Greensborough Patriot

February 5, 1863

Page 3

Correspondence of the Patriot

From Our Army Correspondent

Camp near Holly Shelter, N. C.

February 2, 1863

Messrs .Editors—Fresh from its fields of glory in Virginia, that famous Division of North Carolinians, formerly commanded by the able and efficient Gen. Walker, but more recently under the supervision of Ransom—“the cursing hero”—(of what battle?) arrived at Goldsboro, not quite two weeks ago, and placed in the command of Gen. French, has been thrown forward, and the various Regiments and Brigades assigned to posts of honor and danger.

The movements, so far, of the Division since its return to the Department of North Carolina, have been attended with no excitement, and as yet in watching the Yankees on our Coast, we have been unable to discover any imminent signs of a battle.

We might follow the experience of this little army of veterans during the two weeks past, but we are conscious that we could relate nothing that would interest your readers.

Notwithstanding the demonstration of the enemy in the direction of Kirsten, and the strong force with which he continually menaces that place, has nevertheless been thought prudent to keep an eye to the defense of Wilmington, and Cook’s Brigade tarried but two days at Goldsboro, while Ransom’s Brigade did not stop until reaching Warsaw—a point on the Wilmington and Weldon railroad, about 40 miles from Goldsboro, and near the same distance from Wilmington.

Cook’s Brigade is now at South Washington. One Regiment of the Brigade, (the 46^th, Col. Hall) has been thrown forward on the Holly Shelter road, and is now entrenching and doing picket duty on the East bank of the North East River.

Eight or ten miles from South Washington the “New Bridge” on the Holly Shelter road crosses the North East river. The H. S. road leads from South Washington to the main road from Newbern to Wilmington by way of the Sounds. Thus while guarding the New Bridge, protecting the Railroad from the incursion of Yankee Cavalry, our troops at South Washington will be ready to beat back and advance on Wilmington by land from the direction of Kinston. Adjoining this county (New Hanover) on the east is Onslow, which county has suffered to a considerable extent from the depredations of the Yankees. They have been as far up as Jacksonville, the County Seat. But of this more anon.

EUSEBICS

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]