Jacksonville N.C. Jan 23^rd 1863

 

Dear Brother

                        It has not been long since I wrote to you but as we have had to skeedadle since I will write again.

 

On last Saturday night I heard that the Yankees had rebuilt the bridge across Trent river at Pollockville about 8 miles from White Oak and crossed with a strong force of Cavalry infantry and artilery. On Sunday morning I burnt the bridge across White and blockaded the road but they took the Trenton road but on Monday they came to White Oak Shufler shot at one of them they shelled the swamp and went back I rec^d orders from the Co^l to fall back 8 or 10 miles but next morning rec^d orders to / go back. We had just got back and unsadled when a citizen came in and reported he heard fireing about where our pickets were we saddled up and got in the road and the pickets came in and reported the enemys cavalry close behind in strong force and we left there. they followed us till we got in five miles of this place the only place that we could stop them at a bridge we crossed the creek and tore up the bridge and got in the bushes they soon came up and we fired on them and turned them back. They then shelled the swamp and we left and came to this place. they fixed up the bridge and followed on about two miles and went back to White Oak and I dont know how much farther. They got both of our waggons and cooking vessels and / some clothing and bedding I did not loose anything a gooddeal of the baggage was mooved over here before but some of the men lost all. I dont know how many we killed I believe the enemy say only one killed and 2 or 3 wounded but I think there was more than that. there was one man lay close to the bridge dead and there was a cap found close by that did not belong to him that had 2 buck shot holes with blood and brains in it that did not belong to him they took all off with them none of us were hurt but I think they have got Allen Conley I sent him down to Savansboro to let the pickets know they were there the last I heard of him he was coming back to camp he met a courier going down to tell them the enemy had crossed he was coming / back and maybe came on them before he knew it. We met Co^l Baker 7 or 8 miles from here he stoped at the creek but did not stay until the enemy came up. he came on to this place to have this bridge ready to burn when we crossed. We did not burn it until night it took all night to do it. and now he has sent me an order to repair it I dont think we could do it in less than three months

 

several of the horses were giving out and the men took the woods but have all come in but 6 onley

 

we are all that are here well

 

                                                            Your affectionate brother

                                                                                                Alex

SOURCES