Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 13, 1863
Letter From Captain Henry C. Roome, 89th, NY Infantry
Suffolk, Va, April 22, 1863
Our regiment did quite a brilliant little thing on the 19th, the anniversary of our battle of Camden. The rebels had occupied a fort on the south side of the Nansemond river and with this had blockaded the river, and disabled some of our gunboats. It was desirable to dislodge them and destroy the works, but it was a hazardous undertaking, as it was supported by a Brigade of Alabamians who were lying about a mile and a half back of the fort. A night attack and a surprise were agreed upon, and 200 volunteers were called for from our Division. Our whole regiment volunteered, but they would take only 50 men, 1 Captain and 2 Lieutenants. The expedition started on the night of the 16th, and crossed the river in a gunboat. They had not proceeded a half a mile when they came upon some pickets who immediately gave the alarm to the main body, and our force had to retire.
General Getty, our Division commander, did not like to give up in this way, and he asked and received permission to pick out the three best regiments in the command to try it again. He chose the 18th Indiana, 8th Connecticut and 89th New York. We started on the night of the 18th, and marched down to the river. Some of us had embarked when word was received from Gen. Peck, saying the undertaking was too hazardous, and must be abandoned. We lay upon our arms all night, and marched back again in the morning, in not the best of humor I assure you. Gen. Getty again asked permission to try it, saying that he had a regiment who were both willing and able to capture the fort in daylight. He received it, and accordingly about 3 P.M., of the 19th, while the most of the regiment were sleeping off the effects of the fatigue of the preceding night, we were suddenly ordered into line. A large number of the men, and a majority of the officers had gone to the camp a mile distant (for during this investment by the rebels we are manning a fort) but we could not wait for them, and were forced to go without them, although it sadly reduced our numbers, making our strength about 125 men and 9 officers. We marched down to the gunboat and there found three companies (about 60 men) of sharp shooters belonging to the 8th Connecticut, who were to assist us. The fort is situated on a high bluff on the bank, completely commanding the river in front and down the stream, but could bring but one gun to bear on any vessel coming down until it arrived in front. The plan was to run the vessel ashore a few rods above the fort. the sharp shooters were then to leap off from the boat, rush up the bank, and engage any infantry which might open fire while we were landing. As fast as we landed we were to run up, charge and capture the fort, seize the prisoners, guards &c. blow up what ammunition we could not carry away, and get back to the boat before their main body could come upon us. all around the boat an awning had been put up to conceal the troops. As we neared the place, all stooped down to avoid as much as possible the volley of bullets which we were sure we should be greeted with, but to our agreeable surprise not a shot was fired until the keel of the boat grated on the bottom. the order was given for the 8th Connecticut [unreadable] for a moment. Our boys saw this and with a rush leaped form the stern of the boat (where they were stationed in order to land after the 8th), some of them going over their heads in water, trying to keep their muskets dry if possible, although this was not material as our orders were to take the fort with unloaded guns, and the bayonets alone. As soon as we clambered up the bank, we were met by a volley of musketry and a discharge of cannister, which had the effect of separating the regiment in two bodies, the greater part with two officers turning to the right and the remainder, 28 men and 7 officers, keeping on over an open field exposed to their fire. We kept on over the field gradually obliging to the right until we reached a road in the rear of the fort and leading directly into it. Here we dropped into a hollow, in order to gain breath and allow all our little squad to come up. We then saw that the other party in attempting to reach the fort had got themselves entangled in a swamp and were retiring. We saw that if the fort was taken it must be by us. It was a hazardous thing for 80 men to attempt to charge upon 130 defended [by] 5 pieces of artillery, a shower of grape and canister whistling over our heads. Don't let them load that piece again was the cry, and with a yell we charged. When we were within three rods of the fort a cannon planted in the road and loaded with a 24-pound shot was discharged at us. the aim was bad and it went over our heads, the wind of the ball knocking over three or four. Another 24 pounder stood by its side loaded almost to the muzzle with canister. The lanyard was pulled but the gun missed fire, and the next instant we were upon them. As we mounted the ramparts our hearts gave a great thump as we saw them throw down their arms wave a white flags and cry for quarters. When we came into the fort and they saw our small numbers, they commenced seizing their guns again, evidently with the intention of using them as clubs to drive us out. We immediately brought our bayonets to a charge and commanded them to drop their guns. they did not like the glistening row of steep in front, and as their guns had no bayonets, and our friends were hastening to our assistance, they sullenly threw them down and the fort was ours, with five pieces of artillery, five tons of ammunition, one company of artillery, and two companies of infantry, in all 125 men and 9 officers. The prisoners were hurried down to the boat, and the guns were being hauled down, when Gen. Getty asked us if we could hold the fort for an hour. We told him we would try, and he sent across the river for reinforcements. I asked the Captain of the fort why he had not fired on us when we were coming down the river, and while we were landing. He replied that he had not the least idea that the gunboat had troops aboard, but supposed that the gunboat was intended to run the blockade, and he had his guns turned so that when she got in front he could blow her out of the water, and added he, "If that cannon loaded with canister had not missed fire, I would have saved the fort and sent all of your party to your long homes." I replied that I was glad he had loaded it so effectually for it would save us the trouble, and if the rebels attack us that night, we would be happy to give the contents to his friends. My word was made good for that gun was given to one of our officers to work with his company, and in the attack which they made upon us, he let them have the content. About 9 P.M., a regiment was sent over to assist us, and by throwing up rifle pits, we were in a situation by morning to withstand their attack. During the night they attacked us twice but were easily repulsed with no loss to ourselves. Our whole loss is four killed and twelve wounded, four of them mortally. At 10 A.M., the next morning other troops were sent over to our relief and we recrossed and came back to the fort, having laid upon our arms for two nights, and been without food for 24 hours. The enemy, about 80,000 strong, under Longstreet, are still investing the place, but I do not think that he will dare attack us. We are all hoping that he will, as we are confident that with our defenses we can pay them back for Fredericksburg.
Harry R.
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Adjutant General Report, 89th New York Infantry
ROOME, Henry C.: Aged, 23 years, Enrolled, September 23, 1861, at Oxford, to serve three years; mustered in as second lieutenant, Co. E, December 4, 1861; as captain, October 16, 1862; captured in action, September 29, 1864, at Chaffins Farm, Va.,; paroled March 1865; discharged, August 16, 1865 at Richmond, Va.
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