refreshments and cold water to our troops as they passed by their houses. Some would collect together hastily what victuals they had cooked, run to the doors and windows, and hand out a lunch to the soldiers, with cheerful words of encouragement, as the troops passed on singing patriotic songs. The day was unusually warm, which caused the men to drink a great deal of water, and, be fore the first ten miles had been travelled, our troops were much exhausted, many of them showing signs of fatigue of a definite character; having been on the go all night without food or rest, followed by this rapid march, which, under a burning sun, was quite enough to test the endurance of strong men. Everything was progressing finely, however, and the prospect of securing our game was as good as could be desired, up to eleven o'clock, when one of Gen. Reno's Aids came up and informed him of the mortifying fact that Col. Hawkins's force had taken the wrong road, and had gone some ten miles out of their way, which would enable the enemy to reach the bridge in advance of our troops, make their escape from us complete, and form a junction with the remainder of the rebel force which left Elizabeth City the day before. These were not far from the bridge, in the vicinity of which were rebel intrenchments and batteries to protect the canal at this point, from whence supplies had been carried to Norfolk in considerable quantities. All hopes of overhauling the enemy and having an engagement vanished on learning that Colonel Hawkins's force was in the rear of General Reno. However, General Reno decided to push on and make the reconnoissance, which was the chief object of the expedition. He could thus return to Elizabeth City on the following morning in order to connect with the boats for Roanoke Island and Newbern, which points he was to reach by a given time, Gen. Burnside having given positive orders in regard to the length of time he was to be absent. Our course was in a northerly direction from Elizabeth City, on the direct road to Norfolk. As I said before, we had given up all hopes of overhauling the enemy, after learning that he had succeeded in getting ahead of us; but this mishap, however, did not cause Gen. Reno to slacken his speed in the least; on the contrary, he rushed on all the faster, that he might be able to complete his mission and return the sooner. By ten o'clock the heat was very oppressive, and the men began to show signs of fatigue, the effects of their sleepless night and rapid march on empty stomachs. Gen. Reno would order frequent halts for a few moments in order to give the troops a breathing spell as well as an opportunity to refresh themselves with a new supply of cold water. At eleven o'clock A.M., to our surprise, we were upon the heels of the flying foe; of this fact we were made aware by a movement of the rebel cavalry, which fell back a short distance in the rear of their force and fired a few shots at VOL. IV.-Doc. 31 our advanced pickets. On went General Reno's forces, however, with increased speed, pursuing the enemy until about one o'clock P.M., when it was evident that he had reached their batteries, and formed a junction with the rebel force that left Elizabeth City the day before. Along the road. side were woods and groves, and frequent clearings. The country was low, and under a very poor state of cultivation, and not very well cleared up, abounding more in swamps and woods than anything else. About one o'clock we came to a clearing on each side of the road, which was the shape of a half-circle, some two miles through, the square side of which was in front, we having entered the curved side. All around this circle were dense woods, the road leading direct through the centre of the circle, in a northerly direction, which at this point was an air-line, for some three or four miles. As Gen. Reno's forces reached the centre of this half-circle, and before we had any idea that the enemy intended to make a stand, boom went their batteries and down this straight road came their shells, at a furious rate-a sudden invitation for us to halt and prepare for action. Your correspondent was on the front wagon, seated by the side of Wagon-Master Plummer, engaged in a pleasant conversation, when the first shell came within a few inches of our heads. Down the road it went, just over the heads of the whole line, giving us all the benefit of its hissing notes. In an instant all was commotion and activity. The first movement was to get the wagonswhich were loaded with ammunition, etc. — out of the road, and bring up the howitzers, two of which were hitched on behind the wagons; the other two were with Col. Hawkins, who was at this time some four miles in our rear, with his force. Gen. Reno at once ordered his two regiments, the Twenty-first Massachusetts and Fifty-first Pennsylvania, to take shelter in the woods to the right, and gradually to work their way up on to the right wing of the enemy, and get ready to charge upon him when Col. Hawkins should arrive with his force, he having been sent for by Gen. Reno to come forward with all possible despatch. Col. Howard immediately advanced with his two howitzers, which were with Gen. Reno's command. Lieut. Herbert of the Ninth NewYork was captain of one, and Lieut. Morris of the same regiment captain of the other. These pieces were run forward in the face of a raking fire from the enemy's batteries until they arrived within a few hundred feet of their guns, when Col. Howard and his brave men opened a brisk fire with telling effect, refusing to give an inch. The enemy had selected a very desirable position, which enabled them to command the approaches from the road, as well as from the field. They were in a grove on the square side of this half-circle, sheltered by the trees, and in front of their position was a road running east and west, by the edge of the grove. We were approaching A them on the road which led directly north. rail fence was right in front of the enemy, running east and west, behind which was a deep ditch, which answered the very excellent purpose of an intrenchment, all made to hand. The fence, which was only separated by this road from the grove, answered the purpose of shelter, and also enabled the enemy to rest their muskets and thus secure a steady aim, giving them the advantage of us in every particular. One of the enemy's batteries, of four fieldpieces, was located at the head of the road in our front, enabling it to rake the whole road for a great distance. This battery was playing upon our howitzers. The other battery, of four guns, belonging to the enemy, commanded the open field which our regiments were obliged to cross in order to reach the open field on the right. An incessant fire from this battery was kept up on the Twenty-first Massachusetts and Fifty-first Pennsylvania as they were crossing the field for the woods, almost within musket-range of the rebels, to get their position. In these woods there was a thick underbrush, which made it almost impossible for our troops to advance. And furthermore, they could not penetrate the woods far enough to shelter them from the enemy's guns; they nevertheless pushed bravely forward in the face of a severe fire, eager to get as near the enemy's right wing as possible before the time came for the charge. About one hour and a half was thus consumed before Hawkins arrived, with but a slight loss on either side, no musketry having been fired up to this time. Only the batteries were engaged. At three o'clock Col. Hawkins came up with the Ninth New-York, (the Hawkins Zouaves,) the Eighty-ninth New-York, and Sixth New-Hampshire, with Col. Howard's other two howitzers. Lieuts. Gerard and Avery of the Union Coast Guard, were the captains of these guns. themselves in readiness for the work, and said they would go wherever they were led. Off they started with fixed bayonets on a double-quick, up the road commanded by the enemy's batteries, which opened a rapid fire on them as they wheeled to the left to execute the order. By this time, the Twenty-first Massachusetts, closely followed by the Fifty-first Pennsylvania, had worked their way well up to the extreme right of the enemy, who had sent pickets out to annoy this advance, but they were soon driven in by two companies of the Massachusetts Twenty-first, who were some distance ahead. At this particular juncture, Col. Hawkins came out in the open field in front of the enemy, with the Ninth and Eighty-ninth New-York volunteers, with the intention of charging bayonets on their centre, a movement which Gen. Reno says was entirely unexpected and unauthorized by him. Col. H. formed his Zouaves in line of battle, supported by the Eighty-ninth New-York volunteers, and started with fixed bayonets at a double-quick on the charge. The enemy, on seeing them approach, turned at once all of their field-pieces and musketry upon the Zouaves, giv ing them a sweeping broadside from their masked batteries and covered intrenchments, which cut the regiment up at a fearful rate, and when they saw their Colonel and a large number of their officers fall, together with some sixty odd of their companions, throwing them into confusion for the time being. Adjutant Gadsden, a very worthy young man, who had only been with the regiment a few days, was killed. Colonel Hawkins received a severe wound in the arm, and many of his officers were also severely wounded. The regiment, however, was soon rallied again by Lieut.-Col. Kimball and Major Jardine. The former has distinguished himself in many engagements, and in this charge had a horse shot under him. Major Jardine behaved equally as brave. Both are fine officers, and there can be no question of their gallantry. The regiment was quickly formed, ready for another charge, when Col. Hawkins revived and came up to lead them on again. The Eightyninth New-York volunteers now dashed forward Gen. Reno ordered Col. Hawkins with the Ninth New-York and Eighty-ninth New-York to the right in the woods to the support of the Twenty-first Massachusetts and Fifty-first Pennsylvania, and to work around the right wing of the enemy and get into his rear, so as to cut off his retreat if it was possible. The Sixth New-in fine style with fixed bayonets on a doubleHampshire was ordered by Gen. Reno to the quick to meet the enemy, with Col. Fairchilds woods on the left, to keep possession of the road at their head, and the other officers in their that led to the east, and thus prevent the enemy's places. escape in that direction. To secure this position, the Sixth New-Hampshire would be obliged to come within musket-range of the enemy's left wing and also face his batteries, but a few hundred yards in front of them. It was asking almost too much of little New-Hampshire, and I must confess I had some misgivings in regard to their ability to carry out an undertaking so perilous. Gen. Reno detailed Lieut. Reno of his staff to accompany the Sixth New-Hampshire on to the field, with orders to execute this movement with all possible despatch, as it would doubtless decide the fate of the day. The bave sons of New-Hampshire reported By this time the Twenty-first Massachusetts had secured a good position within musket-range of the enemy, upon whom they had just opened a deadly fire, and were driving him to the left, when they discovered the other regiments getting ready for a charge. So Col. Clark of this regiment, a brave and accomplished officer, resolved to charge with the rest. The Fifty-first Pennsylvania, like the Massachusetts Twentyfirst, had steadily advanced under cover of the woods and worked their way well up to the right wing of the enemy in the face of a raking fire, without flinching, eagerly waiting for the signal to spring upon the foe. The rebels saw that our force was in earnest and that they were to give them the cold steel if they remained long enough to afford the "Yankees" the opportunity. ed into our hospital for treatment, among whom was a colonel, whose name I was unable to ascertain. We also captured several prisoners, who said they were glad to fall into our hands. Every thing was in readiness, the signal given, and on sprang all of our regiments simultaneously to the charge, with deafening yells. The rebels now sprang up from their hiding-places, with the intention of giving the Eighty-ninth New-ferings with remarkable fortitude. York, who were right in front, the same reception they gave the Zouaves. The Sixth NewHampshire, now close on to the enemy's left, discovering this movement, suddenly halted, taking a deadly aim, right oblique, and at the command "Fire," sent a thousand well-directed bullets into the rebel ranks, cutting them up in the most shocking manner, sending terror and consternation among the foe, who broke and fled in the wildest confusion from their intrenchments, as our five regiments sprang in upon them. day was ours. The victory was complete. struggle was the most fearful and best contested of the Burnside Expedition. It was a sickening sight to go over the field after the battle and behold the dead and wounded on both sides, all of whom endured their suf Some of those who took an extensive survey of the rebel grounds after the battle, estimate the loss of the enemy as much greater than ours. Some say it will reach as high as three hundred. I am inclined to think, however, that two hundred and thirty will cover the entire loss, exclusive of prisoners. The Our loss, in killed and wounded, amounts to one hundred and thirteen, distributed as follows: Regiments. Ninth New-York,.. Total,..... Killed. Wounded. 9 60 1 3 1 14 3 19 1 2 15 98 Among the number killed was one commissioned officer, Adjutant Gadsden, of the Zouaves, and two non-commissioned officers. This engagement took place on the nineteenth of April, in the extreme northern part of Camden County, near the State line, twenty miles from Norfolk, and has been designated as the battle of Camden. The day will long be remembered as the anniversary of that on which the first blood was spilled in the streets of Baltimore. Gen. Burnside is much elated over this important victory. He has paid a beautiful tribute to all the regiments engaged, and ordered that they inscribe "Camden upon their banners, in commemoration of the brilliant triumph. The enemy's position was a perfect Gibraltar, and their force consisted of the whole brigade which was stationed at Elizabeth City, over five thousand strong. So says one of the prisoners we captured. Our force was less than four thousand, some of the regiments having left part of their number behind, and when our troops went into action they were nearly exhausted, having marched all night and all day through the most opppressive heat imaginable. The rebel dead and wounded lay all over the field; many of the latter, however, among whom were a large number of officers, were carried off just before they were routed. I am informed that the enemy's dead lay in heaps all through the woods. The chaplain of the Ninth New-York says he counted some sixty rebel bodies in one place, a considerable distance from their intrenchments, which During the engagement Gen. Reno was in a doubtless was the effect of Col. Howard's bat- very exposed position, coolly directing the differtery, who, with his men, are all entitled to distin-ent movements as he rode over the field, encourguished honors for their brave and efficient con-aging the troops by his intrepidity. duct all through the engagement. Col. Howard Capt. Fearing, of Gen. Burnside's staff, accomwalked up the centre of the road, in front of the enemy's battery, until he arrived within musketrange, when he very coolly took a survey of their position through his glass, which so confounded them that they hardly knew what to make of this strange and daring move. After satisfying himself as to the number of their guns and their location, he turned and retraced his steps, walking down the centre of the road as deliberately as a farmer would return from the labors of the day, neither looking to the right or left at the shells which were flying in great numbers each side of him, one striking the flap of his coat. Col. Howard, seeing that the position of the New-Hampshire regiment would give his battery some protection, ordered his four pieces up to the place where he had taken the survey. This command was obeyed cheerfully, and soon caused the rebels to fall back with their battery at the head of the road. As soon as the battle was over, Gen. Reno detailed companies to go and bring the rebel wound panied Gen. Reno as a volunteer aid, and was with him all through the dangers of the engagement, rendering valuable service. I got a glimpse of him as he was leading a force into the charge in the most skilful manner. Capt. Ritchie and Lieut. Reno, of Gen. Reno's staff, were equally as conspicuous in the fight, executing the General's orders with all promptness and despatch. The latter will share the honors with New-Hampshire. Lieuts. Breed and Gordon, of the Signal Corps, also accompanied Gen. Reno as aids, and like the rest, performed their duty in the most fearless manner. So far as bravery is concerned, no fault can be found with a single officer or man in the whole expedition; if anything, there was too much recklessness displayed, causing a needless sacrifice of life. The West may say much of the fighting quali ties of her troops, but she must not forget the "Yankees" under Burnside, who have so satis factorily demonstrated their ability to cope with the best troops of the South. After the battle, which ended about four o'clock P.M., Gen. Reno gave the troops six hours for repose. In the mean time the dead were buried and the wounded cared for, when we retraced our steps in the cool of the evening, arriving in good season at the landing, and forming a connection with the boats for Roanoke Island and Newbern, which places we reached by the time required by Gen. Burnside. boat Chippewa, Lieut. Commanding A. Bryson; and the bark Gemsbok, Acting Lieut. Edward Cavendish. The three steamers moved around in a circle, delivering their fire, as they came within range, at a mile and a quarter distant from the Fort. The bark was anchored. After firing a number of rounds of shot and shell, finding that the sea, from a south-west wind which was blowing on shore, caused the vessel to settle so deep as to render our guns almost unmanageable to our range and the accuracy of our The enemy's wounded we were obliged to leave aim, I reluctantly withdrew, after being engaged in the hospital in care of the surgeon of the Twen- about an hour and a quarter, hoping that the ty-first Massachusetts; also a few of our wound-wind and sea would subside so as to enable us ed, who were injured too severely to justify their to renew our firing in the afternoon. We more removal over a rough road, all of whom were readily adopted this course, as we did not conbrought down the next day in small boats that template to be continuously engaged, but occacould go within three miles of the hospital. sionally to open fire on the enemy, whom we expected would hold out for several days. The wind and sea increasing, rendered the renewal of the engagement that afternoon impracticable by the gunboats. NORFOLK "DAY-BOOK" ACCOUNT. from the Fort, which passed into our possession Towards morning a flag of truce was displayed the following morning; and we heartily cheered the reappearance of our glorious flag over the ramparts of Fort Macon. On Saturday afternoon, about two o'clock, eight companies of the Third Georgia regiment, under command of Col. Wright, attacked the enemy in an open field about two miles below South-Mills. The enemy's force was estimated at from three thousand five hundred to four thousand men, but notwithstanding the great odds in point of numAbout ten o'clock A.M., on April twenty-sixth, bers against us, we succeeded in keeping the enon entering the Fort, I had an interview with emy at bay for a number of hours. Finally, owing Major-Gen. Burnside, and we jointly signed the to the fact that our ammunition had been ex- terms of capitulation on the part of the United hausted, we were compelled to fall back to South-States forces. Mills, and from South-Mills to the Half-Way We expended nearly one half of our fifteenHouse, where we are now awaiting reënforce-second fuse shells, and, I am happy to say, with ments. Our informant could not tell us the exact number of killed and wounded, but says it was at first estimated to be about one hundred. Since then the number has very much decreased, and from last accounts, our loss it is thought will not exceed fifty. The enemy's loss is represented as being very heavy, and is put down at from eight hundred to nine hundred. The account of the great havoc made among the Unionists by our artillery pieces, is confirmed by our informant. -Norfolk Day-Book, April 21. Doc. 135. CAPTURE OF FORT MACON. COM. LOCKWOOD'S REPORT. UNITED STATES PROPELLER DAYLIGHT, BEAUFORT HARBOR, April 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the twenty-fifth inst., our batteries on shore being in position, a fire was opened, about six o'clock A.M., on Fort Macon. On its being reported, I got under way and steamed towards the other blockading vessels, making signals for them to get under way, to prepare for action, and to form in line ahead. When within range, and as near as the shoals allowed us to approach, the Daylight opened fire, followed in succession by the State of Georgia, Commander James F. Armstrong; the gun good effect. Our time of attack was most opportune, as we drew the fire of the enemy from an important land battery, which enabled our forces to repair the damages caused by the concentrated fire of the enemy. The fire of the enemy on the vessels from the guns of greater range was excellent. Their shot and shell fell around us in every direction. Many good line shots passed just over and beyond us, as we successively passed their line of fire, and we were exceedingly fortunate in receiving so little damage. The Daylight was struck by an eight-inch solid shot on the starboard quarter, below the spar deck, passing through several bulkheads and the deck below to the opposite side of the vessel in the engine-room, about six inches above the machinery, amongst which it dropped. A splinter fractured the small bone of the right forearm of Acting Third Assistant Engineer Eugene J. Wade, and I am happy to say that this was the only casualty that occurred afloat. I am informed that our forces on shore had one killed and two wounded, and that the enemy had eight killed and twenty wounded. It is remarkable that so important a victory should have been achieved with so little loss of life, particularly as the interior of the Fort was literally cov ered with the fragments of the bombs and shells, and many of their guns were disabled. I herewith enclose the reports of the several commanders, and it gives me great pleasure to Commander and Senior Officer present. U. S. Flagship Minnesota, Hampton Roads, Va. FORT MACON, April 26, 1862. constant readiness to repel the attempt. The only serious affair of the kind, however, occurred during the night of Sunday, when about three hundred of the enemy engaged our skirmishers, but were repulsed. During the affair a private of the Fifth Rhode Island was wounded in the leg, and Lieut. Landers of company C, by careless handling of his pistol, shot himself in the arm. The rebel force had hardly got under cover of By the active exertions of Lieut. D. W. Flag- the glacis coupeé, when several rounds of grape ler, Ordnance Officer-in-Chief, and Captain King, and canister were fired upon us from the Fort, Quartermaster of Gen. Parke's division, the ord- the only effect being to startle the whole advance nance and ordnance stores were rafted across the guard and break their rest for the balance of the shoals of Bogue Sound, and the mortar-batteries night. In the morning, at eight o'clock, when were in such a state of forwardness when Gen. the battalion was being relieved by the Fourth Burnside came down on Saturday last, that he Rhode Island, eighteen shots were fired in sucpronounced them almost ready for action. The cession by the Fort, but without injuring a man. battery of Parrott guns was also completed and The gunboat Ellis, Capt. Franklin, which had ready to be unmasked, and he returned to New- been lying four miles up Cove Sound to close bern at once to bring down two floating batteries, that approach to the Fort, moved up within shotand witness the siege in person. The General's range, and fired two shots from her one hundredvisit to our advanced posts was attended with no pound gun. Both fell short of their mark, and little risk, for the guns of the Fort were turned the miserable inefficiency of the piece was made upon every considerable party which moved up so apparent that the Captain wisely concluded to or down the beach. The wagon in which he rode steam back to his anchorage and content himself was made a target for twelve rounds of shot and with the easier duty to which he had been asshell, but happily his usual good fortune prevail- signed. That evening the people at Beaufort had ed, and he escaped without injury. In the after- an opportunity of witnessing the picturesque noon he tried the range of the Sharp's rifles of effects of a bombardment by night, and as long as the Eighth Connecticut, and the Belgian rifles of the spectacle lasted they thronged the streets and the Fourth Rhode Island, firing at a target at piazzas which overlooked the water. There beone thousand yards, his object being to ascertain ing no mortars in the Fort, the heavy columbiads if a party of sharpshooters could not be placed in were used for the purpose; the proper elevation position within our lines to pick off the rebel being given and a small charge of powder used. gunners and the lookouts which had been kept There is something very grand in the effect of on the flag-staff of the Fort to observe our opera-shell practice at night, for the whole course of tions. It was found that both pieces carried the the projectile can be seen, and its terrible derequired distance, the former excelling in accu-structiveness appreciated. First comes a blinding racy and range, and the sharpshooters would have flash of fire and a cloud of smoke made visible by been used if the reduction of the Fort had not the blast, then the boom of the cannon, the flight been so speedily accomplished. of the shell, marked, as it slowly mounts and falls There being but two regiments and a battalion by the twinkling fuse, then a brilliant light as the engaged in the siege, and five companies being re-explosion comes, and last of all the noise of the quired for guard duty at the batteries, the labor has been extremely onerous, and the health of the command has suffered in consequence. Lying out on picket twenty-four hours out of every seventy-two; exposed to the heat of day and the fogs and cold breezes of the ocean by night; a haze of fine sand blowing with scarcely any intermission; fired at with shot and shell at all hours of the day or night; obliged to march three miles over the beach from camp to outpost or return, is it wonderful that the surgeon's call almost any morning for the last fortnight has summoned a large number to his tent-door? Is it not strange, rather, that volunteer troops should have endured such hardships without a murmur, and acted with the steadiness of veterans under a well-directed fire, which they were not ready to return! The garrison of the Fort consisting of five companies, of men rendered desperate by the circumstances of their position, a sortie was to be apprehended, and our pickets were kept in a state of See Supplement. bursting shell, sometimes louder than the report from the gun itself. Some of the secessionists in Beaufort, when they saw the shells falling among our batteries, could hardly conceal their exultation, but our men contented themselves in the thought that this sort of thing would not last long, for that was a game at which two would play before long. Cooped up in the Fort, in full sight of their homes, the two Beaufort companies in the garrison resorted to various devices to get news of their welfare to their friends. Every few days for the past fortnight little sloops, properly ballasted, and with all sail set, would be drifted by the tide around the marshes to the town wharves, and as regularly sent by watchful sentries to Major Allen's headquarters. Among other curiosities which were cast ashore, was a board panel from a wreck, bearing the following communica tion: FORT MACON, April the 20th, 1862. "TO THE LADYS OF BEAUFORT-We are still induring the privations of war with unexosted |