March 19, 1863, The New York Herald
FORTRESS MONROE, March 18, 1863.
The rebels made an attack on Newbern, N.C., last Friday, but were repulsed. This attack was, no doubt, made under the direction of the rebel General D. H. Hill, who has just been placed in command of the rebel troops in North Carolina. The Union troops are under the command of Major General Foster.
There was fighting on the Blackwater yesterday, but no particulars are received at this point.
DETAILS OF THE BATTLE ON THE BLACKWATER.
SUFFOLK, Va., March 17, 1863.
At one o’clock this morning two sections of Capt. Davis’ Seventh Massachusetts battery and the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry were despatched by Major General Peck, under command of Colonel Spear, to attack the enemy in his intrenchments on this side of the Blackwater, opposite Franklin.
We were to make the attack at daylight, but, owing to the bad condition of the roads, found it impossible to do so until nine A. M.. At this hour the attack was made in good earnest. Small arms, heavy guns and cavalry were used on both sides.
The fight lasted for nearly an hour, and was highly spirited in its character. Two separate cavalry charges were made on the fortifications. These were found to be literally lined with infantry, who poured a deadly fire into our ranks, wounding many in the first charge, which was made by Major Stratton. The major was wounded in the shoulder, also Lieut. Mowday in the side of the hip. The latter it is thought fatally.
The second charge was conducted by Major Cornog in person, who took his men up to and up and down in front of the fortifications to try and jump the ditch, &c.; but the move was soon found to be impracticable.
The enemy opposed a heavy force of infantry and cavalry to the right and left of our position, in order to try and outflank us; but with little show of success.
When your correspondent left the field to-day the fight had not terminated.
The enemy is strongly intrenched behind well constructed breastworks. The charges of the cavalry were of the most dashing bravery I have ever witnessed.
General Jenkins, of South Carolina, is in command of the rebel forces. Reinforcements are daily being sent to defend and prevent the passage of the Blackwater by the Union troops. The rebels are strongly of opinion that we will soon move from this direction, and are making preparations accordingly.
We took some prisoners. Among them were some wounded ones.