The Roanoke fight.
additional particulars.
our forces — the number of the enemy.
&c., &c., &c.
[Special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
It will be a pleasure hereafter to record on the page of history the heroic fortitude of our galiant troops. Nobly and well did Capt. O. Jennings Wise, of your city, stand up with his men to the fierce encounter, when, suddenly, he was shot through the side and instantly fell. One of his men asking him if he was much hurt--‘"Not much,"’ said he, ‘"but fight them yet."’ He was borne from the scene of action in a blanket.--About 300 of our brave boys fell, and nearly all the rest were either wounded or taken prisoners. The enemy's loss is laid down at 1000. Four of their ships were sunk, they doing but little damage to any of our boats. Com. Lynch and other parts of our fleet did noble service — his ship being among the first to open fire on the enemy's shipping. At last accounts they were in pursuit of Com. Lynch.
In the midst of this terrible struggle, it will be regretted that Gen. Wise was seriously indisposed at Nag's Head. Both he and his son are expected here to-day. I am sorry to say that but very few escaped from Capt. Wise's company. Large quantities of ammunition were saved by our troops. The women, children, and a number of negroes, are reperted now on their way to our city. The enemy will be succesfully checked from getting possession of our railroad in that vicinity. Active preparations have been made here regarding this disaster, which it may be imprudent for me to mention. The news fell upon the ears of our citizens with fearful significance. Many would dare shut their eyes against the fact had not dread conviction come so direct. Every man was at his post, and our departments here were engaged in sending dispatches to the various encampments.--The alacrity with which every officer executed his orders, is a theme of public praise; and especial praise is due to the Young Guards, of our city, for their services on the occasion. At a very late hour military movements were going on, and everything is in great excitement.
But it is gratifying, in the midst of this affliction, to herald forth the glowing news that England has recognized the South.--This may be relied upon as correct — the authority is undisputed, and the New York Herald makes a free confession of it. I fear I am intruding too much upon your space, and I must close. Luna.
Another letter.
I send you here with such particulars of the battle as I have been able to gather. A true account cannot be given now. We know enough to cause a deep sigh of grief for the brave men slain, and the gallant sons of the South, who are now captives in this cruel war — of homes rendered desolate, of hearts wrung with anguish, and ties of love and friendship severed. But who believes, except the deluded and revengeful Yankees, that the South will ever yield to them?--that the great cause of Southern liberty, and honor, and humanity, is not still onward?
True, the news comes that the hospitable town of Elizabeth City has been shelled and burned, and that the vandal hordes are desolating the pleasant places of the Sound coast. But they cannot go far into the interior, and the day is coming when these Northern minious shall be driven back in disgrace to their in hospitable and barren soil.
Gen. Wise, though still sick, is, I learn, on his way to this city. Captain O. Jeanings Wise was dangerously wounded. Major Lawson, Lieut. Miller and Capt. Coles, are reported a mong the killed. The enemy lost in killed and wounded one thousand, our loss three hundred, besides more than two thousand prisoners. We must be nerved for a vigorous resistance, and Providence will assist us as heretofore in this cause of honor, and truth, and human rights.
How we fought at Roanoke.
The Norfolk Day Book gives the following concerning the desperate courage exhibited by our troops at Roanoke:‘ It is said that the enemy came up in their boats on the South side of the Island, and by means of their boat howitzers, effected a landing in the rear of our batteries, and that after landing about fifteen thousand on all parts of the Island, they marched up and flanked the batteries. It is also reported that, notwithstanding our small force of twenty-one hundred men against about fifteen thousand, on some parts of the Island; the resistance was of the most desperate nature, and a hand-to-hand contest lasted for a considerable time, showing the most desperate courage. This is said to have been the case particularly with the Richmond Blues, under command of Capt. O. Jennings Wise. Capt. Wise, we learn, fell bravely, urging his men on.
’
