The Sun.
London, England, 1861-06-28 00:00:00

vwsi-.).M3ER
Daryee, however, destroyed the . ltf•
' Bethel, and advanced. General Pierce en, he S
informs me, With the advice of his colonels, thought
best to attempt to carry the works of the enemy at
Big Bethel, and made dispositions to that effect.
The attack commenced, as I am informed—for I
have not yet received any official reports—about
half-past 9 o'clock.
At about 10 o'clock General Pierce sent a note to
me, saying that there was a sharp engagement with
the enemy, and that he thought he should be able
to maintain his position until reinforcements could
come up. Acting upon this information, Col. Carr's
regiment, which had been ordered in the morning to
proceed as far as Newmarket Bridge, was allowed
to go forward. I received this information, for
which I had sent a special messenger, about 12
o'clock. I immediately made disposition from New-
port News to have Col. Phelps, for the four regi-
ments there, forward aid if necessary. As soon as
these orders could be sent forward, I repaired to
Hampton, for the purpose of havine, proper ambul-
ances and waggons for the sick and wounded, in-
tending to go forward and join the command.
While the waggons were going forward a messenger
came, announcing that the engagement had termi-
nated, and that the troops were retiring in good
order to camp. I remained upon the ground at
Hampton, personally seeing the wounded put in
boats and towed to the hospital, and ordering for-
ward Lieutenant Morris, with two boat howitzers,
to cover the rear of the returning column in case
it should be attacked. Having been informed
that The ammunition of the artillery had been
expended, and seeing the head of the column ap-
proach Hampton in .good order, I waited for
General Pierce to come up. lam informed by
him that the dead and wounded had all been
brought off, and that the return had been conducted
in good order and without haste. I learned from
him that the men behaved with great steadiness,
with the exception of some few instances, and that
the attack was made with propriety, vigour, and
courage, but that the enemy were found to be sup-
ported by a battery, variously estimated of from
fifteen to twenty pieces, some of which were rifled
cannon, which were very well served, and protected
from being readily turned by a creek in front.
Our loss is very considerable, amounting perhaps
to 40 or 50,- a quarter pert of which you will see
was froth the unfortunate mistake—to call it by no
worse name—of Col. Bendix.

I will, as soon as official returns can be got, give
a fuller detail of the affair, and will only add now
that we have to regret especially the death of Lieut.
Greble, of the 2d Artillery, who went with Colonel
Washburn, from Newport News, and who very
efficiently and gallantly fought his piece until he
was struck by a cannon shot. I will endeavour to
get accurate statements to forward by the next
mail. I think, in the unfortunate combination of
circumstances, and the result which we experienced,
we have gained more than we have lost. Our troops
have learned to have confidence in themselves under
fire, the enemy have shown that they will not meet
us in the open field, and our officers have learned
wherein the organisation and drill are inefficient.
While waiting for the official report, I have the
honour to submit thus far the information of which
lam possessed.—l have the honour to be, &c.,
BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-Gen. Commanding.