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History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment M.V.M. - Pages 102-141
Page 102
BY JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.
From Harper's New Monthly Magazine December, 1864, published by permission.
"ON Tuesday, the 9th of December, 1862, a division of the army in North Carolina under General John G. Foster, received orders to put three days' rations in their haversacks, and prepare for an immediate march; but where they were not informed; neither was it supposed to be any of their business to inquire. Blind, unquestioning obedience is the law of the army. The rising of the sun on Thursday, the 11th, found these troops vigorously on the move from New Berne, directly west, towards Goldsboro, along what is called the Trent Road, a road running a few miles west of the River Trent and almost parallel with it. The force consisted of four brigades, composed of nineteen regiments. The line of march was formed by two hundred cavalry in advance; then followed the several regiments of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, while the rear was composed of one hundred and fifty baggage wagons. The entire line, in easy marching order, extended about five miles, filling the whole road.
It was a splendid wintry morning, mild and serene. As the vast army was beheld from an eminence moving along the winding road, with the fluttering of innumerable banners, and the gleam of burnished arms, the sight inspired the most phlegmatic with enthusiasm. The army numbered in all thirteen thousand infantry, eleven hundred cavalry, with fifty-one pieces of artillery. The troops that day marched eighteen miles over a heavy, sandy road, with occasional sloughs to wade, and, as night approached, they prepared for their encampment in a large plain of about three hundred acres, which they found opened in the forest.
As the twilight faded away hundreds of camp-fires, brilliant
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with the blaze of the resinous pine, lighted up the scene with wondrous beauty. The soldiers drank their hot coffee from their tin cups, ate their frugal supper of hard bread, and the camp resounded with jokes and laughter as the most of them threw themselves down for a shelterless bivouac, with the sand for a mattress, and a knapsack for a pillow. Wearied with the long day's march the reign of silence soon commenced. All of the men were provided with rubber blankets which they spread upon the ground. Over that a woolen blanket was spread. And then, three cuddling together, with their feet to the fire and with their united three blankets and three overcoats spread over them, enjoyed more luxurious slumber than is usually found in ceiled chambers and on beds of down.
At five o'clock the next morning, Friday, the 12th, the drum beat the reveille, roused all from their slumbers. It was a bitter cold morning, so cold that the water in the canteens of the soldiers was found frozen. The icy ground seemed solid as a rock. The fires, from piles of pitch-pine, were immediately brightly blazing, the ever-welcome coffee was boiling, and after their breakfast of hard bread the soldiers were again upon the move. Marching rapidly along a level country covered with pine forests, and where few dwellings were found, at noon they reached a road turning nearly at right angles to the north. This road led directly to Kinston, one of the most important towns in North Carolina, situated on the northern bank of the Neuse, about forty miles above New Berne. The soldiers by this time had supposed that Kinston was their destination. But much to their surprise, they found that they were not guided upon that road, but leaving it on the right, pressed directly forward in a westerly course. The soldiers subsequently ascertained that which the officers already knew, that half-way between this crossing and the town of Kinston, there was a stream called South-west Creek, where the rebels, in anticipation of an attack, had erected formidable intrenchments.
General Foster, one of our boldest and most efficient officers, sagaciously sent forward a small force of cavalry to deceive the rebels by the feint of an attack upon their elaborate
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works at the creek. At the same time the main body pressed vigorously forward on the road towards Goldsboro, and with the setting sun sought their second night's bivouac, having effected a march of nearly twenty miles. The wearied soldiers, after a hurried meal, again threw themselves on the frozen ground and slept soundly. Scarcely had the morning dawned ere the beat of the drum aroused the slumbering host. They replenished their waning fires, in haste prepared their breakfast of fragrant coffee with hard bread, and at six o'clock the tramp of armed men and the rumbling of carriage-wheels again resounded through the solitude of the forest. All day long they continued their march, until about the middle of the afternoon, when, having passed several miles beyond Kinston, they came to another cross-road, which at a very sharp angle led back, in a northeasterly direction, toward that city.
The head of the long column turned sharply round and entered this road. By it they could cross the Southwest Creek at a point farther up the stream by a bridge which was feebly defended. The rebels, however, fearing this movement, and yet not daring to vacate their intrenchments on the main road, had sent forward a small force and burned the bridge. They had also placed two 12-pounders on an eminence on the north side of the creek, to prevent the reconstruction of the bridge or the floating of pontoons. Here the Union troops were brought to a stand. While the advance of the column waited for the artillery and the wagons to come up, pioneers were sent forward, under strong protection of artillery and musketry, to attempt to rebuild the bridge.
The creek was here but a few rods wide, with somewhat precipitous and densely-wooded shores. The road from that point to Kinston, a distance of about fourteen miles, ran all the way through an almost unbroken forest. A few pieces of Union artillery were sent ahead, to engage the attention of the rebel battery, while the Ninth New Jersey Regiment secretly forded the stream above and below, and rushed upon the hostile cannon from either flank so impetuously and unexpectedly that guns, horses, and men were all taken, almost before there was any consciousness of danger.
[image: Battle Of Kinston]
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It was Saturday night, the third day of the expedition. Again the troops bivouacked in the open air, but all night long working parties of engineers and pioneers were busy rebuilding the bridge. Before the dawn of Sunday it was completed, and at five o'clock the troops were again upon the march. As before, a body of cavalry led the advance along the narrow road, with pine forests on either side. They frequently encountered the pickets of the enemy, and in slight skirmishes, easily dispersed them. The cavalry was followed by a strong body of artillery, who shelled the woods wherever there was any suspicion that the foe might be lurking.
It will be remembered that the line of the army, filling the whole capacity of the road, occupied an extent of about five miles. At nine o'clock in the morning those in the rear of this long column heard the roar of the artillery among the advance, shot answering shot. It announced that the enemy had been found, and it sent an electric thrill through the eager host. Every man pressed forward. The whole army soon found themselves in a clearing of the woods of about twenty acres, on the right-hand side of the road. There was here opportunity for the army to deploy and make ready for action. The enemy were so effectually concealed in the woods that not a man could be seen; and their batteries, commandingly posted under the protection of an apparently impassable swamp, were constantly pitching their shells over the tree tops into the midst of our advancing troops. Six Parrot guns were brought forward by the patriots and placed in position to return the fire. It was a blind battle of invisible foes; but the two hostile parties had discovered each other's position, and bloody scenes were at hand.
The Ninety-Second and Ninety-Sixth New York Regiments filed into the woods on the left of the road, to charge the rebel batteries on their right flank. The Ninth New York plunged into the woods on the right of the road, to advance upon the batteries under shelter of the thicket, between the road and the swamp. The Forty-Fifth Massachusetts rushed boldly into the swamp itself, and toiling onward through a tangled net-work of roots and stumps, and up to their knees in mire, sought to traverse
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it, that they might attack the batteries on their left flank. The swamp was densely covered with huge old trees, whose gnarled roots were twisted in all possible contortions beneath the ooze and slime of the bog. But a few moments elapsed before the whole forest was alive with the rattle of musketry, for the heads of each of these divisions had met the foe. Our troops keeping up a constant fire, steadily advanced, driving the rebels before them, who were fighting, Indian-fashion, behind stumps and trees.
At length the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts, who had penetrated the swamp, forced their way through it, and ascended a little knoll beyond covered with shrub oaks. But they had hardly formed in line before a shower of bullets, as well as shot and shell, came rattling in among them, a rebel battery having got their precise range. The Tenth Connecticut and One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania came up at the same moment, having followed through the swamp. The rebel guns (cannon) opened upon their left flank, raking their position. The fire of these guns was so concentrated and powerful that it cut a perfect path, two rods wide, for some distance through the forest. No flesh and blood could stand such a storm. The Union troops threw themselves on their faces and hugged the ground as their only protection. [The Forty-Fifth Regiment, however, had orders to and did continue to load and fire, while in this position.] They could not move in any direction without the utmost peril.
While in this terrible situation they heard the well known cheer of their comrades announcing triumph on their left. The Ninety-Sixth and Ninety-Second New York had come up, flanked and successfully charged the rebel battery. At that shout the Tenth Connecticut, Forty-Fifth Massachusetts, and One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania sprang to their feet, and rushed to join their comrades in the charge. The rebels waited not for the impetuous onslaught, but abandoning everything, fled pell-mell for the bridge which crossed the Neuse, opposite Kinston, which was not far distant. The retreat of five hundred and fifty of the
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foe was cut off, and they were taken prisoners. [The Forty-Fifth Regiment had charge of these five hundred prisoners.] The Union artillery came rushing up along the road, shelling the fugitives in their flight. The rebels, in their consternation, had no chance to destroy the bridge, and the patriot troops, following closely upon their heels, crossed the river and took possession of Kinston. The brunt of this battle--and it was truly a heroic fight--was met by the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts, Tenth Connecticut, and One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania, essentially aided by the Ninety-Sixth and Ninety-Second New York. Five Union Regiments drove six thousand rebels from their intrenchments.
The rebel prisoners stated that they considered their position quite impregnable, for they had not supposed it possible for any advance to be made through the swamp. They had consequently massed their forces to block up the passage of the road. The first intimation they had of the position of the regiments who had dashed through the swamp, was from the storm of bullets which swept their ranks. There was an old church near the range of the hostile batteries, which was thoroughly riddled with shot. As our troops occupied the ground vacated by their foes they found sixteen dead bodies in the church. The prisoners confessed they carried off as many dead bodies as they could, and had thrown them into the river to conceal their loss.
Most of the prisoners were South Carolinians. They were ferocious in their hate, declaring that they would fight forever. They said they had received orders from General Evans that morning to give no quarter. They had not entertained the idea that they could be beaten. Our troopsfound that the rigor of rebel conscription had stripped the country of every man capable of bearing arms. Many of the prisoners said they had been dragged away from their families without any process of law, and without an hour's delay. The general aspect of the region through which the army passed testified to the truth of these statements. Wide fields remained uncultivated, and in not a few cases ripened crops were left to perish unharvested. Vast barns and granaries were left entirely empty. On the most extensive plantations but few signs
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of life were visible. A few aged negroes, too old to run away and too valueless to be removed, were loitering about, bewildered by the sudden and inexplicable change. Now and then a few women were found who had been left behind. They did not exhibit the ferocity which had been generally displayed by female rebels; they were generally anxious for the war to end on any terms, asserting they were living under a reign of terror, and that they had more to fear from the rebel than from the Union troops.
The retreating rebels had stripped the houses of most of their movable furniture and of all eatables. In the little dilapidated city of Kinston, desolation and starvation reigned. The women and children who alone remained all looked care-worn and hungry. Many of the poorer class came rambling through the Union camp, begging bread of the soldiers, and eagerly picking up the fragments which our surfeited troops had thrown away. The women, accustomed only to the brutal aspect and bearing of the Southern soldiers, expressed much surprise at the gentlemanly appearance and demeanor of the Northern troops. But three white men were found left in Kinston, and they were Union men who had hidden themselves from rebel rule. All the rest had been carried off, either voluntarily or involuntarily, by the rebels.
"On looking around the town, we found every evidence of our large and small shot having taken excellent effect. By the time two or three regiments had crossed the bridge, Major-General Foster dispatched Colonel Potter, under a flag of truce, to communicate with General Evans, and to demand a surrender of his forces. The flag was recognized. We found the rebel regiments retreating up the railroad and on the road, and in various ways, straggling or otherwise, towards Goldsboro. General Evans refused to comply, on high military grounds, etc. Soon after our artillery commenced anew to shell the rebels across the town, firing low, in fact so low, that some of the shells swept very closely over our heads.
General Evans then sent by a flag of truce, his compliments, etc., to General Foster, and requested a place of safety for the women and children, as he intended to return the fire from his artillery. Our artillery ceased firing, and the women and children
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that could be found, were conducted to a place of safety, when we found, on preparing again for action, that the bird had flown; that General Evans had succeeded, during the flag of truce operations, in safely conducting off what remained of his entire command. The Ninth New Jersey captured the regimental flag of a South Carolina regiment before crossing the Neuse bridge, and are now carrying it as a trophy of their gallantry. On the road after crossing the bridge, we found the following letter (it evidently had been dropped during the course of the enemy's hasty retreat;)
Goldsboro, December 14, 1862.General Evans:
All the men I have here have been sent to you. You received them last night. Rogers is nearly with you, four hundred strong. I understand from rumor that three other regiments are on their way here from Petersburg. J. A. J. Bradford.
The rebels destroyed some eighty or ninety bales of cotton. This we found burning as we entered the town. Most of it belonged to a Scotchman named Nichols. Four companies of the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts were detailed to patrol the town.
The battle of Kinston was fought on Sunday. These were strange scenes for our Puritan boys, who had been trained in the Sabbath-schools and churches of the North. The victorious Union troops passed over the bridge into Kinston, and encamped in a large field on the north side of the village, built their fires, boiled their coffee, and sat down to review the labors of the day. The Massachusetts Forty-Fifth lost eighteen killed and had fifty wounded. Large numbers had bullet-holes through their hats and part of their clothing. The Tenth Connecticut met with a still more severe loss, as did also the One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania and the Ninety-Sixth New York. The rebels lost, in addition to the prisoners we have mentioned, eleven pieces of artillery, a large quantity of small-arms and ammunition, and an immense depot of provisions, which they set on fire to prevent it from falling into the Union hands. The battle in the swamp lasted four hours. A young soldier of the Massachusetts Forty.
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Fifth, who had never before been under fire, thus graphically describes his sensations in a letter to his friends:
"When we first filed into the woods I would have given all I was worth to have been once more safely at home. But after the first shot was fired I could not restrain myself. I had no thought of any personal danger. The balls would whistle and hum over our heads, and every now and then a shell would explode and cover us with mud, and too often with blood. But it seemed to me as though something told me not to fear. I said one little short prayer for myself, thought of each one of you, imagined I heard the sweet church bells of Framingham, and shut my eyes for an instant and saw you all. It could have been but an instant, and then I thought of nothing but pushing the rebels out of the swamp. As we drove the rebels before us I cannot describe the exultation we felt that we had helped win a victory for the Stars and Stripes. But the sad times were at night, when we missed from the camp fires the faces of those whom we had learned to love, or when we went back to the woods to bury the dead or to save the wounded."
Early the next morning--Monday the 15th--the army recommenced its march. Filing rapidly again back across the bridge they pressed along a road which skirted the southern banks of the Neuse, toward Whitehall, which was directly west upon the river, at the distance of about twenty miles. It required nearly five hours--from daylight until 11 o'clock--for the whole army to defile across the narrow bridge. They then, to prevent pursuit and the harassment of their rear, smeared the bridge over with tar and set it on fire. The structure, of wood, twenty rods long and forty feet above the water, was speedily enveloped in rushing billows of flame, and disappeared in smoke and ashes. Such a long line of troops, with its ponderous artillery and heavily-laden wagons, necessarily moves slow. But by vigorously pushing forward they traveled seventeen miles that day, and again bivouacked by the road-side, about three miles from Whitehall. The weary soldiers did not need beds of down to enable them to sleep soundly that night.
Tuesday, 16th, at 5 o'clock in the morning the troops were
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again upon the march. They had been in motion scarcely an hour when the roar of battle was again heard at the head of the column. The cavalry and one battery were in the advance. As they were approaching the little village of Whitehall, which is on the south bank of the stream, they found that the enemy had stationed themselves on the opposite side of the river, having destroyed the bridge, and were strongly posted, with ten guns in battery on the opposite bank. The guns were protected by long lines of rifle pits. A brief but spirited conflict here ensued.
The conflict at Whitehall lasted about an hour and a half, one brigade only of the Union troops being called into action. It was found on almost all occasions that our artillery practice was far superior to that of the rebels. Not infrequently the Union batteries would take position in an open field and silence a rebel battery carefully intrenched, of the same number of guns. While this artillery battle was raging, the main body of the army moved rapidly along the road at a little distance from the river, to gain the stream at a point which the rebel guns did not command. While thus moving, a shell fell into the ranks of the Forty-Fourth Massachusetts, instantly killing four men. The patriot batteries at length silenced the rebel cannon, and our troops advancing to the river, destroyed two gun-boats which the rebels were building there. The village of Whitehall, which stood between the hostile batteries, was literally knocked to pieces. The dense woods which fringed the opposite bank of the stream were mown down by our deadly fire as the scythe mows the grass. For a quarter of a mile back from the river, and half a mile up and down the banks, scarcely a tree was left standing.
The shell is a terrible and remorseless engine of destruction. Nothing can be imagined more demoniac than the yell with which they swoop through the air. It is heard the moment the shell leaves the gun, and with the larger size, now often used, is so shrill and piercing that even if a quarter of a mile distant it seems directly upon you. Many of these massive bolts are hurled with such velocity that if they pass within ten feet of one's head they produce a vacuum which takes away the breath; and
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as it whirs by the scream grows fainter and fainter, till it expires in a thundering explosion. The noise which these shells make is indescribable. There is nothing with which to compare it. It can only be imagined by those by whom it has been heard.
Having dispersed the rebels at Whitehall, our victorious little army, under their vigorous leader General Foster, without crossing the river, aud with scarcely an hour's delay, pressed forward toward the west, still ascending the banks of the Neuse. Night overtook them twelve miles beyond Whitehall. Here they found their sixth encampment. Scarcely had the dawn of Wednesday morning the 17th appeared, ere the troops were again in motion. A party of cavalry had been sent in advance by a crossroad on Monday to a place called Mount Olive, twenty miles south of Goldsboro, to destroy as much as possible of the railroad there, and a long trestle railroad bridge. This enterprise the intrepid cavalry had successfully accomplished. They now returned to the main body, having ridden seventy miles in twenty-four hours.
The great object of this whole military expedition was to destroy the railroad running south from Goldsboro, which was the principal line of northern communication for the rebels. Like most villages in a slave-holding country, Goldsboro is an insignificant hamlet, not important enough even to be noticed in a general gazetteer. It is but little more than a railroad station, where the Wilmington and Weldon road crosses the Atlantic and North Carolina track. There was a costly high bridge an eighth of a mile long, which here crossed the river, which had been a long time in process of construction. It was an important object of the expedition to destroy this bridge. The rebels, fully appreciating its importance, made a vigorous stand for its defense. But General Foster on this expedition as much out-generaled the rebel officers in strategy and tactics as his soldiers out-fought the rebel rank and file in the open field. At eleven o'clock Wednesday morning, our soldiers were within five miles of the bridge. The rebels were found there in force, and the battle was renewed. A few miles below the railroad viaduct there was a small stream called Sleepy Creek, where there was a
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common road bridge across the Neuse. A portion of the army was sent down to this bridge to make a feint, with as much noise as possible, of crossing at that point.
The rebels deceived by the supposition that it was our main object to seize the railroad junction at Goldsboro, had assembled a large force at this bridge, superior to our own, to guard the passage. General Foster adroitly compelled them to divide their force between this upper and lower point, and kept the river between him and the foe to prevent being overwhelmed by any sudden assault. To prevent the Union troops from crossing the river the rebels made their first stand at Kinston. Here, as we have mentioned, the Union troops drove them back, and destroyed the bridge. They next made a stand at Whitehall, destroying the bridge themselves. Here the patriots silenced their batteries and destroyed two of their gunboats. The rebels then drew back their forces to the vicinity of Goldsboro, and established themselves at the two bridges of which we have spoken, five miles apart. While a part of our troops followed down Sleepy Creek to the bridge the main body moved on to the railroad bridge, the object of the expedition.
General Foster had no wish to cross either of these bridges. He was well aware that there was a sufficient force of rebels on the other side, gathered from Wilmington, Weldon, Raleigh, and even Virginia, to overwhelm the force at his disposal. The assault commenced at both bridges at the same time. From eleven o'clock in the morning until three o'clock in the afternoon there was the continuous roar of battle. The rebels had taken position on the south side of the railroad bridge. They were however, soon driven in confusion from their position and across the bridge, and the bridge was utterly destroyed. The flames consumed its frame, and its buttresses were demolished by shot and shell. The great object of the expedition having been thus effectually accomplished, the army immediately commenced its return. The rebels now began to comprehend the true position of affairs. They had assembled in such force as vastly to outnumber the patriots. But there was a wide and rapid river, with all the bridges destroyed, flowing between them. In this emergency
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the rebels went back, ascending the river about five miles, and crossed in the vicinity of Waynesborough. Then marching down the southern bank of the stream, they vigorously set out in pursuit of our leisurely retiring columns. They overtook the patriot rear-guard in the vicinity of Sleepy Creek. [The Forty-Fifth Regiment was the rear guard on that day.] As the rebels came on in solid mass the patriot batteries, in good position, remained quiet until they were within three hundred yards, and then with double-shotted guns, they poured in so tremendous a volley that no mortal strength or valor could breast it. Three times the rebel ranks were broken by the awful carnage, and three times they rallied anew to the onset. Finally they broke beyond recovery, and fled in wildest confusion back among the forests and the hills. Some prisoners who were taken said that they lost in this terrific storm of war, which lasted but a few moments, eight hundred men. It was a very bold attempt of infantry to storm batteries up to the muzzle of their guns.
The patriots now retired unmolested, and encamped Wednesday night on the same spot where they had encamped the night before. The next morning, at four o'clock, they were again upon the march, and thus they tramped along, singing songs of victory, until six o'clock Saturday night, when they encamped about six miles from New Berne. The Sabbath morning sun rose cloudless over the North Carolina pines. The day was mild and beautiful, as though nature had no voice or feature in harmony with the discord of war. The patriot troops resumed their march with waving banners and pealing bugles, and thus rejoicingly re-entered the camp from which they had marched but ten days before. They marched into their encampment to the dear old tune "Home Sweet Home." The distance these iron men had travelled, over often the worst of roads, and through a series of battles, was about two hundred miles."
[image: Corporal Charles Eustis Hubbard, Co. A]
[image: Kinston Swamp]
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BY CORPORAL CHARLES EUSTIS HUBBARD OF COMPANY A.
THE story of our first expedition and battle, with its various incidents was written long ago, and our individual adventures are still fresh in our memories. It seemed to me, therefore, that the history of the expedition, as detailed in the official reports and correspondence of the officers, both Union and Confederate, would be more instructive and interesting than to repeat mere personal recollections of these eventful days.
I have accordingly copied such portions of the official records as pertain especially to the history of the march to, and the Battle of Kinston.
The Department of North Carolina was under the command of Major-General John G. Foster, then but thirty-eight years of age, and the forces at his disposal December 10, 1862, consisted of the following troops, viz.:
Present for Duty Aggregate Aggregate Present
Officers Men Present & Absent
First Brigade, Col.
T. J. C. Amory 137 3456 4417 8010
Second Brigade,
Col. T. J. Stevenson 113 3083 3802 6998
Third Brigade, Col.
Horace C. Lee 148 3408 4141 7697
Unassigned 101 2426 3209 5736
--- ----- ----- -----
499 12,373 15,569 28,441
As General Foster deemed this number of troops insufficient, he had requested that re-inforcements might be sent him.
Headquarters Department of North Carolina, New Berne, November 18, 1862.
Major-General H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief United States Army, Washington, D. C.
General:
Referring to my report of recent reconnoisance, I have the honor to make the following statements. The enemy have much increased their
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force and their activity in the State. We have engaged at different times in one way or another, seven old regiments, viz.: the Eighth, Tenth, Seventeenth, Twenty-Sixth, Thirty-First, Fifty-First and Fifty-Ninth North Carolina, and I am informed, by what I consider reliable authority, that Governor Vance has had a difficulty with President Davis, as regards conscripts, the consequence of which is that the Governor is raising or has raised, two brigades of conscripts, within assisting distance of Goldsborough.
Their artillery force I think to be inferior to mine as yet. There were at Tarborough sixteen pieces and I found threatening this town on my return ten other pieces. These, with the supporting force, retired on my return. And in the same connection I would state that I heard near Tarborough of the appointment of General Longstreet to the command of this Department. This report has since been confirmed both here and in the Richmond papers. In addition, Governor Vance in person was with the forces in Tarborough. I would respectfully remark that the above simple statements prove the reliability of my opening paragraph, and, in addition, show the determination of the enemy to withstand my advances in their rich country of the Eastern counties, and, also if possible, to diminish my hold on that section. On the other hand the weakening influences of the past malarious season, has so weakened the strength of my old regiments, that for hard, active service, I have, scarcely available one-half their nominal strength at the moment.
The new regiments, nine months' men, arrived here, viz.: the Third Fifth, Forty-Third, Forty-Fourth, Forty-Fifth and Forty-Sixth Massachusetts are good troops, but are new, and some have never had their arms, and I should wish some drill before trusting them in a fight. Admiral Lee has been here, and with him I had a full and free talk, and am happy to say that he fully coincides with me in my views as to co-operation, and as to force required. Referring to the above simple statements, I would most respectfully suggest, that, if possible, I should be allowed ten thousand old troops in addition to the few new troops ordered here, and would express my hopes and wishes that those old troops should be the men of the North Army Corps, with whom I have been associated, and of which corps I was the senior officer under General Burnside. The sooner I have the force, the sooner I will endeavor to perform my plans, and, I think, the views of the Government, viz.: the cutting of the railroad (Wilmington & Weldon), and the taking of Wilmington, and the works of New Inlet, and the mouth of the Cape Fear River. I most respectfully request, in addition to the officer recommended for promotion to Brigadier-General, that three regular Brigadier-Generals be sent me, and as a matter of choice, I would suggest General Gillmore, and if none be available, now appointed, call your attention to Captains, Morton and Casey of the Engineer Corps, and Lieut. Col. Briggs
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or Captain D. W. Flagler, Ordnance Corps, as most acceptable to me. I would also ask an engineer officer, of which I have none, and an ordnance officer. I have received from General Dix a letter as to his co-operation with me in any attempt to cut the railroad communications, and would say that such co-operation would be most desirable as proved at Tarborough, where the re-inforcements came even from Petersburg. I can act, and he assist. If the line be cut south of Weldon, and he act and I assist, if at Weldon, which point he can reach more easily than I. I have the honor to be General, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant, J. G. Foster, Major-General Commanding.
General Wessell's Brigade, composed of New York and Pennsylvania Volunteers, was sent in response to this request.
The last of November General Foster went to Fortress Monroe to confer with General Dix as to the expedition, as appears from the following.
Fortress Monroe, Va., December 1, 1862.
General H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief, United States Army, Washington, D. C
General:
I have just arrived here to confer with General Dix in regard to operating in offensive movements against the enemy. I shall return early tomorrow morning unless you wish me to remain longer to give me some special orders.
J. G. Foster, Major-General Volunteers.
Major-General J. G. Foster, Fort Monroe, Va.
I have no special instructions to give. Possibly the Secretary of War may have tomorrow.
H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief.
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Major-General Peck, Suffolk, Va.
I expect an officer from General Foster to-night. If not too late you had better defer any strong demonstration until he arrives.
John H. Dix, Major-General.
Major-General Dix, Fortress Monroe, Va.
The interview with General Foster today was all that could be desired. He is an old friend, and we canvassed matters fully. Have memorandum which will govern moves some day. I proposed to demonstrate strongly on a given day which he did not expect, and which pleased him very much. I very much desire that new troops should arrive before Wessell's Brigade moves.
John J. Peck, Major-General
War Department, Washington, D. C., December 6, 1862.
Major-General Dix, Fortress Monroe, Va.
The Adjutant General informs me that Jourdan has been restored. You speak of sending a brigade of your troops to General Foster. By whose authority is this done? General Foster asked for more troops but they were refused by the War Department. All available troops will immediately be wanted in your department.
H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief.
Fort Monroe, Va., December 6, 1862.
Major-General H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief.
When in Washington on October 30th you desired me to communicate with General Foster, and to co-operate with him in harassing the enemy. I wrote to him, but he being absent, did not receive my letter for some time and his answer did not reach me until November 27th. I advised you of these circumstances by letter of the 29th ultimo, and that I had sent an officer to him. He came here immediately, and on conferring with him, I agreed to let him have a brigade for ten days to attack Goldsboro and cut the railroad at that place.
I directed General Peck to meet him at Norfolk and arrange the time. The brigade under General Wessells left Suffolk yesterday to
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march to Gates Ferry near Gatesville, where transports will be ready to receive it. I shall regret greatly, if, in this, I have mistaken your wishes or exceeded my authority. If it is not too late to recall General Wessells, if it be thought best and if I receive your order at once. I did not know that General Foster had been refused troops by the Secretary of War.
John H. Dix, Major-General.
Major-General Dix, Fort Monroe, Va.
The temporary detachment of the brigade to assist General Foster is approved. Have all your other troops ready to move by the time the brigade returns, or before. The transportation will be mainly by water.
H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief.
Before the expedition had started General Foster had quite a correspondence with General French, Confederate Commander of Department of North Carolina, regarding the conduct of the Union troops in North Carolina.
Headquarters, Department of North Carolina.
Petersburg, Va., November 27, 1862.
General J. G. Foster, U. S. A., New Berne, N. C.
Dear Sir: During the march of the army under your command up the valley of the Rounda River in the early part of the month, many wanton acts of destruction of private property and many depredations were committed by the troops under your command. Negroes were forcibly abducted from their owners, many isolated houses in the village of Hamilton and Williamston were wilfully burned; parlors of private residences were used for stables; family carriages were taken to your camps, abandoned and destroyed; bedding was carried into the streets and burned, doors and windows broken, women were insulted by your soldiers, and robbed of all the money and valuables on their persons, and all their clothing and that of their children, except what they had on, was cast into the fire, or torn to pieces. In general terms, your soldiers committed many robberies, and practiced a wanton and malicious destruction of private property.
Having been over a portion of your line of march, and examined these evidences of destruction, I reported them to my Government, and
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I am instructed to address you and inform you, that such outrages are considered as forfeiting the right of yourself and officers to be treated as prisoners of war, and to inquire of you, whether these outrages were committed with your knowledge and sanction.
The action to be taken in the case will depend on the answer you may make, and if no answer be returned in ten days after the delivery of this letter, it will be considered by the Government that you admit and hold yourself responsible for the acts charged.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. G. French, Major-General Commanding.
Headquarters, Department of North Carolina, New Berne, December 4, 1862.
Major-General S. G. French, Commanding Department of North Carolina Petersburg, Va.
General:
Your favor of November 27th I have the honor to acknowledge. I had previously received word from General Martin on the same subject, and as my answer to him covers most of the ground in yours, I beg leave to enclose a copy.
I beg to say in relation to postscript of your letter, that not a negro, to the best of my belief, was forcibly abducted from his owner, and, indeed I only suffered those to follow me who insisted upon so doing.
There were fifteen houses (says General Martin) burned at Hamilton; the fact I deplore. At Williamston, two were burned from the defect in the flue of the chimney, as shown by investigation, and one small house pulled down to prevent the spread of fire. Members of my staff were in each house and none of them saw horses in the parlors, though in one or two instances on piazzas. Family carriages (not over three) may have been taken to transport sick men, not to destroy or abandon.
That houses of peaceful citizens with the families in occupancy were entered, women and children insulted and robbed, I do not believe, as the Provost Marshal heard nothing of the kind so gross as you report. In respect to that part of your letter as to the treatment of any officers not as prisoners of war, I would say, that if after my letter your Government proposes to act on that principle, I beg that you will have me informed for the regulation of my own course.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. Foster, Major-General Commanding.
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Indorsement.
Richmond, Va., December 10, 1862.
Respectfully forwarded for the information of the War Department.
G. W Smith, Major-General.
Inclosure.
Headquarters, Department of North Carolina, New Berne, N. C., December 4, 1862.
Brigadier-General J. G. Martin, Commanding.
General:
Your letter of November 25th inclosing an extract from the Boston Traveller describing the alleged depredations of the Army under my command in their late march up the country, I have received. In reply to your request to know whether these things were done by my order, I have to state that draught animals, and in some cases, carriages to be used as ambulances, beeves and pigs to subsist my men when short of provisions, and forage to subsist cavalry, were taken by my order.
Every other depredation was not only not done by my orders, but against them, and against the strongest efforts to prevent them. On the march we found all the towns almost entirely abandoned by their inhabitants, the houses, in some cases, cleared of their furniture, in others, partly so, and in some, not at all. I quartered my troops in the abandoned houses only. The principal cause of the depredations which I know were committed, was, I think, that so many houses contained apple brandy and which escaped the eye of the Provost Marshal. I trust sincerely, that in the future marches in this State you will be pleased to find a marked improvement, in all these respects, and I earnestly recommend that you urge all peaceable citizens to remain on their estates, as that course will aid me greatly in protecting their property.
I have the honor to remain, General, your obedient servant, J. G. Foster, Major-General Commanding.
Headquarters, Department of North Carolina.
Petersburg, Va., December 13, 1862.
Major-General J. G. Foster, Commanding United States Army, New Berne, N. C.
General:
Your letter of the 4th inst. inclosing a copy of one addressed by you to General J. G. Martin has been received. War, even when conducted
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by the acknowledged rules of Christian nations, inflicts so many evils on society, that they should not be increased by the lawless acts of soldiers. It affords me much gratification to learn that the acts of depredation referred to in my letter, were not only not done by your orders, but against them and against your strongest efforts to prevent them, and it is to be hoped no future cause for complaints will be given by your forces.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. G. French, Major-General Commanding.
Headquarters, 18th Army Corps, New Berne, N. C., December 27, 1862.
Major-General S. G. French, Commanding Department of North Carolina, Petersburg, Va.
General:
Your favor of the 13th inst., received to-day. I most fully agree with you that war is most horrible in the misery and ruin it must cause, even when waged according to the acknowledged rules of Christian nations and therefore beg to call your attention to, and ask if it was by your approval, that in the recent attack on Plymouth, many houses and other buildings were fired, and to that extent families ruined and made homeless; that only want of time prevented other damage being done. I would also call your attention to the case of Mrs. Philips, who was shot dead by a Confederate soldier. On occupying the town of Kinston recently, the streets were found in many cases full of burning cotton, naval stores, etc., a destruction of property, which I do not know your approval or disapproval of. The effect was that one house was set on fire, and that it was only by the greatest efforts of officers and soldiers that a large portion of the town was saved from destruction. Trusting that by our united efforts the war within our Department may be robbed of some of its horrors, I am General, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. G. Foster, Major-General Commanding.
Union Reports:
December 10, 1862. General Foster reported to General Halleck as follows, viz:
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Headquarters Department of North Carolina, Kinston, N. C., December 14, 1862.
General:
I have the honor to inform you that I left New Berne for this place on the 11th, but, owing to the bad roads and consequent delays to train, etc., I did not reach South West Creek (five miles from this town), till the afternoon of the 13th. The enemy were posted there, but by a heavy artillery fire in front, and vigorous infantry attack in either flank, I succeeded in forcing a passage and without much loss. This morning I advanced on this town and found the enemy strongly posted at a defile through a marsh bordering a creek. The position was so well chosen that very little of our artillery could be brought in play. The main attack, therefore, was made by the infantry assisted by a few guns pushed forward on the roads. We succeeded after five hours' hard fight in driving the enemy from their position. We followed them rapidly to the river; the bridge over the Neuse at this point was prepared for firing, and was fired in six places, but we were so close behind them that we saved the bridge.
The enemy retreated precipitately by the Goldsboro Road. Their force was about six thousand men with twenty pieces of artillery. The result is, we have taken Kinston, captured eleven pieces of artillery, taken four or five hundred prisoners and found a large amount of quartermaster's and commissary stores. Our loss will not probably exceed two hundred killed and wounded. I march tomorrow at daylight on Goldsboro. From that point I return to New Berne, whence I will make a more detailed report.
I am, General, with great respect,
Your obedient servant,
J. G. Foster Major-General Commanding.
To Major-General H. W. Halleck.
Headquarters Department of North Carolina, New Berne, N. C., December 29, 1862.
General:
Referring to my letters of December 10th, 14th and 20th, I have the honor to report that I left this town at 8 A. M. of the 11th, with the following forces, viz:
General Wessell's Brigade of General Peck's Division (kindly loaned me), Colonel Amory's Brigade, Colonel Stevenson's Brigade, Colonel Lee's Brigade, in all about ten thousand infantry; six batteries, Third
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New York Artillery, thirty guns; Belger's Battery, First Rhode Island Artillery, six guns; section of Twenty-Fourth New York Independent Battery, two guns; section of Twenty-Third New York Independent Battery, two guns; total forty guns. The Third New York Cavalry, 640 men.
We marched on the first day on the Kinston Road about fourteen miles, when finding the road obstructed by felled trees, for half a mile and over, I bivouacked for the night, and had the obstructions removed during the night by the pioneers.
I pushed on the next morning at daylight. My cavalry advance encountered the enemy when about four miles from the bivouac of the previous night, and after a sharp, but brief skirmish, the enemy were routed with some loss. On arriving at the Vine Swamp Roads, I ordered Captain Hall with three companies of cavalry to push on, up the main Kinston road as a demonstration, while the main column proceeded by the Vine Swamp Road to the left, thereby avoiding the obstructions, and the enemy on the main road. Captain Hall encountered the enemy in some force, but after a severe fight whipped them, taking eighteen prisoners and killing a number of the enemy.
The march of the main column was somewhat delayed by the bridge over Beaver Creek having been destroyed. This was rebuilt and I pushed on, leaving a regiment, Fifty-First Massachusetts, and a section of artillery, the Twenty-Third New York, at the bridge to hold it, and to protect the intersection of the main road, and the road I was on, to support Captain Hall, and to prevent any force driving him back and occupying the cross-roads in the rear. The main column pushed on about four miles and bivouacked for the night. There was cavalry skirmishing during the day. On Saturday, the 13th, we again started, leaving the second main road, the one I was on, to the right, and leaving at this intersection the Forty-Sixth Massachusetts and one section of artillery, the Twenty-Fourth New York, to hold the position and feint on the second main road. We reached South West Creek, the bridge over which was destroyed, and the enemy posted on the opposite bank some four hundred strong, with three pieces of artillery.
The Creek was not fordable, and ran at the foot of a deep ravine, making a very bad position for us. I ordered a battery in as good a position as could be obtained, and under their fire, the Ninth New Jersey, which had the advance, pushed gallantly across the creek by swimming, by fragments of the bridge, and by a mill dam, and formed on the opposite bank. At the same time the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania of General Wessell's Brigade, forced a passage by the felling of trees, and fording about half a mile below the bridge, and engaged the enemy's left, who thereupon retired and deserted his breastworks. I had ordered the Twenty-Third Massachusetts of Colonel Amory's
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Brigade, to cross at the mill to support the Ninth New Jersey, and also crossed the remainder of General Wessell's Brigade.
Colonel Hickman, with the Ninth New Jersey, advanced and was fired upon when about one mile from the creek, with cannister and musketry. The regiment charged at double quick, drove the enemy, took some prisoners, and captured a six pounder gun, caisson, etc., complete. General Wessell's Brigade bivouacked on the further side of the creek, with the Ninth in the advance. The balance of the command with the artillery remained on this side of the creek. The Ninth New Jersey, Company K, Third New York Cavalry, and Morrison's Battery, Third New York Artillery, had quite a skirmish with the enemy, but drove him, and encamped for the night. From the south side of the creek, I sent a company of cavalry to strike and proceed up the Kinston Road No. 2 (I was on No. 3.) The company proceeded on the road toward Kinston and found the enemy posted by a bridge which was prepared to be destroyed. The company charged them and they retired with some loss, destroying the bridge. The enemy's force at this place was estimated at one regiment, and four pieces of artillery. Major Garrard with three companies of cavalry and one gun in section of Allis' section of artillery, proceeded on a reconnoisance on a road leading to Whitehall. After following the road about ten miles and having met with no opposition they rejoined the main column. Sunday, the 14th inst., I advanced the column, and when about one mile from Kinston, encountered the enemy in strong force. They were posted in strong position in the wood, taking advantage of the ground which formed a natural breastwork. Their position was secured in their right by a deep swamp, and their left was partially protected by the river. The Ninth New Jersey was deployed as skirmishers and General Wessell's Brigade with Morrison's Battery, Third New York Artillery, was ordered to advance to the right and left of the road, the battery being sent to our extreme right, supported by one of General Wessell's regiments. Colonel Amory's Brigade was then advanced, the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers being sent to support Colonel Hickman on the right, and two regiments, the Twenty-Third and the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts regiments, advanced up the road. My artillery, three batteries, I posted on a large field, on the right of the road, and about three-fourths of a mile in rear of our line of attack, the only position they could be placed in. I then ordered Colonel Stevenson's Brigade, with Belger's Rhode Island Battery, forward. The Twenty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment supported this battery, and the Fifth Rhode Island, Tenth Connecticut and Forty-Fourth Massachusetts were ordered forward, the two former on the left of the road, and the latter on the right, to support the regiments there, in pushing the enemy and turning that flank.
The Tenth Connecticut advanced steadily to the extreme front, relieving
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two of General Wessell's brigade, which were short of ammunition, and after receiving a terrible fire for twenty minutes, made a most gallant charge in conjunction with the Ninety-Sixth Regiment, New York Volunteers of General Wessell's Brigade, which with the advance already made (slowly but surely) of the entire line, forced the enemy to retreat precipitately for the bridge over the Neuse which they crossed, firing the bridge, which had been prepared for that purpose. Several regiments were so close, however, that about four hundred prisoners were taken from the enemy. One line was formed to the river and the fire extinguished before great damage was done.
The Ninth New Jersey and the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiments and General Wessell's Brigade were at once crossed, pushed into the town and halted. I ordered the bridge to be at once repaired for the crossing of cavalry and artillery. General Evans retired about two miles from town with his command, and formed line of battle.
I sent a flag of truce to inquire whether he proposed to surrender. He declined. I immediately prepared to attack him, but knowing that he had three light batteries, and one section to start with, was unwilling to sacrifice my men, and waited for my artillery to cross. I ordered Batteries E and Third New York Artillery to shell the enemy with their twenty pounders (four in number) from the opposite bank, and crossed Colonel Amory's Brigade with all despatch, but before I could attack the enemy they had retired, and it being night by this time, I was unable to pursue, moreover my object was not accomplished.
The troops bivouacked in the field beyond the town that night, a provost guard was established for the protection of the town and all necessary precautions were taken. I sent Captain Cole, Company K, Third New York Regiment of Cavalry down the east bank of the Neuse to a work commanding the river. He reported it deserted with six guns in position, and the work to be of great strength.
I sent the Company back with teams to bring up the guns and blow up the magazine. Captain Cole being unable to remove the two heavy guns, one inch columbiad and one thirty-two pounder, destroyed them, and brought four field pieces complete. These with two others deserted by the enemy and one taken by the Ninth New Jersey, I sent to New Berne. under escort of Captain Cole's Company K, Third New York Cavalry.
I am, General, with great respect, Your obedient servant, J. G. Foster, Major-General Commanding.
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General Orders No. 81.
Headquarters Department of North Carolina, New Berne, December 26, 1862.
The Commanding General desires to thank the troops under his command for the new proof of their courage and steadiness afforded by the recent expedition. The Veteran Brigade of General Wessells and the troops of this department alike, did their duty as soldiers, well.
By order of Major-General J. G. Foster.
Southard Hoffman, Assistant Adjutant General.
General Orders No. 18.
Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps, New Berne, January 15, 1863.
In consideration of, and as a reward for their brave deeds at Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro, the Commanding General directs that the regiments and batteries, which accompanied the expedition to Goldsboro inscribe on their banners those three victories.
Kinston, December 14, 1862.
Whitehall, December 16, 1862.
Goldsboro, December 17, 1862.
The Commanding General hopes that all future fields will be so fought, that the record of them may be kept by inscription on the banners of the regiments engaged.
By command of Major-General J. G. Foster.
Southard Hoffman, Assistant Adjutant General.
Officers killed:--Captain Henry A. Wells, Lieutenants William W. Perkins, Theron D. Hill, Tenth Connecticut, and Colonel Charles O. Gray, Ninety-Sixth New York, at Kinston, December 14, 1862.
Officers mortally wounded:--Lieutenants John C. Coffin and John M. Simms of the Tenth Connecticut.
The foregoing list of casualties embraces the losses on skirmishes in the Kinston Road, December 11th and 12th, skirmishes at South West Creek, December 13-14, engagements at Kinston, December 14th, at White Hall, December 16th, skirmish at Thompson's bridge and engagement at Goldsboro Bridge, December 17th.
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Report of Colonel Thomas J. C. Amory, Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, Commanding First Brigade, First Division of Engagements at Kinston, White Hall and Goldsboro Bridge, December 14, 16, and 17.
Headquarters First Brigade, First Division.
Department of North Carolina, New Berne, Dec. 21, 1862.
Major:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the brigade under my command in the several actions of the 14th, 16th and 17th inst. The First Brigade, consisting of the Seventeenth, Twenty-Third, Forty-Third, Forty-Fifth and Fifty-First Massachusetts Regiments (the last three being nine months' volunteers), marched from New Berne with the army under Major General Foster on the morning of the 11th inst.
The brigade numbered at this time nearly thirty-five hundred men. Of these, about one hundred were sent back on our second day out, being mostly convalescents from the hospitals who were found unfitted to continue the march. On our arrival at South West Creek on the 13th, I was ordered to form my brigade into two lines on the left of the road, detaching one regiment to line the bend of the Creek, the passage of which was disputed by the enemy.
I sent forward the Twenty-Third Massachusetts, which crossed at the mill dam, the bridge having been destroyed; this regiment remained on the opposite bank, and rejoined my command on the march the next morning. The Fifty-first Massachusetts had previously been detached with orders to remain at Beaver Creek guarding our rear; this regiment joined my command in the evening of the 14th.
On approaching the battlefield of Kinston on the morning of the 14th, by order of the Commanding General, I detached the Twenty-Third and Forty-Third Massachusetts to the right and left of the road respectively, in support of batteries.
The Seventeenth was sent to the extreme right to support Colonel Hickman, Ninth New Jersey in advance. While superintending that movement on the right, the Twenty-Third and Forty-Fifth were ordered forward in the centre, and opened fire in the wood, gradually advancing, as did the entire line, driving the enemy to the bridge. On the right I posted the Forty-Third to cut off the forces of the enemy on the river road from the bridge and a portion of these, some sixty in number, shortly after surrendered to Major Chambers, Twenty-Third Massachusetts. In this action the Forty-Fifth suffered most severely, as indicated by their return of killed and wounded, hereto annexed, together with the reports of regimental commanders, to which I beg leave to refer for particulars.
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The different regiments of my brigade were, during most of the actions, scattered through the wood, or separated in support of batteries. All who came under my observation conducted themselves with commendable steadiness and gallantry.
Report of Colonel Charles R. Codman, Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Infantry, of Engagements at Kinston and White Hall, December 14th and 16th.
Headquarters Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Militia.
December 22, 1862.
Lieutenant:
I have the honor to report that eight companies of this regiment (two being on detached service) were engaged in two actions during the late expedition into the interior of North Carolina.
On the 14th inst., the regiment being on the march towards Kinston, I received orders from Major Haffman, chief of the staff of the Commanding General, to advance into the wood on the south side of the Neuse River to support the troops of Wessell's Brigade, then engaged and said to be hard pressed. I was directed to act under General Wessell's orders. In compliance with this order, the regiment proceeded along the road until directed by General Wessells to file to the right, when it proceeded to enter a wood, which, as afterwards appeared, was exposed to a cross fire from the enemy.
Upon entering the wood the regiment opened fire upon the enemy, who were found to be in my front and whose fire, for a time, was very sharp. The regiment continued to advance, occasionally lying down to rest, and to avoid the enemy's fire, when hottest, and finding after penetrating the wood, that the enemy had fled. I should add that the Tenth Connecticut Regiment, during one of those periods, when this regiment was engaged, advanced gallantly through the wood to its assistance and both regiments penetrated the wood at nearly the same time.
The conduct of the troops was excellent throughout. The action continued for more than an hour, during which time the regiment suffered the loss of one Corporal, and twelve men killed, or who have died of their wounds, and one Sergeant, five Corporals and thirty-eight privates wounded. On the 16th, in the battle near Whitehall, this regiment was ordered by Colonel Amory, commanding the brigade, to form upon the Whitehall Road, to act as circumstances might require. By further orders from Colonel Amory, the men were directed to lie down. The regiment did not move from this place during the action except to take position a few feet in rear of the road, but, nevertheless, met with some casualties, sustaining the loss of one Sergeant, and three privates wounded. The conduct of the men in this instance was also admirable.
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I beg to add that, from the statements of prisoners, and from other circumstances, I am satisfied that in the Battle of Kinston it was the fire of this regiment that first made untenable the position of the enemy upon the road on the south side of the Neuse River. The present effective state of the eight companies now in camp at New Berne is twenty-nine officers and 582 men, a total of thirty-three officers and 763 men.
I have the honor to be, respectfully, Charles R. Codman, Colonel Commanding Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Militia.
Lieut. E. T Parkinson, A. A. A. G., First Brigade, Department of North Carolina.
Report of Brigadier-General Henry W. Wessells, United States Army, Commanding Third Brigade, General Peck's Division of Operations, December 5-21, 1862.
No serious obstacles were interposed by the enemy until arriving at South West Branch, six miles from the town of Kinston, where it was found that the main road crossing the creek was well watched and strongly guarded both by artillery and infantry. A skilful feint having been made toward this point, the main body moved by an upper road crossing the creek, about half a mile below on a mill dam. The bridge was found to be partially destroyed, and the enemy covering it with two guns and a force of infantry. This position was at once reconnoitered by the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers with their usual intrepidity, and a crossing was effected by the mill, threatening the enemy's right. At the same time by direction of the Commanding General, I detached the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Howell, with orders to force a passage below the bridge, by felling trees, or fording and engage him on the right. This difficult duty was handsomely performed. Howell's skirmishers, led by Captains Hooker and Phillips, pushed boldly through the swamp, engaged the enemy's battery under a shower of grape, and by a well directed fire of musketry, drove the cannoneers from the ground, and Hickman's advance appearing simultaneously from the left, the enemy fled, leaving one of his guns in our possession. The brigade in the meantime crossed at the mill, and being joined by the Twenty-Third Massachusetts Volunteers, moved forward about three miles and bivouacked for the night, the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers with Morrison's Battery, taking up a position about one mile in advance. On the following day, December 14th, the line of march was resumed at an early hour, and in the usual order. Colonel Hickman's skirmishers were soon engaged with the enemy's outposts, and to support
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him, I directed the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers to move through the wood on the left of the road, with a view to act against the enemy's right. A section of Morrison's Battery was also ordered forward, supported by the One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell, with directions to take a suitable position and open fire. The Eighty-Fifth New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Wellman, was then thrown forward and to the right of the road, with instructions to engage the enemy on the flank, and press him vigorously toward the left. This regiment was soon followed by the One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Gray, with similar orders. In the meantime being informed that a portion of the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers were failing in ammunition, I directed the Ninety-Second New York Volunteers, Colonel Hunt, to move down the road and relieve or support Colonel Hickman, as circumstances might require. All these movements were executed by the several regiments with alacrity and precision deserving the highest praise. My whole brigade was now in position before the enemy's line; the fire was heavy and almost incessant; the wounded were being rapidly brought to the rear, and the enemy concealed by the wood, and posted behind an almost impassable swamp, maintained his position with stubborn obstinacy. All this time and on my application to the Major-General Commanding, I was reinforced in succession by the Seventeenth, Twenty-Third and Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Volunteers. These fine regiments took their positions with the coolness and precision of veterans, and the whole line was directed to advance and push the enemy at everypoint. The Major General Commanding, having arrived on the ground made further disposition of the troops, and conducted the affair to a rapid and successful termination.
Under my orders to advance, the whole brigade supported on the left by other regiments, moved gradually forward, covering towards the enemy's line of retreat, driving him from the church and throwing him back toward the bridge, over which the main body escaped, leaving several hundred prisoners in our hands.
The retreat of the enemy was closely followed by the Eighty-Fifth and One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers on the left (the latter suffering severely in crossing the open field) while the Ninety-Sixth and Eighty-Fifth New York and the One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteers charged from the right. The Ninety-Second New York moved along the road in support of the battery. The bridge was fired in several places by the enemy, and exposed to a destructive fire of artillery and musketry from the opposite bank, but every regiment including those from other brigades, seemed to vie with each other in emulation and pressed forward with unflinching determination. That gallant officer, Colonel Gray, Ninety-Sixth New York Volunteers, with his face
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to the foe, and the colors of his regiment first on the bridge, fell mortally wounded in the hour of victory.
The flames were extinguished without serious injury to the bridge, and my brigade being formed on the opposite bank of the river continued its march through the village of Kinston and bivouacked for the night on the Goldsboro road.
Report of Lieutenant Colonel Wilson C. Maxwell, One Hundred and Third Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, of Engagement at Kinston, December 14, 1862.
Headquarters, One Hundred and Third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Camp near New Berne, N. C., December 25, 1862.
Sir:
I have the honor to report the action of the One Hundred and Third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the engagement at Kinston, Sunday, December 14th at 9.40 A. M. I was ordered to move my regiment forward as a support to one section of Morrison's Battery, having the right wing rest on the right, and the left wing on the left of said section, with orders to direct our movement with the battery. After advancing gradually for over fifty rods with said battery we halted, when the Ninety-Second New York Volunteers moved past us, and filed off in front of the right wing of the One Hundred and Third. After remaining not more than one hour in advance they fell back across the right wing and re-formed their line in our rear At this time Captain Stewart, Assistant Adjutant General, came up and ordered me to move my regiment forward through a swamp of thick undergrowth and water from one to two feet deep and about twenty rods wide. Immediately after crossing said swamp we received a volley of musketry from the enemy's line, which we then learned, was but a few rods in our advance. We delivered a volley, lay down under cover of a small knoll, reloaded and fixed bayonets, rose, delivered another volley, and charged up over the bank. At this time an order from the Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania, which was moving up in rear of the left wing, demanded us to cease firing into our own men. The enemy's fire in front of our left, was immediately directed on our right, making a connection with the fire from our strong line in front, a heavy cross fire, also we were in danger of a fire in the rear from the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts whose line was immediately in rear of our right wing. Under this combined fire, I gave the order to lie down and from this position we again rose, charged after the enemy some twenty rods, when the fire was completely silenced.
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We were then ordered to halt and await the arrival of the battery. During this time the Ninety-Sixth New York moved the flank from our right and reached the bridge. From the time we first formed our line as a support to the battery, until we reached the bridge was from 9.40 A. M. to 2 P. M. Our loss during this time, out of four hundred and thirty actually engaged, was fourteen killed and fifty-eight wounded, some of the latter, mortally. During the whole of this time, all of the officers and men of the regiment behaved in an exemplary manner, showing entire coolness. I will mention that when we made our first charge the Tenth Connecticut overlapped our extreme right, two companies from the second charge, we moved past their line, passing their left. Accompanying this, you will find a complete list of the killed and wounded made from the Surgeon's report.
I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, Your obedient servant, W. C. Maxwell.
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers.
To Captain Andrew Stewart, Assistant Adjutant General, Third Brigade, Peck's Division.
Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Horace A. Manchester, First New York Marine Artillery, of Naval Operations on the Neuse River, December 12-15.
Headquarters, Marine Artillery. New Berne, N. C., December 16, 1862.
Sir:
In accordance with your instructions, on the 12th inst., after waiting until 4 P. M. at Willis Landing, and learning that your boats could not reach me for want of water, I proceeded on the Steamer Allison, accompanied by the Steamers Ocean Wave, Port Royal, Wilson and North State to ascend the Neuse River on a reconnoissance toward Kinston. At dusk I anchored in the neighborhood of Lee's Landing, about twenty miles from New Berne by the river, making all disposition for defence in case of attack. At daylight on the 13th, got under way and with much difficulty and labor, worked our way up to within two miles of Kinston, meeting with but slight opposition from the guerillas on shore, by whose fire, one man of the Allison's crew was seriously wounded. About two miles from Kinston upon a turn in the river, we suddenly found our boats in face of a 10-gun battery and penned up within the banks of the river about one hundred feet wide.
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I immediately ordered the Port Royal, Ocean Wave and Wilson to retire, the North State now having arrived, and interposed the Allison between the battery which had opened fire and the boats. The boats had to be backed down, as the river would not admit their turning, and it took twenty or thirty minutes.
We replied to the enemy's fire with one Parrott gun, the first fire being within cannister range. These shells were exploded within the batteries with apparent effect, as the enemy ceased their fire for sometime after. It was sunset when the firing commenced and it became dark so soon that I was scarcely able to get the boats under the protection of the trees, before we were left to grope in total darkness. The enemy's shell exploded over and around us, with but little damage. The Allison received three shots, one taking off the top of the pilot house; the next passing through the roof and through the smoke stack, and the third, cutting away some fender and light work. Our boats were moved in double line, hay, beef, bread, etc., being packed along the sides. The guns were put into battery on the decks, and bags of oats spread over the decks. In this position we waited until morning in expectation of the enemy's appearance. Several attempts were made to reconnoitre our position in the early morning, which were promptly defeated by the sentinel's fire. A reconnoisance was made on theirs by Lieutenant Doane, but little information gained. Soon after taking up our position for the night, we heard heavy firing a few miles to the westward of us, which continued about an hour. At daylight the next morning, upon examination, I found the largest boat on the bottom and that the water had fallen during the night over nineteen inches. I immediately ordered a lighter boat to hitch on to the Ocean Wave and drag her off, and then drop down the river to deeper water. This was a slow operation, as we had to go stern foremost and our boats often grounded. The forenoon was consumed in getting five miles. Here we found the North State, and learned that a force of the enemy was about three miles below to dispute our passage down. We turned all our boats but the Ocean Wave, and dropped down, two miles farther, when we succeeded in turning her. The North State was sent forward to find the enemy's position, the others following, to shell them out. About a mile from an old dam, at a turn where the water was swift, we found the first party, after one of their number had been tumbled into the water by a shot. Occasional firing was kept up by the enemy for five miles, when we came upon a party lodged behind a log house. They stood but one fire from our Parrotts and ran, leaving, as we learned, several of their number killed and wounded. Here we learned from a contraband that a party of seventy had crossed early that morning to obstruct the river at Oldfield Bank Landing, and that, by the addition of others, we might expect to meet one hundred and forty men there.
Page 135
We proceeded at once to the place, the enemy keeping up an occasional shot at us. Here we found them in possession of both sides of the river and occupying the turn, so as to fire in the stern of our boats. They opened on the Ocean Wave, with a volley, which was returned with interest, and the other boats seeing their position for the fire, opened with grape and cannister with such effect that the last boat coming up could find no one to fire at. The boats after a brief delay passed on to Street's Ferry, where meeting the boats of the Navy, reported to you. In the last fight, Edwin J. Perkins of Artillery was killed, another of that regiment, and a member of the Signal Corps were seriously wounded. Our loss was one killed, and three seriously and several slightly wounded. Of the enemy, one was shot from the bridge and fell into the water, and two were blown to pieces on the bank. At the log house, thirty men are said to have been in it, when two 30-pounder Parrotts loaded with cannister were fired through it at a distance of two hundred feet, and at the Oldfield Bank, the fire of the Ocean Wave, North State and Port Royal was direct and within four hundred feet of the enemy. The Ocean Wave and Allison are somewhat disabled, both by shot and contact with trees; the North State has lost her rudder. The other boats are in good order for use.
Respectfully, H. A. Manchester, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding, Marine Artillery.
Commander A. Murray, U. S. Navy.
Report of Major-General Gustavus W. Smith, C. S. Army, Commanding Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia, of Operations, December 13-18, 1862.
Petersburg, Va, December 13, 1862.
"The force of Suffolk is believed to be still strong and threatening. Evans has been fighting all day in advance of Kinston, principally artillery. We were retiring slowly and at night the enemy were near the bridge at Kinston. Evans called for reinforcements. One regiment started from here at 8 o'clock, and one more will start at 6 o'clock in the morning from this place, and one from the Blackwater. I will probably not leave this place.
Is there anything from Fredericksburg?
G. W Smith Major-General.
Hon. James A. Selden, Secretary of War.
Page 136
Goldsboro, N. C., December 15, 1862.
I arrived here at 3 P M. The telegraph with General Evans is cut off. By latest information he was at Falling Creek, six miles this side of Kinston. Enemy now estimated at thirty thousand, and scouts report reinforcements constantly arriving from New Berne. Governor Vance is here. He tells me that all accounts agree in stating that our troops behaved admirably in the engagement yesterday.
G. W. Smith Major-General.
Hon. James A. Selden, Secretary of War.
Hon. James A. Selden, Secretary of War.
P. S. A good many of Evans' troops were cut off, and are now coming straggling in across the river. The heavy guns in the battery at the obstructions below Kinston had to be abandoned when General Evans fell back. They had previously beaten back the gunboats. The two hundred men composing the garrison with the field battery, retired toward the North and arrived here with their pieces last night. General Evans has not furnished me with an estimate of his losses.
Kinston, N. C., December 14, 1862.
General Foster attacked Kinston yesterday with fifteen thousand men and nine gunboats. I fought him ten hours. Have driven back his gunboats. His army is still in my front. I have only four regiments and will await his attack this morning. I think I can hold my position.
N. G. Evans, Brigadier-General.
General S. Cooper.
Headquarters, Evans' Brigade.
Near Goldsboro, N. C., December 20, 1862.
Major:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the action of the troops under my command in the recent engagements near Kinston, White Hall, and the railroad bridge near this place.
On Saturday, the 13th inst., the enemy approached Kinston in considerable
Page 137
force, and attacked the line of our forces under the immediate command of Colonel James D. Radcliffe, North Carolina troops, who had taken position in the west side of Southwest Creek. At 10 o'clock I arrived on the ground and assumed command, and ordered Colonel Radcliffe to take command of the left wing, at the crossing of the upper Trent road. The enemy was then attacked at Hines' Mills, while he attempted to cross the creek. After a sharp engagement of an hour I fell back toward the Neuse River, keeping line of battle, and arresting his approach about two miles from Kinston bridge. He then attacked in considerable force, but retired after an engagement of ten hours. I rested on my arms that night in this position, the enemy ceasing fire after nightfall.
"On the morning of the 14th (Sunday) being informed by Colonel Radcliffe that the enemy was approaching his position, I directed him to open fire, while I would attack his left. I ordered an immediate advance, and soon became engaged with my whole line, with the enemy in heavy force, supposed to be about twenty thousand men.
The action lasted three hours, when ascertaining his greatly superior force, I retired with my command across the Neuse Bridge, when the enemy pursued with heavy fire, stormed the bridge, and drove me back to the town of Kinston, capturing about four hundred, including a number of sick prisoners. Reforming my line with the additional reinforcements of Colonel S. H. Rogers, Forty-Seventh Regiment North Carolina troops, in a commanding position in the rear of the town, I again awaited the attack. About 3 P. M. Major-General Foster sent his staff officer, Colonel Potter, to summon us to surrender, which I promptly declined. In an hour he commenced shelling the town, but hesitated to renew his direct attack. Taking advantage of my position I retired in column to Falling Creek, where the Major-General Commanding had forwarded me additional reinforcements. At this point, a very strong position, I encamped for the night.
Report of Colonel Peter Mallett, North Carolina Battalion, of Engagement at Kinston, December 14, 1862.
Fayetteville, N. C., February 20, 1863.
General:
Confinement to my bed for the last two months will, I trust, be sufficient apology for the delay in reporting to you the part taken by my command in the battle at Kinston, Sunday, December 14th, 1862. I arrived at Kinston by railroad, Sunday morning at 7 o'clock and immediately reported to, and was ordered by you to take position with my
Page 138
battalion, consisting of eighteen officers and men in rifle pits on the bank of Neuse River to support a South Carolina Battery commanding the county bridge.
At 8.30 we were in position, and in a few moments musketry firing commenced on the left of the line of battle, which was formed on the west bank of the river, and at 9 o'clock the first gun was fired by the artillery.
At 9.15 I received an order through one of your aids to march at double quick across the bridge. You ordered me to take my command through the field on the right of the White Hall road, and engage the enemy. We passed through the field, under a fire of shell from the enemy (losing one man) to the distance of a quarter of a mile, to a fence on the edge of a swamp, on the other side of which the enemy appeared to be in force. Here we engaged the enemy for some time, but the principal point of attack appeared to be the church, known as Harnet's Chapel, on my left where was stationed a section of Starr's battery, supported by the Sixty-First Regiment North Carolina troops under Colonel Radcliffe.
At length the firing upon my part of the line ceased almost entirely. Being anxious to charge the enemy and drive him back, I sent Lieutenant Little to the section of artillery on my left, to ascertain the real position of the enemy, and of our forces, it being impossible to charge through the swamp in my front. About the time of Lieutenant Little's return (without any accurate information) I received by courier a written order from you as follows, "Colonel, Let me know if the enemy are in your front. If not, join me at the bridge."
At this time there being no indication of the enemy in front, I drew off in good order, and returned to the bridge, but to my surprise you were absent, leaving no order, or instructions for me. Observing that the South Carolina battery commanding the bridge, had been removed, and the bridge apparently deserted, I considered you were waiting for me on the east side, and retreating toward Kinston, I proceeded across the bridge. In a few moments, after crossing, I was met by an officer of your staff with orders to go back.
This order I promptly obeyed, marching again at a double quick through the same field to my former position under the enemy's artillery, and was almost immediately hotly engaged with his infantry. In about an hour I was with eighty to one hundred men from the Sixty-First North Carolina, Lieutenant-Colonel W. S. Evans, commanding, who took position on my right. The enemy made a vigorous charge at this time on my left and was as vigorously repulsed. Old veterans would not have met the foe with more coolness and determination than these newly tried men. He appeared determined to force his way through my lines. At the church I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Devane
Page 139
to reinforce my left. He took his position promptly and did good service, and I here take pleasure in testifying to his coolness and undoubted bravery.
With his assistance, and the company of my right flank, commanded by Lieutenant MacRae, also ordered to the left, we held the enemy in check for some time. My ammunition now began to fail, and after sending repeatedly to the rear, could not be replenished. Apprehending an attempt to turn my right, Captain MacRae acting as my lieutenant-colonel, was directed to observe closely and give me immediate notice of any advance in that direction. He reported the enemy in force, but no attempt was made to flank me, owing, I suppose, to the impenetrable swamp between us.
At this time having held the enemy in check for about three hours, looking in vain for reinforcements, the section of artillery near the church retired, I since have learned, for want of ammunition.
Immediately after, Lieutenant-Colonel Devane sent us word that the enemy was flanking us on the left, and withdrew his men toward the bridge. Finding myself alone, and the enemy pressing upon us, I ordered a retreat, which was made in good order, the men continuing their fire with effect. At the bridge I intended to make another stand, but on approaching it found it on fire, and crowded with men endeavoring to cross. A panic ensued The enemy pressed upon us from two directions at double quick in large force, and the bridge, the only means of escape. While endeavoring to keep the men back, fearing the bridge would fall every moment, I was wounded in the leg and obliged to relinquish the command to Captain MacRae whose self-possession and bravery should not be left unnoticed.
Being under a heavy cross fire, from an overwhelming force, my men and ammunition exhausted, and the bridge impassable, I advised Captain MacRae to surrender. The enemy now directed his fire upon the retreating troops on the Kinston side. The enemy's force was between twenty thousand and twenty-five thousand men, with seventy-two pieces of artillery. General Foster admitted to me that we had repulsed three of his veteran regiments with a loss of one hundred men, since ascertained to be about two hundred and fifty.
I regret to report the loss of two of my best officers, who fell at the close of the engagement, Lieutenant J. J. Reid, commanding Company A, fell by my side near the bridge, and Lieutenant J. H. Hill, commanding Company C, while retreating on the Kinston side. Both led their companies gallantly through the entire engagement. Braver or more gallant young men never drew a sword. Our loss was seven killed, twenty-two wounded, eight missing, and one hundred seventy-five taken prisoners. After diligent search and inquiry for Adjutant E. N. Mann and Lieutenant R. K. Williams, I am reluctantly forced to include them in the list of killed.
Page 140
Officers and men, nearly all of whom were under fire for the first time, behaved with the coolness, determination and bravery of veterans. It would be almost invidious for me to discriminate but I cannot refrain from mentioning the conspicuous gallantry and bravery of Lieutenant J. R. McLean, commanding Company F.
Enclosed please find a list of killed and wounded. Twelve killed and thirty-four wounded.
Hoping I may be allowed to engage the enemy under more favorable circumstances, I am General, Your obedient servant, Peter Mallett, Colonel Commanding Battalion.
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Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, etc.
COMMAND | Killed | Wounded |Captured/Missing |
-------------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
| |Enlisted| |Enlisted| |Enlisted|
|Officers| Men |Officers| Men |Officers| Men |Aggregate
| | | | | | |
10th Connecticut | 3 | 8 | 6 | 83 | | | 100
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
3rd Massachusetts | | | | 2 | | | 2
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
5th Massachusetts | | | | 7 | | | 7
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
17th Massachusetts | | 1 | 4 | 25 | | 2 | 32
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
23rd Massachusetts | | 12 | 2 | 53 | | | 67
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
24th Massachusetts | | 1 | | 7 | | | 8
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
25th Massachusetts | | 1 | | 3 | | 1 | 5
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
27th Massachusetts | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
43rd Massachusetts | | 2 | | 1 | | 1 | 4
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
44th Massachusetts | | 8 | | 13 | | | 21
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
45th Massachusetts | | 18 | 1 | 58 | | | 77
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
46th Massachusetts | | 1 | | 3 | | | 4
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
51st Massachusetts | | | | 2 | | | 2
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
9th New Jersey | | 5 | 1 | 85 | | 4 | 95
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
3rd N. Y. Cavalry | | | | 6 | | 4 | 10
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
3rd N. Y. Light | | | | | | |
Artillery Batteries| | 5 | 2 | 25 | | | 32
B, E, F, H, I, K | | | | | | |
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
New York Light | | | | | | |
Artillery 24th | | 1 | | | | | 1
Battery (section) | | | | | | |
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
N. Y. Marine | | | | | | |
Artillery | | 1 | | 2 | | | 3
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
85th New York | | | | 3 | | | 3
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
92nd New York | | 3 | 1 | 15 | | | 19
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
96th New York | 1 | | 1 | 5 | | | 7
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
85th Pennsylvania | | 1 | | 8 | | | 9
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
103rd Pennsylvania | | 16 | 1 | 52 | | | 69
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
1st R. I. Light | | | | | | |
Artillery Battery F| | 2 | | 5 | | | 7
-------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------
5th Rhode Island | | 1 | | 3 | | | 4
===================|========|========|========|========|========|========|=========
Total | 4 | 88 | 19 | 468 | | 12 | 591
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