| Gum Swamp, N. C. |
| April 22, 1863 |
| |
| [Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill] |
| |
| General, |
| Capt. [B.] Lane has just
returned from the reconnaissance on which he went early this
morning. He went to within half a mile of Core Creek and sent a
lieutenant ([M.] Lee) and 3 men over the creek, who went half a mile
beyond the creek, to the late encampment of the enemy. It appears
like the encampment of a brigade. They left this morning before day.
An old family near that place say there was 4,000 or 5,000. Nothing
has been done lately to the railroad bridge, but it can easily be
prepared for use, being only about 25 feet long. The track was
destroyed by being overturned, the sills still adhering to the
rails, and you will at once see that it can be rendered fit for use
by simply turning the superstructure back to its original position,
which can be done rapidly when sufficient force can be brought to
bear. The enemy have righted up the track for about 3 miles this
side of the creek. The track has been upturned in the manner
described from a point about 1½ miles beyond this. Thence upward
the sills or cross-ties have been burned and the iron bent, and it
will require time to reconstruct the track. |
| Very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| Wm. J. Clarke |
| Colonel [Twenty-fourth North Carolina
Troops], Comdg. |
| {Core Creek was
midway between New Bern and Kinston and the next stop west of
Tuscarora (now Cove City). Gum Swamp was immediately adjacent to and
slightly west of Cover and the next stop west of Core Creek on the
way to Kinston. Location information provided by Edward Ellis,
Havelock, N. C, historian.} |
|