The War,
late and interesting News.
We received yesterday a large number of Southern papers, from which we make up the following interesting summary of news:
The battle at Kernstown.
The Rockingham Register, of March 28th furnishes some detain of the fight at Kernstown, near Winchester, Va. We make some extracts, and refer the reader to the original account in another column of this paper for fuller details. As in the case of battles generally, many exaggerated and incorrect reports have gained circulation respecting the battle on Sunday last, between the forces of General Jackson and Gen. Shields, near Winchester. The belles is entertained in some quarters that General Jackson was most disastrously defeated. Not so, however. General Jackson's gallant little army maintained their ground fully until the shades of night closed on the felicity contending forces, and compelled each party to retire and so far as the result of the contest is indicative of victory, the triumph is on the side of General Jackson. His loss is not over fifty killed and one hundred and fifty wounded, while the loss of the enemy, both in gitiea and wounded, is, beyond doubt, at least three times that number. One regiment alone of the enemy lost fully half its men, by attempting to dislodge a regiment of Gen. Regimen, protected by a at no fence. When night came on Gen. Jackson retired with the great body of his army in good order, saving all his wagons and horses, and everything except two or three field-pieces (the horses of which had been clashed) and two ambulances. This battle was a decided victory to our arms, and reflects the highest credit on the little Confederate army, that stood upon gallantly for two or three hours against. more than three times their number. After the battle, Gen. J. retired for the night immediately in the vicinity of the battle ground which is another audience that he was not derated; and the following morning he retired slowly from Newtown to the vicinity of Strasburg, the enemy making no advance until a late hour in the forenoon. The proportion of wounded to the number killed of Gen. J's men, is large, yet it is gratifying to know that but few are seriously or mortally wounded. The regiments engaged were the 2d Virginia, (Col. Allen,) 4th Va., 5th Va. 33d Va., (Colonel Cummings,) 27th Virginia, (Colonel Echols, who was wounded in the right arm) 23d Virginia, 37th Virginia, the far famed Irish Battalion, the 21st Va., Ashby's Cavalry, Rockbridge Battery, (Col. Pendleton, who lost two Parrott guns.) West Augusta Battery, Carpenter's Battery, and Chew's Battery. Gen. Jackson has returned to Mt. Jackson, and will be ready, should the enemy come up the Valley high enough, to give him a chance to try his mettle again. Let every man now rally to the standard of the heroic Jackson, and assist in driving out the invader of our peaceful homes. Our Valley is surely worth the effort for its preservation cally, then, freemen, and show the enemy that you will be free or perish in defence of your homes and your liberties. The Lynchburg Republican says: ‘ We regret to hear that Captain William Bayliss Rector, from Campbell county, is reported among the killed in the late battle near Winchester. Private Walker Brown, a son of the Rev. Richard G. Brown, of this county, also shared the fate of his brave commander. There are four men missing from the company, who are supposed to have been taken prisoners. We could not ascertain their names. ’ The Lynchburg Virginian has further advices, from which we copy: ‘ The Second Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Allen, and composed chiefly of Jefferson and Frederick men, seems to have suffered terribly. Amongst the killed and wounded reported are several of our personal friends. Lieutenant Richard Henry Lee, wounded, was the Commonwealth's Attorney for the county of Jefferson, an elegant and accomplished Christian gentleman, who bears a great historic name. We sincerely trust that he is not seriously wounded. T H. Turner, of Shepherdstown, Jefferson county, represented his native county in the Legislature some years since, as did also his father before him. He was attached to the command of the late Colonel John F. Hamtramck, who commanded the Virginia Regiment in the Mexican war. We regret to near that he was killed. Many of the best men in our native county of Jefferson were in the Second regiment, and we fear that little county, now overrun by the enemy, will be full of mourning for her gallant sons, slain by the ruffians and marauders of the North. B. B. ’Position of the Belligerents.
The little town of Woodstoes, the county seat of Shenandoah, where Gen. Jackson's army is now in position, is thirty miles south of Winchester, and distant only twelve miles from Strasburg, where the Yankee army lies. It will be seen, therefore, that there is every probability of another battle, which has possibly taken place ere this.From the Potomac line.
The Fredericksburg Herald, of Friday, contains a report that several of our tickets were captured a few days ago in the vicinity of Dumfries, by the rather sudden appear once of 700 of the enemy's cavalry. On the other hand, our tickets captured seven of the enemy this week, not far from Evansport.--They had strayed off from camp, and were without arms. They constitute the advance guard of the "on to Richmond" soldiery, and will get there sooner that their most sanguine expectations could have hoped for. On Tuesday night eight yawl boats, filled with men, were sent ashore from two steamers in the Potomac, at Boyd's Hole. They landed at "Somerset," Mr Henry Fitzhugh's, and without any provocation whatever burnt his newly-erected large dwelling house, together with most. If not all, his out-buildings. It is stated that on a recent cocaston Jim Lawson, the late body servant of Col. John Taylor, who ran away from his master a few weeks ago, landed in a boat at Chatterton, with a number of other negroes, and proceeded to the house, where lie demanded the keys of Mrs. Jones, who was there at the time and, after ransacking the premises, took what he wanted Jim was dressed in uniform, with a sword by his side, and was addressed by his companions as "Captain Lawson" It is said he is a Captain in Gen. Rocker's army It is reported that the negroes who lately ran off from Mr. G. B. Wallace, of "Little Whim," Thirteen in number, were drowned by the ting of a boat in attempting to get to a steamer in the Potomac. The Herald has still later advices, from the upper country, that on Thursday night 15,000 of the enemy were a mile and a half this side of the Warrenton Junction, on the Alexandria and Orange Bill road. During the evening Gen. Stuart's cavalry captured ten of the enemy. These men say that the 15,000 are being closely followed by 50,000 more. One of them stated that the 50,000 were to advance upon Fredericksburg from Catlett's Station. Another said that an army of 50,000 disconnected from their division, was to make the advance upon Fredericksburg. The Herald's informant was in company with some of the cavalry scouts, and saw the encampment of the enemy at the point named, but formed no opinion of the number. The number is bread upon the statements of the captured prisoners. The command was under Gen. Sherman. The people of Fredericksburg (says the Herald) have heard the cry of "wolf" times without number the last twelve-month, and are not likely to be startled into a stampede at any sort of intelligence, particularly when so much of it depends upon the statement of the enemy. The Recorder of the same date has the following: ‘ A gentlemen from the Potomac tells us that the Yankees are carrying a great number of troops from Washington down the river, probably to Newport News. In two days upwards of a hundred tags and transports, heavily laden, have been seen to pass down. ’ We hear further that six Texan Rangers were captured by the Yankees, who landed in force at Evansport on Wednesday night, and that our party have succeeded in capturing four more of Sickles men, who will be in to day. Heavy firing was heard all day yesterday along the Potomac from Boyd's Hols, and stems to extend as far as Washington. Firing was also heard yesterday evening for about an hour in the direction of Warrenton, Va. and from a gentleman who arrived in town this morning, we learn that the enemy in large force are at Warrenton junction.From Cumberland Gap.
The Abingdon Virginian has confirmatory news of the fight at Cumberland Gap: The enemy attacked our forces there at daylight on Saturday morning. He was driven back. Our lost was some four or five wounded--the enemy's not known. The devils on the Tennessee side commended simultaneously with their Lincoln friends on the opposite side of the mountain, and shot Lieut. Miller, of the 29th North Carolina regiment, through the shigh.Gen. Holmes,
This officer has been assigned to the command of the Confederate forces in the Department of North Carolina. The following general order, issued by him on the 25th instant, exhibits the spirit with which he enters upon his work. The enemy are before us and must advance at an early day. It we do not defeat him, North Carolina will be under his worse then vandal despotism, Let us all, then, give ourselves up body and mind to the tored duty of her defence. To effect this strictest disciplines must be preserved, and the commanders of companies, regiments and biplanes are required to enforce the most ex ct obedience to all orders and regulations Until further orders no furloughs will be greeted, nor will any officer or soldiers permitted to leave his camp without permission from his brigade commander. The most active system of drill will be instituted, and every commanding officer is held responsible that his command is ready to march at a moment's notice.Newbern.
The Raleigh Standard, of Saturday last, says: ‘ It is almost impossible to get correct information from Newbern. The enemy closely guards every point. Our pickets, we learn, have been driven in within a day or two, and an advance is expected. "One of our pickets was killed a few nights ago. We learn that the Yankees have commenced the republication of the Newbern Progress The blacks appear to give General Burnside great trouble. It is said he is anxious for their owners to come and, take them away. We do not vouch, however, for the statement. ’ We hope General Holmes will keeps a sharp eye on his movements in Carteret, Jones, and Cuslow, There may be a chance to bag a regiment now and then. From what we learn, we apprehend that the enemy is in possession of Morehead City, Beaufort, and Swansboro'. The buildings at Carolina City, and the bridge across Newport, have been burned by order of Colonel White, commander of Forts Macon The fort is provisioned for eight months.Col. Sinclair's report.
Hdqrs. 85th Reg't N. C. Troops, Kisston, March 16, 1862.
Colossal.--I have the honor to inform you, that on Wednesday, the 11th inst. at 4 o'clk P. M., I received orders, to march down to "Fisher's Landing" to oppose the landing of the enemy, reported to be in force with their fleet down the river.
I left Newbern, according to orders, at 6 ½ o'clock. P. M., with my command, by the railroad, and arrived at the point designated at 8 o'clock that night, and about nine miles below the town.
At the time I arrived there was sufficient moonlight to enable me to see that the enemy, in heavy force, was not far distant.
I could distinctly hear the music of his bands, and even the singing of his men on the fleet.
Taking "Fisher's Landing" as my centre, I posted pickets on each side of the landing, extending three miles from my centre.
I posted the balance of my regiment along rifle pits and breast works guarding the landing, with one company in reserve at the landing proper.
During the night a heavy rain set in thoroughly drenching my command, who were without cover or shelter.
Early on the morning of the 18th inst., the enemy commenced landing in heavy force some two or three miles below my pickets.
A company of cavalry and a regiment of infantry, which was promised would support me, did not make their appearance; consequently, having had orders to oppose the debarkation of the enemy at Fisher's landing I was unable to prevent them below.
By this means the "Grattan" breastworks fell into the enemy's hands.
During the landing of the enemy, two gunboats were shelling the woods.
At 10 o'clock A. M. they approached Fisher's landing, throwing shell and can ster as they came, coming sufficiently near to hear the conversation of the men on board.
About this time Col. Campbell, of the 9th regiment, my senior officer made his appearance on the ground, (not with his regiment, however,) and having carefully surveyed our position, and also the force of the enemy, ordered me to fall back into the woods beyond reach of the fire, which I did with my command, in good order, by way of Fisher's Avenue.
In retiring, I had three of my men wounded by the enemy's shells, one of whom has since been reported dead.
After forming in the woods, Col. Campbell ordered me to fallback on Fort Thompson entrenchments, where I was ordered to take position on the right of the 7th regiment North Carolina State troops.
Here under a drenching rain, we remained all night of the 19th, without food, after having been up all the night before under a heavy rain, and nearly three hours in the day exposed to the enemy's fire, besides marching for several hours, having tested no food from the evening we left Newbern.
Posted on my right was the militia, resting on the railroad by the brick-yard, where the enemy afterwards made his strongest demonstration.
According to the dispositions made on the morning of the 4th, before the engagement took place, my command was divided by a section of Brem's battery and Capt. Whitenurs's Independent company, separating my right wing from my centre and left wing.
On my right, a space of about forty yards, entervening the militia and the railroad, was still left vacant, besides a trench that ran parallel with the railroad, of about sixty or eighty yards, was occupied by our troops.
In this condition of affairs the battle opened about 7 ½ o'clock A. M., by the firing of a gun from the enemy's field batteries planted in front on the old county road, which fire was replied to by Brem's and Litham's batteries.
Immediately the enemy opened with musketry from the county road, above referred to, which fire was replied to by my regiment.--The enemy advanced twice upon the portion of the breastworks occupied by me, which advances were repelled each time.
At 10 o'clock A. M., he appeared in force on the railroad, and on the right of my position, and the militia having retired, and the trench above referred to being occupied by him in force, as also were the buildings in the brick yard, I found my command completely flanked.
At this time, however, my second in command, without consulting me, ordered four of my companies on the right wing to fall back, which companies I railed and ordered back to their post, which they immediately did, and held it for some time.
The fire of the enemy becoming more galling on my right flank, they again retired by command of my Lieutenant Colonel, who, with one company and portions of other companies, came and joined in rear of my centre.
Meantime I had dispatched my Adjutant to Colonel Campbell, my commanding officer, to communicate to him the real condition of my regiment, exposed to the flanking fire of the enemy.
The Colonel having arrived, and having surveyed my position, and the section of Brem's battery near me having by this time cased firing, he ordered me to retire with my command in the following words: "You had better take your men out of that as quickly as possible;" which order.
It immediately obeyed in retiring, however, one of my officers and several of my men were killed and some wounded.
This created somewhat of a panic, as the enemy was firing upon us from the railroad and brick-yard; but soon my men rallied and retired in perfect order till we reached that portion of the railroad intersected by the county road, where I formed them into line, ready to advance to meet the fire if called upon.
Col. Lane's regiment having arrived at this time, relieved me, and I feel back upon Newborn by the railroad bridge.
I again formed my men at the railroad depot, waiting for orders, when Lieut. Col. Barber, of the 27th, having in charge some fragments of his regiment, informed me that the order was to fall back by the Kinston road.
This I did in perfect order until some officers who were retiring with speed along the road, informed me that the enemy a cavalry were in force in the rear.
In this juncture, company D.
of my regiment volunteered to become the rear guard of the entire force.
Col. Lee, of the 67th regiment, kindly volunteered to command this rear guard in order to permit me to attend to the balance of my regiment who were jaded and broken down by exposure, fasting, fighting and marching since the evening of the 11th instant.
My presence was demanded with my regiment by the fact that in the first alarm of the enemy's cavalry being in close proximity, my Lieutenant Colonel deserted his regiment, and sought safety for himself.
The alarm proving false the guard was dismissed, and I conduced my regiment to Tuscarora where I joined portions of the 27th and 87th regiments, and fragments from other regiments engaged in the affair of the 15th instant, and took command till the arrival of Gen. Branon.
In conclusion, I have only to say, that with the exception above referred to all my men behaved well Special praise is due company a commanded by Capt. Lassater, for the alacrity with which they volunteered to defend our retreating columns when the enemy's cavalry was reported upon us. I am debted for efficient services to Major Pettway and Adj't Oates.
