Greensborough Patriot

February 12, 1863

Page 3

The Battle Near Suffolk

Our forces, under Gen. Pryor, had been over the Blackwater river since Sunday last, gathering up forage, commissary stores, etc., without meeting any opposition until Friday, the 30^th January. On that morning, before daylight, our Cavalry picquets, part of Col. Claiborne’s Regiment, were driven in, and almost simultaneously was opened a brisk cannonade on our camp. This was about 3 o’clock, and our batteries were soon in play upon the enemy, both sides keeping up a spirited artillery fight until after daylight. There was but little Infantry engaged up to this time; but skirmishing was continued with more or less activity until 3 o’clock in the evening, when the enemy attempted to out flank us, which brought the artillery again to play upon them. The first engagement took place within 6 miles of Suffolk, and the Yankee force were said to number about 12,000 under General Peck. The enemy made one attempt at a charge, but were gallantly repulsed by the 27^th Va. Battalion, under Col. Edmonson. Our loss was 50 killed, wounded and missing, that of the enemy taken as very heavy, and it must have been, as at several times we were near enough to give them canister, from well-served howitzers. A citizen says the Yankee loss was 300 killed, wounded and missing—that one battery was silenced and over thirty horses killed.

Among our killed, was Col. Pogue, and Capt. Dobbins, of the 50^th Va. Regiment; among the wounded was Capt. Wright and Lieut. Watkins of Wright’s Battery; and Lieut. Evans, of Colt’s Battery—all very slight flesh wounds. Our forces remained near Carrysville until Saturday evening, but as the enemy were “sufficiently amused” not to give us a call, the forces came back on our side of the river.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]