The Daily Dispatch: April 24, 1862., [Electronic resource]

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[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
the battle of the Lismal Swamp.

In this war of big battles, it is well to notice closely what may be done by a few determined men, even when opposed by apparently overwhelming odds. The fight made by the Third Georgia regiment on Saturday last, near South Mills, on Sawyer's farm, in Pasquotank county, N. C., is calculated to inspire all our troops with fresh courage. For five hours this regiment, commanded by the gallant Colonel Wright, and aided by McComas's battery of light artillery, fought five regiments of the Federals, with three pieces of artillery, and finally drove them to their boats.

I have visited the battle ground, and the furrowed earth, the torn traces, the wounded and dead, attest the hard fighting done on this Our success is largely attributable to the admirable position selected by Colonel Wright, and to the splendid fighting of McComas's battery. Alas, for our country, that she should lose the life and services of such a gallant soldier and McComas at such a crisis in our affair. But he died on the field of battle, and in the thickest of the fight — a fitting death bed for such a patriot.

The prisoners are coming in, and tell the objects of the expedition. It was to capture the 3d Georgia regiment, and to blow up the locks on the Dismal Swamp. They did neither, but lost the Adjutant of the brigade, fifteen officers severely wounded, many men killed, and a number taken prisoners.

We took 1,500 pounds of coarse cannon powder, with which they intended to blow up the locks on the canal. The enemy's artillery was very badly served, and if this is the best they can do, we have but little to fear from them. Their forces were led by Gen. Reno, who had with him, amongst others, Col. Hawkins, of the New York Fire Zonaves, and Col. Fairchild.

Georgia may will be proud in sending such soldiers as compose the 3d Georgia regiment to the field. In this command they have been called the ‘"Fighting 3d;"’ but I did not believe it was in the nerves of man to stand such a storm of shot and shell as was rained upon them for five hours. Let all our troops go and do likewise. ‘"Swamp Fox,"’