295 Series I Volume IX- Serial 9 - Roanoke
Page 295 | Chapter XX. SKIRMISH NEAR NEWPORT, N.C. |
APRIL 7, 1862.-Skirmish near Newport, N. C.
REPORTS.
No. 1.-Lieutenant Colonel James Wilson, Ninth New Jersey Infantry.
No. 2.-Captain John Boothe, C. S. Army.
No. 1. Report of Lieutenant Colonel James Wilson, Ninth New Jersey Infantry.NEWPORT BARRACKS, N. C.,
April 7, 1862-2.30 p.m..
GENERAL: I have to inform you that our outside pickets on the Cedar Point road were attacked this noon at about 1 o'clock by a force of about 40 cavalry mounted and about 20 on foot, who made a sudden dash upon our post.
In skirmishing we had 1 man shot, wounded, and are fearful 1 made prisoner. This information I have from courier sent in.
Our men stood the attack and returned the fire, killing one horse, but are unable to learn any other damage, as the enemy retreated at a rapid rate, but suppose they must have killed or wounded some.
I have sent forward another company to strengthen this post, who arrived there soon after the attack.
Awaiting your orders,* I remain your most obedient servant,
JAMES WILSON,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Ninth Regiment New Jersey Vols.
Major General J. G. PARKE.
No. 2. Report of Captain John Boothe, C. S. Army.JONES COUNTY, N. C., April 8, 1862.
SIR: According to your instructions I make the following report of my progress since Saturday last:
I took my march toward Carteret County on Saturday, and reached Mr. Foscue's, on the Beaufort road, 20 miles below Trenton.
Sunday I was joined by Captain Hill and 50 of his men and proceeded toward Beaufort. At sunset I halted, and sent forward to ascertain the number and position of the enemy's advance reported to be ahead. At 1 o'clock in the night my scouts came in, not able to find anything, and I proceeded to Eli Saunders' and fed my horses and men.
Monday morning I was joined by Lieutenant Humphreys with about 30 men. By agreement with Captain Hill and Lieutenant Humphreys I divided the whole force into four platoons of about 30 men each, placing the men with the best arms in the first platoon. This platoon I placed under command of Lieutenant Eure and sent it forward as an advance down the road from Saunders' toward Newport. I followed with the other three platoons and their commanders a short distance behind the advance. After going within 5 miles of Newport the
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*See Parke to Burnside, April 8, in "Correspondence, etc," post.
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Page 295 | Chapter XX. SKIRMISH NEAR NEWPORT, N.C. |