GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #11
 

Anson to his Parents

Newbern, Craven Co.
N. Carolina
Saturday March 15^th 1862

Kind Father and Mother 

            Again we have reason to be very thankful. Again the Dudley delegation was spared from death dealing cannon and whistling bullet. O how I wish we could say the same of the Burnside’s Division but many, Ah! Many a poor man has breathed his last in this glorious cause. The fights were severe and hotly contested and at some times appeared doubtful which side would have the day. But I suppose you would like particulars. My last letter was dated Mar. 8 which left me aboard the N. York in Croaton Sd. Here we remained till Tuesday Mar. 11^th. Early in the morn we steamed up and started for Newbern. In getting out of Croaton Sd. We were run aground and obliged to halt for four hours stuck in the mud. At 5 P.M. Wednesday the expedition entered the Neuse River – sailed on till within 15 miles of Newbern and anchored till morn. At daybreak out Gunboats commenced their work along the river’s sides. They found five batteries between the river’s mouth and Newbern from which they drove the rebels. At about 10 A.M. Thursday the steamers moved nearer shore and by small boats and light draft steamers, we affected a landing intending to march and take the city in its rear while the Gunboats worked in front. Our Reg. Was put on shore at 1:30 and immediately commenced their march which was made very tedious by sand along the beach and mud when we took the roads.

            But they tell me the mail will close in a few minutes hence I’ll not have time to finish my description in full. The 25^th did not participate in the fight but lay in reserve. Our loss I don’t know. One fellow of our Company was killed named Andrews. Our fight was much more severe than at Roanoke.

            Thursday night we halted within a short distance of N. and commenced the fight early Friday and at noon our flag was waving over Newbern and on the fortifications. They had a very strong position – their battery was more than a mile in length behind which 14 pieces of artillery with about 10,000 men were stationed. The boys are all well and rather sore from long marches.

            My health is far better than I should hoped for after such treatment. We shall probably go to Goldsborough [sp.] next but which Reg. Remains here to guard the city is not as yet known.

            Give my love to all friends and thanks for their many prayers. God is with us – Goodbye. Edwin is well and in high spirits.

                                    Yours in love

                                    Anson