wou, We had naturally expected to ave a regiment, or at least a portion of one, @ent on board of us, and every pains had been taken to ‘arrange matters so that they could be as comfortable as Possible; but-our calculations were somewhat out of the Way, and.we wero surprised to recoive another order ‘similar to the first, sending us back to Hatteras on the Game errand. The anchor had hardly been down when tt was up again, and we were steaming back again through Pamlico Sound, and leaving Roanoke behind us, the numerous vessels gradually disappearing as our speed increased. We went on our way enjoying the fine yroather and shooting at the flocks of wild ducks that ‘were visible on every side, and arriving at Hatteras {again reported to Captain Morris ,this time not to meet with aay disappointment, as we had been there but a short time when we took on board a company of the First regiment of artillery, belonging to the United States reg-lar army, and under the command of Captain Morris. But little time was lost in getting things to rights. The Ddorses—ifty-three in number—were placed between Becks, while the men themselves were obliged to shift as Dest they could, taking the deck for sleeping and exer- se. Weexpected to go back at once to Roanoke for the of joining the rest of the fleet, as wo bad all made ap our minds that Norfolk ‘was to be the point attacked, and the soldiers had nerved thomeeives for a long and a tedious march through the were deomed to a disappointment, and our cl vanished, for we were ordered to crogs the swash andan- Chor until we should receive further orders. This ranour opinions into an entirely new channel, and we now placed the scene of action in the neighborhood of Newbern, and felt quite certain that the fleet would come down the Bound, | and that as they passed we should fein them and accompany the expedition on ite perilous undertaking. On the afternoon of the 10th a severe storm set in, and late in the even- jing rain and hail fell in abundance, ard continued the greater part of next day. Every tug that passed any- where noar us we expected had orders for us to move; but no sueh good news gladdened us. Instead, howerer, we received the both painful and pleasing intelligence of the attempt of the rebel steamer Merrimac to run the blockade, painfal on account of the reported loss of two of our frigatee—one the Cumberland, and the name of the other unknown, but supposed to be the Minnesota—and pleasing because it was stated that the Merrimac had been drivon back by the Ericsson battery, although we could not ascertain What damage she received, or, in fact, whether she had boon injured at all, The Monitor had all manner of praise showered upon her; but still the question would arise, Why did they let her go back? Not knowing the Particulars, however, we were satisfied with the fart that she had not escaped to prey upon our ¢ommerce, or envoy the blockaders stationed along the const. At later hour we heard that she fhad committed groat havoc amongst the vesvels at Fortress Monroe, and that among the rest of her victims was the splendid California steamer Constitution. Eleven ‘Dundrod was the number stated that were killed, drown- @d and wounded on our side. All sorts of rumors w Circulated with regard to \his affair,each more terrible than the other, and they at last become #0 conflicting that any portion of the truth could not-be arrived at but with the greatest diMculty. OFY FOR NEWBERN. The afternoon of the 11th cleared off finely, and a* Bbout two o'clock several of the gunboats belong fog to Burnside’s expedition came down from Roanoke Isiand and anchored together, some |itile Gistance from the swash. There were some eight aito- gether, and their arrival put an end to all further arg tment that the fleet was going to Norfolk. As the day advanced freeh additions were made to the fieet—steam transports, genboats and a large number of sailing craft coming down from above. For somo time as far asthe eye could reach the sound was dotted with the vessels; and as fast as they arrived they collected togeth: Presenting ® most formidable appearence. Sev came in from sea also during the day; but as they were om the other side of the swash it was impozsible to correctly sscertain their names, even with th id of @ powerful marine glass. One of them was evidently a Long island Sound boat, judging from her build, The vesseis lay all night @t anchor, and on the morning of the 12th the first was made. The Jersey Biue was lying at some Little distance from the rest of the vossels, and some jit- We anxiety was felt on board when we sawa few of the fonboate steaming off towards Nowbern, and we not Daving yet received cur orders. The day was aremorka- Diy fine one, and the consequence was that everybody | ‘was im the best of spirits, and the favorable woather was looked upon asa happy omen of (bo sicoess of the expedition. It was about seven ik ip the ni hon the fleet began to eee they serene their mission they had more the appearance «f a flock pr birds than of @ hostile armada, The gunboats led the pray, #tarting some little t ofore the uthors followed. (a Wag aj Geet iggked upon as « reconnoissauce, but the NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAKCH 19, 1862—TRIPLE SHEET. transports, jh the sailing vessels in tow, s00n Degan to get under weigh, until one by one they began to disappear im the distance, leaving us in some doubt as to whether we wore to be favored with place in the ranks. The morning, up to nine o'clock, was passed by Captain Morris in getting out ammunition and preparing for instant service, as far as was practicable on board the steamer. For some time the decks pre- sented a most warlike aspect. Packages aad boxes of shell, grape and canister were scattored about in a pro- fusion that would make a nervous man anything but comfortable. Just as soon as everything was in its place and ready, @ small tug was seen approaching us, and all hurried to the side of the vessel to hear the orders that we were certain had come. She passed and our hopes fell to zero, but wore instantly to fever heat when we heard the welcome words shouted from her deck, as she passed by the officer in command, ‘Cap- tain Morris will get the Jersey Blue immediately under weigh; follow the fleet, and report to General Porter on the steamer Pilot Boy.” In a few moments everybody was hard at work, and everything was forgotten in the zeal to carry out faithfully the instructions received; and at half-past nine we were ploughing our way through the sound In hot chase after tho \oesels that had got the start of us. The Jorsey Blue, not being trammelled with any boat in tow, s00n over- ‘took the fleet, and passed them all, as if determiued to make up now for the time that she had been detained. ‘The Brinker, Curlew, Eagle, Sentinel and others were all left behind with their heavy burdens, and -we soon came up with the main body, and kept alongwith them, nothing oecurring of mote until we resched the mouth of the Neuse river, if I may exeept the empty bottles that we passed floating om the water—dumb, but most impressive witnesses of the conviviality going on in the boats ahead of us, All en. joyed the noble scene of some hundred vessels thus bound on their glorious mission to restore to its original greatness this splendid country. The rigging and every available spot on the different craft were instantly seized upon by the soldiers, and all kinds of salutations and cise checked, but not stopped; and near this spot the first gun was fired by the second expedition under the following circumstances:—There was several little sailboats hugging the shore, no doubt to watch our Movements, and they created some little curiosity amon all, and many were the glasses turned towards them to watch their movements. While we was looking at them the little gunboat Picket turned out of her course ang made directly for the shore where two of the small sailboats were lying. We watched her with toe most intense interest, to see what she would doy and also what they would do. She kept on at fall speed until they got within such distance of the shore as it was safo for him to go without the risk of running aground, and rounding he perceived a white smoke curl up from her side, and a second or two after heard the report of agun. The shot struck the water some distance ahead, but inflicted no injury; probably po damage being intended. By the aid of our glasses we saw that a small boat had been sent off from her, and shortly another gun was fired. By this time we had got nearly out of sight, and it was also getting dark, so that it was im possible for us to know the exact causeof the strange course taken by the saucy little Picket. SIGNAL FIRES ON THE RIVER. AS we went up the river there were other and stronger proofs that we were most jealously watched, and our movements telegraphed to the forces or to somebody in the rear, ns every two or three miles large fires wer, burning, which threw up a most dense smoke, and as we passed they were permitted to die away. The banks of the Noose river, which is from two to four miles wide, aro covered with dense pine woods ,and there is one particulaT and most interesting feature connected with it, which i® the number of farm houses scattered along its very edge and almost hidden in the thick foliage. I made several attempts iv ges a peep at some of the inhabitants, as we would sometimes run in pretty closely to the shore, so close in fact that bad anybody been disposed they might have picked off some of us witha rifle. We attributed the total absence of human beings, where so many houses were, to the fact that all the men were in the army or fortifications on the coast,and that the women were somewhat afraid to show thomsolves, AT ANCHOR IN THE NBUSE RIVER. ‘We ascended the river about twenty miles, and night having come upon us prepared to anchor. The fires on shore now began to burn with great brilliancy, throwing up a red glare that could be clearly discerned some miles distant. The fleet had all gathered together on the southern bank of the river, and accordingly we turned our head in that direction, but we were stopped by the steamer Alice Price, on which General Burnside had his beadquarters, and directed to run in to the north shore as far as possible and than anchor.’ Captain Jackaway, always willing, obeyed at once, and the lead was im readiness to find out how far wecould run in. The other vessels was now far from us, onthe other side of the river, while wo, solitary and alone, were trying to find out how far we could run our bow into the oppositesiae to them. The water was very deep. The captain expected shoal water every minute, but the lead showed three fathoms until we got into each dangerous preximity to the shore that, for our safety, we were obliged to stop. Thoughts of masked va on and attacking parties during the night through many of our heads, and none bia understand why we should be sent to such @ spot, more particularly as we were not a gunboat, but obedience was everything, and thus we stayed until Captain Morris got the yawlboat out to go and report to General Foster; when it was discoverod that our being ordered to such a dangerous position was the consequence of a mistake, and we wf ordered to take a place among the feet. We had the ap iness of hearing, a short time after, that quite a number of rebel troops were on shore only @ little distance back from where we were lying. The night was clear, warm and moonlight. The men on board of the vessels were singing, and no one would have ever supposed that the fleet lying so peacefully there meant anything other than mild mea. sures. I got a small boat and ‘crew, through the kind- ness of Captain Jackaway, and rowed about through the fleet, visiting some of the principal vessels. Signal lights were flashing on all sides until all the vessels were safely a anchor, when they ceased, and all out. ward correspondence between the vessels was stop. ped; inside, all was bustle and expectation, On board the Alice Price, Headquarters of General Burnside, all the chief officers had collected in the cabin and a council was hold nearly all night, there were so many things to be arranged, orders given and everything set to rights for the next day, when it was confilently expected that the forces would move up to Newbern and attack it. To add to the scene, and to ren- der jt more impressive still, we bad some fine music from the bands, the national air being the most prominent and the best received of all. As the night advanced the music ceased, the splashing of oars in the water was heard but seldom, and everything settled down into unosual quiet. The decks of the vessels were mostly crowded with the soldiers, but scarcely a sound could be heard on any side. The soldiers no doubt were busy thinking of the coming strife, of home, and of their chances of returning crowned with victory, or of being left dead on the fleld noble martyrs in @ giorious cause. During the night it commenced to r ind the mooning of the 13th looked everything but encouraging for a forward movement or for anattack. About seven o'clock however, it brightened up, and the sun shone out clear acdwarm. All were expecting to see the fleet push on to its destination, and when eight o'clock was approach- ing and no order to go in given out, some surprise was at the tardiness; but those umacquaiated with were st) more astonished when numbers of small beats were lowered into the water and rapidly filled with (roope. Some of the boats thus loaded moved towards (he shore, while others congregated together waiting to b@ towed ashore by the small boats provided for the purpose, The gunboats had left the centre of (he flect, and now Jay scatiered all along the shore fer some few miles, a dull reports little ahead of vs told us that one of the boats had sent a messenger on shore to carry the tidings of our coming; a messenger that wan nog afraid of being taken and needed no flag of truce to pre- tect him. The first shot having been fire’, several of the gunboats that were ranged along the ben b com- menced shelling the woods, and for avout on hour quite @ brick fire was kept ap, the sound of the shell as they pessed throngh ; the thick pine forest being similar to the swit passage of @ railroad train over ® bridge, A slight volume of © rigipg from the woods denotea tho spot where the projectile abruck, it vei quently accompanied by a report ns loud as that of tho diegharge of the gun. While tho steamers were thug bury locking of the “beehJves” in the woods and pro. venting anything jike an approach to the water | troops, the emall boats wore being crowded with men | and were making all (he pr eee ing on this new land of secesh. The boats wore placed | with terrific ia Imes of about one dozen in each, and were then taken in tow by the steamers, they themselves being loaded almost down to the water's edge. They moved very slowly on account of the number of men in each boat being so great. As they passed the vessels they were cheered most luatily—compliments which they returned with a will. Four lines started for the shore, and im a few seconds the rigging of every vessel was black with human beings» all eager to watch their cannonade as they approached the land of masked batteries and treachery. The fring from the gunboats was still kept up at short intervals, but it was olearly evident that there was nothing in the way to obstruct the safe landing of the Union soldiers" The little fleet of row boats cautiously neared the beach | and, finding a good place to effect a landing, they were soon drawn up on the sandy beach in regimental line, much to the gratification of those on the vessels in the river. Tho business of debarkation was kept busily going forward all the forenoon, and the men were put in better spirits by the report that reached us that Gen. McClollan had made an advance towards Manassas, and that the rebels were retreating before him. The universal sentiment was that the iron was hot, ard now was the time to strike with force and all together. This done, and the Union troops would oon see the end their present enlistment; by that time rebellion would be crushed and the present war bo placed among the things of the past. About half a mile down the beach twoor three gunboats were constantly engaged fa throw. ing shell into the woods, it was supposed at some rebel ‘cavalry that ware ktown to be in the acighborhood re- connoitering. The transperts began to run a little closer in with their living freight, and in a very short time all of the troops were landed, and on their way to the but- tories that lay above, with the exception of our bat- tory. I landed with the soldiers, but not with the intention of following thoir fortunes, preferring to Btay with the navy, and mote their doings. Three a few of us effected a landing on the sandy shore, and started on an independent reconnoissance of our own, After following the beach about half a mile we spied a farm house, and lost but little time in making our way to it, determined to bave a talk with tno inbabitants, and, if possible, procures little fresh provisions. Eggs, fowl and milk were luxuries that we bad not seen for many & day, and our appetites were whetted by the appearance of several “roasters,” more vulgarly known as pigs. We approached the house in a very cool man- ner, and made our wants known; but whether from a disinclination to satisfy us,or their not having the articlos desired, we failed in our mission as far as the eatables were concerned, but not so with the interview. ‘The family, consisting of husband, wife and six little children, appeared anything but pleased to see us, and kept their eyes on us the whole timo we remained, as if fearful that we come to rob them of the little they pos- sessed; and even the house dog, as if in sympathy with bis master, kopt a most jealous and dangerous eyo upon our motions. From these people wo yearned that the fleet was no unexpected visiter’ the iniabitants being taught to look for its arrival at any moment for two months past, but they did not expect an attack on this point, thinking the vessels would go much further up before stopping with any hostile intent: The master of the house disclaimed anything like secession sentiments, and the mistress, whose life was nearly frightened out of her by the pas- sage and explosion of the shells over her house, was very anxious to know why they should be troubled, whe bad done nothing, and scemed to caro a great dea! more for the preservation of her pigs and chickens, than for the safety of the Union, and I am sure would not eare whether they were under the guardianship of Jeff. Davis or the protection of the United States govern. ment, if the soldiers could only be kept away {rom an- moying them. The man was ignorant of everything per_ taining to fortifications, and declared he had net been up the river for a longtime. He was very guarded, andthe only positive information we could get was (bat a compa. ay of North Carolina cavairy bad been on the point, where our troops landed the day before, but ho could rot tell when they left or where they went. We returned to our boat, a heavy rain fair ing at the time, and we got thoroughly drenched The battery on the Jersey Blue had been ordered to land ‘and proceed with the troops,and I had just prepared myself for a long march, when the order was counter- manded, not however, until a number of men, equip- ments, &c., bad been transferred to the Alice Price, all ready for landing. They were all put on board again, and in a few minutes ws were again under way and heading for the first battery. At the time of the order to disembark was received, a most tragic affair came to light, as follows :—One of the privates in the company named Reilly, a native of Ireland, was found lying near one of the carriagewheels with bis throat cut from oar tocar and perfectly dead. ‘There was no question as to the method of his death—the unfortunate man having ended his own existence. He was middle aged, and had been in the company only about six months. For some days past he bad been ob- served to be very low spirited, and kept aloof from the rest of bis comrades. On the morning of the disem- barkation the rest of the men were preparing for the march, but he paid no attention to anything, but went and lay down by himself. From that time until his body wes found he was not seen, and it is supposed that the man in a fit of melancholy madness pat an end to himself, his razor being found in bis bands and a most frightful wound inflicted on his peck. He could have lived but a few moments after committing the act, as ho made not the least noise, every one supposing him (o be sleeping. His body was sewod up carefully in a canvas bag,and bis mortal remains committed to the water. Captain Morris offered up a short but touching prayer to Almighty God for the safety of his soul, and he sank to rise no more until the end of ali things. This fad event cast # gloom over the men for the rost of the day, but more important and imperative duty had to be performed, and but little was said on the sub- ject. Had tho rash man waited but for a day, he might have died nobly on the field, without thus endangering his eternal happiness. We continued up the river about three miles nearer Newbern, and anchored there for the night. Friday morning there was a denso fog covering the face of the water, and it was impossible to land. About ten o'clock the fog lifted, and preparations were instantly made to send the battery on shore at this time the George Peabody, with the Forty-eighth Pena” sylvania Volunteers, came up, and landed the menon the beach. There wore but six companies, the rest being left at Hatteras. They were instantly marched off to the scene of conflict, with a large supply of ammunition for the troops; but, after a most tedious march, they arrived at the long battery only to find that it was in our possession and Newbern had fallen. The Rhode Island battery and Morris’ battery, which would have mate- rially assisted in the fight, unfortunately were not landed in time to take parr in it THE OPERATIONS ON LAND. Newosry, March 16, 1362. The pojnt at which the troops landed is the mouth of Slocum’s creek, about twelve miles below Newbern, by water, and seventeen by land. The Patuxent, Captain Bennett, the flagship of General Reno, was the first to enter the creek, General Reno's brigade having the honor of the advance. The Twenty-first Massechusett, regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Clark, was on board the Patuxent, and was to have landed first, according to the programme, but the steamer Alice Price, with Genoral Burnside and the Fifty-first New York regiment, glided suddenly by the Patuxent, and ran up as near as pors bie to the beach, whem the color bearor of the regiment fear- lessly jumped overboard into some four fect of water, and bolting the flag upover his head waded ashore. Reaching terra firma the flag was unfurled, and the Stars and Stripes once more floated over that portion of North Carolina. Colonel Ferrero followed into the water, an example which his whole regimeut soon imitated, and in a few minutes bis whole command was ashore. Almost at the same time and within a briefer period than it takes to narrate it the other regiments followed, and the water was soon agwarm of mon wad ing ashore, and of lavnches filled with troops from the vessels further out in the stream. I must not omit to mention that the Pilot Boy, the flagship of Gen. Foster, aio ran in shore, and the troops on board (Twonty-fifth asette) likew se ge junped into the water. Wigh puch alacrit} was the landing @fected, that fh tess than av hour the groater portion of the division was ashore. The regiments gathered around their respective colors and took up a line along the edge of the creek and river. ‘Word was now sent by General Reno to the Twenty-first Maseachusetts and Fifty first New York to commence the advance. and both regiments rapidly got in motion, The rest followed ag soon as regimental line was formed ‘The ordors to the advancing regiments were to take the road leading along by the shore for @ distance of some The loud reports of the gunboats as they 470 milos. ‘The road, which at first wound 1m among the trees, suddenly diverged out upon. the beach, and the marching was now made through heavy sand, much to the fatigue of the troops who were en- cumbered with a sufficiently heavy load in their weighty knapsacks, muskets and cartridges. Sixty rounds of the latter had been distributed to each man, At the end of the two miles (though it reatly seemed three or four) the road took a sudden tura. to the left, which the head of the column defiled into, Pursuing it for a short distance, signa of an encampment were dis- covered peeping over the brow of ahill. At sight of it our troops burst into a wild cheer, and dashed up the slope ata run and entered the camp. But the enemy had vanished, The whole place exhibited evidence of a ‘most precipitate flight. The fires were still ablaze; breakfast was untouched; warm gridéle cakes were ready for eating; beds, blankets, clothing, boots and shoos, were strewn about as if a hasty but unsuccessful e@ort had been made to collect them and bear them off. Our soldiers soon ransacked the camp in search of trophies and relics, and took what suited them. From documents which I found in one of the tents, I ascertained that the place had been occupied by a company of about eighty cavalry, under command of Captain Evans. The stay atthe deserted camp was buy abriefone. The order soon came to reform, and the column, falting into line, oace more resumed the march. ‘The day, whieh hed been ‘fine: up to this time, now became cloudy, and the rain began to fait in torrents. It 80 continued to fall throughout the rest of the day and evening; but if it dampened the -clothing of our brave soldiers it failed te dampen thoir powder or courage. Pressing steadily on they pursued the road for about a mile or more, unlil it diverged into the broad country road or stage route between Newbern and Beaufort. The road-which they had come on up to this point was only an ordinary pathway through the woods, and of course possessed many disadvantages for marching. The country road, wide and firm, at first appeared a most delightful one; but ag the troops advanced it became | more and more muddy, and it was with the greatest difficulty that the artillery was dragged through it, In some places it led over swamps and marshes, and its almost impassible condition, not at all benefitted by the falling rain. However, our troops pushed on with a de- termination and energy surprising in soldiors who bad not before experienced the hardship and fatigue of a rapid march. The march might almost bo styled a forced one. Soon after midday the skirmishers in advance re- turned with the information that a long earthwork, with battery, was ahead protecting the approach to the rail- road, the point at which our forces were aiming, both to cut off communication between the threatened city and Beaufort, and to obtain cars, if possible, for the trans- portation of the artillery, ammunition and baggage. A momentary halt was ordered and a recennoitering party ‘was sent out, but almost immediately came back with the information that the enemy was not to be seen and that the entrenchment had been abandoned. The troops got in motion again, passed through the work by the sallyport in the centre and pressed on to tho railroad. At the crossing point wero some meadows, upon which the various regiments stacked arms for a short time, while skirmishers scoured along the track and found a couple of baggage wagons, which were soon made use of. The breastwork excited no little curiossty. It was about five feet in height, with its face sloping into a ditch or trench, some six or eight feet deep, and ex. tended over half a mile in length. It wae unfinished and mounted no guns. After a hasty meal from their haversacks, moistened with a draught of water from the roadside, the word -to march was again given, and the troops, dividing into two columns, moved—one on the railroad and the other on the stage road. No sign of the enemy, however, was visible. Our skirmishers ahead vainly sought to find them. After a fatiguing. march of two hours it was deamed advisable to order another halt, and.inst at a point where the two roads agaia crossed each other, with intervening fields of grass, the two columns as they came in sight of each other rested. The mon broke line, re- lieved themselves of their knapsacks temporarily, and, throwing themselves upon the ground or seating themselves upon logs and felled trees, recruited their nearly exbausted strength and rested their wearied limbs. The soft, sloshy, or—as one individual termed it—bootjack” mud, and the marsh water getting into their boots and shoes, combined to chafe the flesh and skin in such ® mannor as to render many footsore and lame. The march was resumed once more, and continued until about eight o'clock, the troops still following the two roads. It was mow dark night, and @ mile or more had been travelled since the shades of evening fell. The soldiers ranged out across the woods, and a halt was or- dered until morning. Soon the bright fames of many a bivouac fire shot up between the trees, and the soldiers, wrapping themselves in their blankets, laid down upon the wet ground, and, without any shelter from the driz- zling rain, passed tho night before the battle. Pickets were thrown out, the fires were replenished by watches, and silence soon brcoded over the scene. In the carly part of the evening a scouting party in advance came in contact with some cavalry pickets of the onemy, who fied when challenged. The fact gave token that foe and friend were now not far from each other. ‘The farm houses in the vicinity furnished shelter to those who were fortunate enough to get room inside of them. I happened to be among the lucky few, though at first there seemed to be no alternative but to share the fields and woods with the majority. If your readers will permit a brief narrative of a corrospondent’s adventures on that night, it may repay @ perusal, and will at least give an idea of the manner in which those who obtained such shelter passed the time. Separated during the march from the pewspaper correspondents, chance threw me into company with Mr. Schell, artist of Prank Leslie's, and wo decided to share a common bed during the night, wherever it might be. Having made application at one house, and finding it already filled, a negress conducted us some two hundred yards away to another, which be- longed to her ‘‘marsa,’’ but had been deserted by him and all his family, save the slaves. Liout. Schlachter ana other members of the signal corps were within, and kind. ly greeted us. A bright fire of logs had been kindled in tho hearh which threw its warmth to every corner of the apartment. Gathering around, we drew forth our meer- echaums, sweetbriars aud tobacco, and while refreshing ourvelves with the fragrance of our ‘‘ killickinick,”’ dried our soaked clothing and awaited supper. Tho means for this latter wero furnished by a foraging party who went out into the outhouses and barn, and there discovered some chickens, the dislocation of whose cervical verte- Urae was accomplished much to the disgust of the negro guide, who, as h- saw each fowl fluttering in the agonies of death at his feet, pronounced it “ done gone for.” A c bboard furnished us with the necessary dishes, one of the slaves cooked the chickens, and also some Im cakes, and altogether we partook of a most hearty meal, After another pipeful, and another attempt to dry our clothes, we slept as best we could, some on the floor, others on the table, but I was fortunate enough to havea feather bed between mo and the damp boards. Inthe morning another foraging party furnished more poultry for breakfast, while those who desired went out into the garden and heiped themselves to delightful honey from beshives, three or four of which were located there. THE BATTLE. It was now about half-past seven o'clock (on the morn- Ing of the 14th) and a sharp firing ahead denoted that our skirmighers had encountered the enemy. Rapidly forming, the different regiments assumed their positions in their brigades, and the division marched to theatt: Gen, Burnside rode forward, and as the battery or breaat. work came in sight across a wide fleld, a shot was fired from one of ity guos. The missile, which proved to bea shell, struck within ton feet of the general and his staff, but, not exploding, bounced along the ground, splishing the party with mud Gon. Foster, whose briga d advanced by the stage road, rapidly found his regiments in line of battio in the fringe of woods skirting the edge of the feld before the broastwork; the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, Colonel Stevenson, om the extreme right; the Twenty-titth Massachusetts, Colonel Upton, next, with its left reet- ing om gthe road; the Twenty-niath Massachusetts, Colonel Lee, next, with right resting on the road, and the Twenty-third Massachueetts, Colonel Kurtz, on the brigade left, with the Tenth Connecticut in reserve. To support this line against the eighteen or twenty gun, of the onemy’s battery, our forces haa only a few pieces of artillery, The rest was on the way, but did not reach the fold in time to participate in the fight. The disport tion of our artillery im support of General Foster's posi- tion was as follows:—On the extreme right Executive Officer McCook’s battery of boat howltzers from tho navy, manned by Lieutenants McCook, Hammond, Daniels and Tillotson, with marines and a detadhment o¢ the Union Const Guard. In tho centre, and noar the road, a twolve-poundor stool gun from the Cossack, manned by Captain Bennett, his second mate, Mr PAF Htigns weseqsary for iand: | moved uy tho river abelling tbe woods gould ba bgard) Stroud Ccapealn Of (he gun), aud tyouly of We aliy’s Grew. On the loft Captain Deyton’s battery, from the (ransport Highlander. After the first gun the enemy run their fiag defiantly up over the ramparts and opened very briskly with round shot, grape, canister and shell, Thoir infantry Were stretched out the entire length of the work be- tween the river and the’ railroad, and kept up an in- cessant fire with musketry. Their fire was replied to with equal vigor by the bri- gade. When it had taken up its position, and leaving them engaged, let) me return to the operations of the Second and Third brigades, under Generals Reno and Parke. The Segond brigade, consisting of the, Twanty-first Massachusetts, Lieutenant Colonel Clark; Fifty-first New York, Colonel .Ferren; Fifty-first Pennsylvania, Colonol Hartsruft, and Ninth New Jersey, took the railroad and proceeded along the enemy's right flank. It is somewhat remarkable that the manceuvres ofthe battle were near- ly the same as those of the fight at Roanoke Island. The point at which the intrenchment crossed the railroad was strongly defended by a series of redoubts and rifle pita, while a subsequent examination revealed the fac; that beyond these redoubts the breastwori was continued nearly a mile and a half, making the entire length of the defences about three miles. The operations of our forces, however, were confined to that only between the river ‘and the railroad track. The! Third brigade, under General Parke, took up a po- sition on the front, between the first and socond bri- gades; Stich ‘was the dteposition of our trope, ‘The engage” mont regularly opened: about eight o'clock, when the | first brigade bore the brunt of the battle. General Foster rode fearlessly along ‘giving his orders, and was ‘several times exposed to the hottest of the fire. His aids too shared the danger, and one of them, Licutenant Pen dleton, narrowly escaped injury, ifnot death, from a ballet which passed through his coat sleevs, just grazing thearm. The Massachusetts Twenty-fourth, on the right» had soon to regret the wounding of two of their officers, Major Stevenson and Adjutant Horton, the former by a ball in the leg, the latter bya bal in the shoulder, Early in the engagement the Massachusetts Twenty- third lost Lieutenant Colonel Murritt, who was struck by @ cannon ball, which carried away one side of his body and lacerated his form ina horrible manner. The pro- portion of officers killed and wounded during the entire fight was quite large. ‘The ‘Twenty-seventh Massachu- setts seemed fhr some reagon to be more exposed to the fire of the enemy, and with ammunition expended, and a large loss wore withdrawn. The Tenth Connecticut until now in reserve, was ordered to their aupport, and as they fell back took their place; moving to the front with great alacrity and opening fire with vigor. The ‘Tenth was finally compelled to retire through want of ammunition, and the Eleventh Connecticut ‘took their- Place. To the First brigade belongs the credit of having 80 gallantly and attentively engaged the battery while the Second and Third’ executed the brilliant mancuvre Of flanking the enemy's right, of which I have now to speak. ‘When it bocamo evident that the First brigade was capable of carrying on the fight in front, the Third, which had been supporting it, was ordered, with the exception of the Eleventh Connocticut, to support the Second in the flank movement. Accordingly the Eighth Connecticut, Fourth Rhode Island and Fifth Rhode Island regiments ‘withdrew a short distance into the woods, and defiling to to the left came out upon the railroad and going forward came in the rear of the Third brigade. ‘nis portion of the field offoperations was immediately ‘under the command of General Reno, and to him was al- lotted the task of the fank movement already referred to, and which he so brilliantly and successfully sccom- plished. It may be wellhere to state that when the idea of flanking was entertained it was not known that the line ‘of intrenchment extended beyond, or if it did, much be- yond the railroad, When the troops attempted the movement consequently of getting in the rear, they dis- covered not the mere obstacle of swamp or marsh, but also of a series of redoubts and rifle pits, which defended tho immediate vicinity of the track. Our attack in front had so far been confined to the right, near the river where one of the water batteries had reversed its guns’ and was assisting in the defence of the breastwork by an enfilading or, more properly, diagonal fire upon our ‘troops. The great body of the encmy was consequently bere posted, and the flank movement came near regult- ing in a perfect surprise, though they rapidly reinforced the redoubts as soon as they discovered the approach on that side. Having drawn out in line of battle the Second brigad® returned the fire of the enemy vigorously, who, from the rifle pits and behind the scrooning edges of the redoubts, were picking off our men with deadly certainty at every shot. But we have to boast of our sharpshooters also, as many @ rebel in these same rifle pits and bebind the in- trenchments, whose death wound was in the head, amply testified. At last the word was given to charge, and the Massa- chusetts Twenty-first, which was on the left, succeeded im getting four companies within the enemy's position. ‘The New York Fifty-first, which was on the right of the Massachusetts Twenty-first, supported tho movement, while the Ninth New Jersey, Fifty-first Pennsylvania, Eighth Connecticut and Fourth and Fifth Rbode Island aseailed the work at various points. The four companies of the Massachusetts Twenty-first were far in advance of the others into the intrenchment, and, driving the rebels beore them, had attempted to reverse the guns, when repulsed by a strong reinforcement of the enemy , whosud- denly charged from a little ravine or hollow just in the rear, and with their overwhelming numbers drove them out, making a few prisone: Our repulse was but mo- mentary. Re-forming the Massachusetts Twenty-first, Now York Fifty-first, Fourth Rhode Island and the Niuth New Jersey, with the Fifth Rhode Island in reserve, re- turned to the assault, and after another gallant charge, another desperate resistance of the onemy, a hand to hand contest over the ramparts of the entrenchment, in which our forces at one time actually reversed its pur- pose and used it as a breastwork for their own protec. tion, while they kept the rebelaat bay inside, they drove the enemy out, and, at the point of the bayonet, chased them back out of sight. The victory was won with the loss of noarly seventy killed and two hundred and fifty wounded—a heavy one when it is taken into consideration that of the two brigades only six regi- ments and one battalion were engaged. The firo of the enemy was terrific, and embraced all the varieties of missile. Gen. Reno and Gen. Parke admirably conducted the whole manceavring, and with their aids and staf were exposed to no inconsiderable danger. ‘When the word to charge was given on the loft th cheers with which it was reccived were heard over on tho right, and instantly the First brigade emerged from its position along the edge of the woods, and dashing across the fields assailed the enemy at the vory muzzles of their guns. But the retreat of their forces on the flank had inspired all with @ panic, and they most ingio riously fled, leaving thoir cannon unspiked, a number of horses, the caissons, and the unexpended ammunition. They contrived, however, to bear off the greater portion of their killed and wounded, #0 that it i impossib'o to form an approximate estimate of their loss, though it cannot fall far short of our own. ‘The loss of tho First brigade is nearly thirtyjkilled and two hundred wounded, which, when added to that of the Second and Third brigades given above, will give a tot, Joss on our side, in round numbers, of one hundred killed and four hundred and fifty wounded. About three hundred prisoners were taken, the honor of which achievement belongs to Lieute- nant Hammond, of the gunboat Hetzel, who was serving one of the guns of Lieutenant MeCook's naval battery. They formed portion of @ South Cerolina regi- mont, under command of Colonel Avery, who was among those taken. A handsome blue and white flag was cap- tored with them. It is made of silk, beautifully fringed and bears tho inscription, “Our cause—it is just; then conquer we must.” Another flag among tho trophies of the capture was made of black bunting, with the words, in gold, “Victory or death.” Company Capt, O'Neil, of the Twonty-fifth Massachu- Botts regiment, captured two largo revel flags in the battery, and some two or three others were found in various places. Much praise is due to the Fifth Rhode Island regiment (frst battalion), Major Wright, for the gallant manner in which it acted during the fight. It was its first time under fire, no opportunity having been afforded it to participate in the one at Roanoke Island, ‘The crows from many of the large gunboats partici. pated in the fight on shore. utenant Oscar Eastmond , of the Sentinel, volunteered as lieutenant in Company E, Eighth Connecticut, and fought throughout the battle, THE MARCH INTO NEWBERN. Our troops did not fematn tong if , contemplation of tho battle field they had so nobly won, After a short the greatest curiosity; searched the tents for tro: Phies end relics, and inspected the place generally, they ‘again got into tine and, dividing into two columns as be- fore, proceeded slong the railroad and stage road. 18 wag now about eleven o'clock, the battle having lasted over two hours anda half. The advanee was mae at @ rapid rate upon the heels: of the fugitive rebets, who, some two or three miles from the battle field, jumped {nto a train and retreated into the city, sotting fre to the bridge ovor the Trent river after thoy had crossed. The greater portion of them escaped in thisway, but, large number who failed to get upon’ the train, and con- sequently could not cross thé river by the railroad bridge, followed the bank of the Trent some three quar- tere’ of & mile up, and these crossed’ over on an old country bridge. In their flight thoy threw away muskets, blankets, pistols, swords, and whatever interfered with rapid locomotion. Some of the weapons were shot guns, old horse pistols, brass pistols, cutlasses, sabres and home made swords, it I may, #0 call them, for they appeared to have been manufac- tured out of old carving knives, meat choppers and the like, roughly adjusted into handles of common pine wood, and in many cases fastencd with twine. An occasional dead or wounded rebel was met with by the roadside. ‘The latter were taken up and delivered into the charge of our own surgeons, who treated them as kindly as if they. ‘belonged’ to our own ranks. DESTRUCTION OF THE RAILROAD PRIDGR AND: AT “TEMPTED BURNING OF THE CITY. ‘The railroad: along this portion’ of ‘ita terigth runs in into the clouds, and with a sigh of regret we became con* ‘vinced of the fact that the rebels were burning the houses.in.tho city and the bridge. crossing Tronteriver », to prevent ‘our pursuit of them and entrance’ into the city. It ig asserted: by ‘some that one of the ignited tar scows which had been sent adri:t on the river to fre our fleet bad been carried by the wind an@ tide up the Trent river, and’ coming under thé)brilge sot it in flames. But I have the authority of an inhabitant of the city, who witnessed the affair, for stating that the rebels deliberately towed. the ecow. under -tho bridge, moored it with ropes and then set fire to its combuatibie contents. In ecitherevent its destruction ig to be regret- ted, as it formed one of the most picturesque features of the really beautiful scenery in the vicinity of Newbern city, and cost, I understand, about $50,000. to erect. Nothing is now ‘left of it but @ still smoking mase of charred beams, blackened,crumpled «tin, distortod rail- road tracks and the brick piors. y Little remains to be told of the march to this” point, ~The) troops reached tho ‘bridge) abont: half-past threa o’clock in the afternoon, their weary steps having been accelerated towards tho latter portion o the march by the excitement attondant upon witnessing the heavy, pall like clouds of smoke which hung over the city in the distance. One black column, which as-” cended for many hundred feet into the air, with now and then bright leaping flames at its base, subsequently Proved to be from fivo scows and the burning tar, rosin, pitch and tar in and around them. Through the smoke wad seen the spires of the churches, and many an {m- Precation was muttered against the vandalism of those who committed so wanton an act. At first it was’ thought that the entire city was in flames; but the flight of the rebels was too precipitate to enable them to fully consummate their purpose, and the only buildings de- stroyed were « largo hotel called the Washington House, extending one block in length, on the secon’ strect back - from the river; two or three private dwellings; aad@ number of whiskey and turpentine distilleries. Notice had bnon given to the citizens.to remove their within an hour, at the expiration of which time the work of destroying the entire place was to have commenced , and would probably have been accomplish, ed had not our troope and gunboats made their appear- ance so soon. As it was, the conflagration was stayed by the exertions of those citizens who remained behinds out of the general flight of everybody except the slaves, who, thinking it was a kind of holiday, had commenced to ransack and plunder the houses—a proceeding which was soon put anend to, The Union sentiment of the city was by no means inoonsiderable,and men of such polits- cal faith, feared not our approach. They brought out the, fire engines and went to work with a will, and succems- fully, to prevent the fire spreading. ‘There were three little steamboats at the wharveas which the rebels also attompted to destroy. Two of these, the North State and Albemarle, were rescued by our marines, who captured them under fire of the gun. boats; but the third, called the Post Boy, was fired and burned to the water's edge before it could be saved. ‘An uncompleted vessel, of handsome model, im- tended for a rebel gunbot, was on the ways in the shipyard. It escaped unharmed and as we have plenty of shipwrigh's and timber here it will, no doubt, become a convert from the errors of its in, fancy, and inits full development do good servico in the Union cause. On two wharves in range of the railroad bridge were couple of batteries mounting two guns, constructed of cotton bales with earth facing. They wore intended, no doubt, to dispute the passage of the bridge or the ap- proach of smal! boats across the Trent river. OCCUPATION OF THE CITY. ‘The transports had now come up to the vicinity, and orders were sent for their small boats to come t» the abutment of bridge to take over troops. The Firs* brigade embarked in them and wore transported to the captured steamers North State and Albemarle, which In turn ferried them across to thecity. The Second ana Third brigades remained on the other gide, and there bivcuaked for the night. I was in the first boat load that crossod,and have the gratification of being able to say that I was the first correspondent in Newbern. Asthe negroea were pillaging the city, breaking iato the closed up stores, end removing to their quarters whatover valu- ables they got hold of. General Foster immediately de- tailed the Twenty-filth Massachusetts regiment asa pa- trol and provost guart guard, for the preservation of pro- perty. Captain Pickett was appointed Provost Marshal pro tem,, and established his headquarters in the bank building, which was found deserted, its furniture and &@ greater part of the books and papers taken away. “Order now bogan to reign in Warsaw,’ and the peculae tions and depredations ceased, while the drunken men of our troops, who had been furn‘shed with or found liquor, were given an opportunity to recover their sobriety by a short sojourn in the guard house. OUR TROOPS ISSUE A NEWSPAPER. Visits were paid to the yrincipal buildings, and guards stationed over them. The Post Office was found deserted, ‘as also the office of the Newbern Progress, the daily newspaper of the place. A form. all locked up, con- tained the follow ing paragraph:— TER ENEMY IN SIGHT. ignals on Neuse river, below our ows of the approach of the onem; about five o’ Bn A boat was Turnodiatel ‘Gespatched down the river, and, on its return wo were p! in posi- tive information of the presence of ten steamers and one i ‘achooner) in the river only about twelve Delow Newborn and in a fow miles of the lower bat- (en was active “and preparations were busy ight, and a battle is certainly oxpected to-day, ay Petit probably decide the fate of Newbern. seeing which a sorgeant of one of the regiments, @ printer, went toa case, set up and added the following si) Saterpay, March 16, 1862. Friday did it, We have taken Newbern. endeavored to burn the town, but were unsuci the inhabitants using the fire ongines and other meam in their power to extinguish the flames. YANKES PRINTER. Copies of the paper were struck off yesterday morning and distributed around. I send you several, but you must undorstand that the present editors of the paper do not endorse one line of its contents save what is im the postacript above. Genoral Foster has established his headquarters at the Gaston Houne, the only remaining hotel, where his As- sistent Adjutant Goneral, Capt Hoffman has been busily engaged in administering the oath of allegiance, and of neutrality. ‘The people who fled from the city on the day of thy hattle are returning gradually, and before many days business will resume ite usual course. Shop- keepers will be allowed to reopen their stores only om taking the oath. THE FORCES ORPOSED ‘To us far outnumbered our own, and amounted to be tween twelve and fifteen thousand. Among them wore the Ninteenh North Carolina regiment. Twenty-sixth North Carolina rogimont, ‘Thirty-third North Carolina regiment. ‘Thirty-seventh North Carolina regiments Col. Avery's South Carolina regirnont. Capt. Evans’ company of cavalry. And one Tennesses regiment. Thaye not been able to ascortain the others, All the forces wore undor command of Gon. Branch, who was at ond time, I believe, Secretary of the Intorior Tho victory has placed us in possession (besides the our batteries, gave yesterday ‘afternoon, delay, in which thoy oxamingd Who broastwork with | gity) of nearly threo bundred prisoners, several hundred