Battle at Tranter's Creek, NC.

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Here a skirmish called a battle...

Battle of Tranter's Creek - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

The Battle of Tranter's Creek was fought on June 5, 1862, in Pitt County, North Carolina, as part of Union Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's North Carolina expedition during the American Civil War.

On June 5, Col. Robert Potter, garrison commander at Washington, North Carolina, ordered a reconnaissance in the direction of Pactolus. The 24th Massachusetts, under Lt. Col. F. A. Osborne, advanced to the bridge over Tranter's Creek, where it encountered the 44th North Carolina, under Col. George Singletary. Unable to force a crossing, Osborne fired his artillery (Companies A–G, 1st New York Marine Artillery) at the mill buildings in which the Confederates were barricaded. Singletary was killed in the bombardment, and his troops retreated. The Federals did not pursue and returned to their fortifications at Washington.

Here some more details of the battle...

Tranter's Creek

Tranter’s Creek,Battles.Battle Summaries

www.civilwar.com

On June 5, Col. Robert Potter, garrison commander at Washington, North Carolina, ordered a reconnaissance in the direction of Pactolus. The 24th Massachusetts under Lt. Col. F.A. Osborne, advanced to the bridge over Tranter’s Creek, where it encountered the 44th North Carolina, under Col. George Singletary. Unable to force a crossing, Osborne brought his artillery to bear on the mill buildings in which the Confederates were barricaded. Colonel Singletary was killed in the bombardment, and his troops retreated. The Federals did not pursue and returned to their fortifications at Washington.

Brothers in Battle
After Union Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside's army captured Roanoke Island in February 1862, Federal troops occupied New Bern the next month and then secured the undefended town of Washington on March 20. Although several weeks passed with only a few skirmishes between the opposing forces, by May 19 Col. George B. Singletary's 44th North Carolina Infantry was on picket duty west of Washington in the vicinity of Tranter's Creek, where it threatened the Federal garrison. Singletary planned to attack the town and was awaiting several pieces of artillery to support his assault. Union Gen. Edward E. Potter learned of Singletary's plans and ordered the 24th Massachusetts Infantry to launch a spoiling attack. On June 5, Lt. Col. Francis A. Osborn led the regiment from Washington, accompanied by the 1st New York Marine Artillery. The combined force met the Confederates a mile north of here at Myers' Bridge, which spanned the Tranter's Creek.

The Federal gunboat Picket shelled the Confederate forces from the river to support Osborn's attack. Both he and Singletary had about 500 men. Within minutes, Osborn lost nineteen men killed and wounded in the action. The engagement quickly turned in the Federal' favor, however, when a sniper's bullet killed Singletary, his brother, Lt. Col. Thomas C. Singletary, took command, and after three hours, the Confederates withdrew, having lost four men killed. Osborn returned to Washington. Confederates forces reoccupied the town in April 1864.

Lt. William B. Avery, 1st New York Marine Artillery, later received a Medal of Honor for his bravery at Tranter's Creek, where he "handled his battery with greatest coolness amidst the hottest fire." North Carolina Governor Henry T. Clark commended Lt. Col. Singletary for his gallantry.

 

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Here got a sketch of the battle...



Here is an article about the with actual moments from the battle like LT. Jarvis falling within moments of the first volleys... the article never mentions a gunboat...

Battle of Tranter's Creek

Battle of Tranters Creek North Carolina Civil War History, General Burnsides North Carolina Expedition, The Battle of Tranters Creek, List of Battles North Carolina Coast Civil War History, Results

www.thomaslegion.net

snip... from the article...

At length the word was given to charge. The artillery fired a round to clear the way, and, under cover of the smoke and the effects of the canister, our boys with fixed bayonets dashed upon the bridge, and, headed by Colonel Potter, advanced on a run to the point where the boards had been taken up. Replacing them as best they could, they passed over, and found themselves undisputed occupants of the field; for the rebels had fled down the creek and through the woods, leaving behind them three of their dead and a large quantity of muskets, shot-guns, swords, sabres, and other weapons. Their rout was thorough and complete. The ground was covered with pools of blood, showing that their loss was pretty heavy, though it is impossible to ascertain the exact figures, as they carried off all their dead and wounded except the three bodies above referred to, which they could not rescue owing to the heavy fire of our artillery on the spot where they were lying.

 

[5fish]

Here is an OR from a skirmish near Tranter Creek... the Union Officer behind lines...

MAY 30, 1862.- Skirmish at Tranter's Creek, N. C.

Report of Captain George F. Jocknick, Third New York Cavalry.

WASHINGTON, N. C., May 31, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the fight which occurred yesterday between a mounted patrol of my company and a body of rebel troops laid in ambush:

In accordance with our daily routine of duties Second Lieutenant Allis started early in the morning with a detail of 15 men to reconnoiter the Greenville road as far as Tranter's Creek, about 8 miles from here. Having received information that only a small body of rebel troops, invariably estimated at from 12 to 15 men, were in advance, Lieutenant Allis deemed it expedient to cross the bridge over the said creek, leav-
ing a few men to secure his retreat, but had only proceeded a short distance when he was attacked by about a dozen men, mounted and on foot. After discharging their fire-arms and receiving our fire in return they fled to the woods, closely followed By Lieutenant Allis and his men, who succeeded in taking two prisoners. These prisoners he was subsequently compelled to let go after having secured their arms. Finding himself surrounded by a large body of infantry concealed in the woods Lieutenant Allis gallantry cut his way through the crowd, and returned here with his command about noon, with only one man - Private Ogden Harrison - badly wounded and 2 horses killed. The enemy had 3 men killed besides those wounded, supposed to have been 5 or 6. A fine horse, valued at $200, fell in our hands, which will partly make up for the two lost.

Lieutenant Allis speaks in the highest terms of the bravery and coolness displayed by our men, and I am happy to say that this little affair has reflected much credit on all concerned.

The wounded man ha good medical attendance and is doing well.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. F. JOCKNICK,

 

[5fish]

Here is the OR for the battle of Tranter Creek... gunboats were involved... He calls it an action... The guy likes to write...

Colonel E. E. POTTER, Commanding.

JUNE 5, 1862.- Action at Tranter's Creek, N. C.

Report of Lieutenant Colonel Francis A. Osborn, Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry.

HDQRS. TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT MASS. VOLS.,

Washington, N. C., June 6, 1862.

CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders received from Colonel Stevenson in person I embarked three companies of the regiment under my command on board the steamer Pilot Boy, bound for this place, at 11.30 p. m. of the 3rd instant, and left instructions with Captain Maker to follow with the four companies on board the Lancer as soon as possible. Lieutenant W. B. Avery came on board with a battery of three pieces and reported to me for orders.

The Pilot Boy got under was early on the morning of the 4th (Wednesday), and arrived at this place at 6 p. m. In the course of the evening Colonel Potter informed me that the enemy's force under Colonel Singeltary was between this place and Pactolus, a village about 12 miles distant, on the Greenville road, and suggested the propriety of attacking them at once before they should hear of the arrival of re-enforcements. I therefore determined to take eight companies of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, after the arrival of the four companies left at New Berne, two pieces of artillery, and the company of the Third New York Cavalry stationed here, under command of Captain Jocknick, and to march as early s possible the next morning toward Pactolus. Colonel Potter gave orders to Captain Nichols, of the gunboat Picket, to go up Tar River to the same place, throwing shells into the woods between the river and the road as he proceeded. He also ordered him to take two scows in tow in which to bring down the troops in case they should reach Pactolus. This arrangement would leave two companies of infantry, one 12-pounder howitzer, and one
mountain howitzer for the defense of the town, besides the usual pickets and provost guard.

As the four companies under Captain Maker did not arrive until 6 a. m. Thursday the expedition was not able to take up the line of march until 9.15 a. m. I got information from contrabands as we proceeded that the enemy was posted at two bridges which crossed Tranter's Creek, one being on the road which we were pursuing and the other about half a mile distant from the first to the right of the course we were following. I further learned that the first had been rendered impassable, but that the second, though only a slight bridge, running through a mill, was probably in order or could easily be made so. I therefore turned off to the right a mile this side of Tranter's Creek, and after marching 2 miles came in sight of the mill. There were three buildings, about 30 feet apart, open in the lower story, through which the bridge ran. Our advance, on approaching the first of these around a turn in the road, found that the floor of the third had been torn up and made into a barricade on the opposite side, behind which was placed the advance of the enemy. Our men on seeing them immediately fired upon them and received a volley in return, which caused them to fall back and which wounded Lieutenant H. D. Jarvis, who was in command of the advance. I then ordered up the artillery, which took up its position near the entrance of the first building and commenced firing in the direction in which the enemy was supposed to be, their advance having retired. This was at 2.45 p. m.

Company A, Captain Redding, was disposed on the left of the artillery, under cover of the logs and beams of the mill, and Company F, Captain Clark, was ordered to advance to the support of the artillery, but owing to a misconception of the order the whole regiment approached much nearer than I had intended, inasmuch as from the conformation of the ground, which ran to a point at the mill, only about 50 or 60 men could be placed to fire with effect. I accordingly ordered all to lie down and await orders. The cavalry retired to the rear to guard against the possibility of an attack in that direction.

The firing of the enemy was at this time very rapid and well directed, and we discovered from the flash of their guns that they were distant not more than 50 paces from us. This placed our artillery at a great disadvantage, for at so short a range it could not do its best execution. It was, however, admirably managed by Lieutenant Avery, and as it seemed still to be doing good service I felt unwilling to change its position.

During the first fifteen minutes the enemy's fire continued steady, and most of the wounds on our side were inflicted at that time. After that time it began to slacken, and when we had discovered a large number of men in trees just on the opposite bank and had poured a few rounds of canister into them it wholly ceased. At this time we could see a large number of men running along the opposite bank at some distance from us, and were satisfied that they were totally routed.

The leading companies then advanced to the third building and relaid the floor, which could not have been done until the enemy had been driven from their position, as any one attempting it would have prevented our own fire while within 30 paces of that of the enemy.

The bridge being repaired sufficiently for foot passengers, the infantry, excepting Company K, Captain Maker, which was left for the support of the artillery, crossed, and marched about 100 paces beyond the position which the enemy had occupied, forming line of battle there. Having remained there a short time and examined the position, after
onsultation with Colonel Potter I deemed the object of the expedition had been gained in giving the enemy a severe lesson, and that it would be better to return to Washington rather than to go on to Pactolus, particularly as it would take some hours to make the bridges strong enough for the passage of the cavalry and artillery. I therefore ordered the infantry to recross, and returned to Washington, bringing the dead and wounded.

The battle lasted forty-five minutes, and the troops arrived at Washington at 8.30 p. m., having made a march of 18 miles in the heat of the day. During the march we constantly heard the Picket throwing shells a long way way on our left.

Our force consisted of eight companies of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment (Company D, Captain Prince, and Company C, Lieutenant Bell commanding, having been left at Washington), numbering about 430 men; two 12-pounder howitzers of the marine Artillery, Lieutenant W. B. Avery, manned by 12 men each, and Company I, of the Third New York Cavalry, Captain Jocknick, numbering 40 men.

The enemy's force must have been quite equal to our own to judge from the firing. From what information I could gain I estimated it at 450 infantry and 70 cavalry, under command of Colonel Singeltary, of the Forty-fourth North Carolina Volunteers, now acting brigadier-general.

We have learned that information of our approach was conveyed to Colonel Singeltary by a man living on the road, so that he was bale to concentrate all of his force upon us. His position was a very superior one, which could easily have been defended against us by a small body had we not had artillery.

Our loss, considering the length of the action and the small number engaged, was severe, there having been in the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts 3 men killed, 3 mortally wounded, who have since died, 1 lieutenant and 1 man severely wounded, 1 captain and 3 men slightly wounded. In the Marine Artillery there was 1 man killed, 1 severely and 1 slightly wounded. The cavalry suffered no loss, as they were not able from the nature of the ground to be brought into action.

The enemy's loss must have been heavy, as we found 5 dead bodies and saw a large quantity of blood in every direction. Since the action I have heard rumors of a very large loss on their side, including the death of Colonel Singeltary, but I cannot trace them to any reliable source.

I regret to say that the wound of Lieutenant Horatio D. Jarvis, of Company A, is quite severe. He had been skillfully conducting the advance during the day, and I felt heavily the loss of so capable and energetic an officer. In the beginning of the affair Captain William F. Redding, of Company A, received a buck-shot in right wrist, but without leaving the field continued attending to his duties with his usual promptitude.

I desire to mention with the highest commendation the conduct of Lieutenant William B. Every, of the Marine Artillery, Colonel Howard. Placed in the midst of the hottest of the fire, he managed his battery with the greatest coolness and skill and contributed much to the success of the day. As I have said above, I think that but for his battery and the determination with which it was worked the enemy with a moderate amount of courage could have maintained their position. His men also deserve high praise for their courage and zeal. Of my own officers I am proud to say that they displayed the same and courage that have distinguished them heretofore. Captain R. F. Clark, Company F, was particularly noticed by me as being in the advance with the foremost of the men, directing their fire and animating them by his example. Captain C. H. Hooper, acting lieutenant-colonel; Lieutenant Albert Ordway, acting adjutant; Captain W. F. Redding, Company A; Lieutenant J. C. Jones, Company F; Captain John Daland and Lieutenant Charles g. Ward, of Company H; Captain E. C. Richardson and Lieutenant J. M. Barnard, Company G, being near the head of the battalion, and their companies being at various times engaged in firing, were conspicuous for their coolness and prompt attention to their duties. The officers of the companies in rear of these proved by their bearing an equal degree of courage and determination, but were debarred from the opportunity [of doing] anything but remaining passive with their companies under fire which they they could not return.

While, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, bit may seem invidious to mention the names of some officers to the exclusion of the rest, I cannot by feel that justice demanded that they should receive the credit of what they actually did, though I believe that the others in their position would have done equally well, and I know from their urgent request to be allowed to do something that they were equally desirous of being in the front. My men behaved remarkably well, situated as they were in the hardest position that a soldier can be called upon to remain in - that of not being allowed to do anything.

Colonel Edward E. Porter, of First Regiment North Carolina Volunteers, [Union] military governor of this city, and Lieutenant J. M. Pendleton, of his staff, accompanied me, and I have to thank them for valuable assistance and advice.

As I stated above, the conception of the plan of the expedition was due to Colonel Potter, and to his energy was it greatly indebted for being so efficiently carried out.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. A. OSBORN,

Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Twenty-fourth Regiment Mass. Vols.