From passengers who arrived last evening by the
Southern train, we gather some statements of the
battle at Roanoke Island; but in some instances they seem to have been founded upon rumor, and are therefore not fully entitled to credit.
In one respect, however, all accounts agree; that our small force fought with a heroic desperation which but for the lack of field batteries, would doubtless have eventuated in victory instead of defeat.
It is stated that the
Richmond Whigs were defending, unaided, an exposed point, when they were attacked by a regiment of Zouaves; but refusing to yield to superior numbers, they maintained their ground until all but seven were either killed or wounded
Capt. O. Jennings Wise, determined not to surrender, is reported to have broken his sword and flung the hill in the faces of the foe, bidding them defiance, when he was shot down; and it is added that while he was being conveyed away from the field, in a blanket,
he was again shot and killed It is difficult to believe that even savages could be guilty of such an act of barbarity as this; but there is no dept of to which the
Yankees will not descend.
It is believed, at all events, that
Capt. W. is dead.
It will doubtless relieve the minds of the friends of the parties to know the names of Blues who were at
Nag's Head, on the sick list a the time of the fight.
From a private letter written by
E. J. Levy, first sergeant of the company, we learn that ten were sick at that place, and are now safe, namely:
E. J. Levy Henry D. Burr,
Wm. W. Landrum,
George I. Lumpkin,
Lewis Trueheart,
Jas. Beckman Charles Tower,
Ed. J. Gregory,
Robert Ralston, and
Ed. Halliday.
We learn that
H. D. Burr arrived in this city last night.
The reported escape of
Lieut. Rigger is erroneous.
He is believed to be a prisoner.
Of the Jackson Guard, it is stated that but one escaped.
He was employed in removing ammunition from the
Island.
A statement was made by a passenger last evening, that
Lieut. Miller, of the same company, was wounded in the hand, not dangerously, and taken prisoner.
There are other rumors connected with the affair but as they lack confirmation, we decase to make them public.
