Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

June 26, 1861

Page 3

 

                                    THE BATTLE OF BETHEL CHURCH

            A correspondent of the Richmond Dispatch, after giving an account of the part taken in the battle at Bethel Church by the company to which he belonged (one of the Richmond companies) pays the following well merited tribute to the gallantry of the North Carolina regiment.  It will be seen from this that North Carolinians had the honor of repelling the only and really spirited attack of the fight:

            Meanwhile, deeds of valor were being performed upon the extreme left of our position by the brave North Carolina boys, commanded by the hero, Col. Hill.  Their entrenchments were unfortunately near a thick woods, so near that it furnished a fine cover for the enemy.  Here he made a dash at the works, the only really spirited attack of the fight.  But the rifle boys were too strong for him.  At one time I learn that he almost succeeded, and there was some confusion; but soon order was restored, and the victory won.  A gallant Yankee Captain jumped upon the fence in front of Col. Hill’s line, and cheered on his men; but instantly fell dead, pierced at the heart by the steady-handed marksmen of the Old North State.  All honor and glory to the Old North State!  How I wished to cheer these troops as they passed our quarters yesterday afternoon; but my feeble voice could not express the deep feelings of gratitude and admiration for the noble fellows, and as I said in my heart, God bless you, my brave boys!

            Just after we abandoned our trenches, Company “A”, Capt. Atkinson, of our regiment, which had been stationed two miles off to guard a road, came up, and the enemy having retired in part, our right, Col. Stuart, with Capt. A.’s command, part of the Withe Rifles and a detachment of Company “G,” of North Carolina Rifles, resumed our former position on the flank and front.  The Howitzer Battery, one piece of which having by accident, before we left our position, been rendered useless, was now reinforced by Capt. Bridger’s company of Riflemen, and being annoyed by the fire of the enemy’s musketry from the white house in front, four men were sent to burn it, and in an attempt a noble North Carolinian was shot in the head and died last night.  The effort failed and the house was finally fired by a shell.

            At 2 o’clock the enemy’s fire had nearly ceased, and, after a fight of four hours and a half, he began to retire.  He was pursued by the cavalry to the bridge leading to Hampton, which in his fright, he burnt after passing.