The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1861-06-15
WAR NEWS.
THE ATTACK ON GREAT BETHEL
Observation-Disclosures.

tack by detachment OF the forces unoer
Gen. Butler at Fort Monroe upon the
enemv's batteries at Great Bethel, and
thei. repulse with serious loss. The ac-
count. was definite enough to show that
there had been gross laundering and mis-
mana cement in the affair, but in precisely
what way was left for later and fuller ac-
counts to explain. The following is about
the truth OF the matter:
On Saturday, June 9th. Gen. Butler
having learned that the rebels were fortl-
flying Il camp with strong batteries at Great
Bethel, nine miles from Hampton, on the
Yorktown road, he deemed 1t necessary
to dislodge them Accordingly movements
were made the same night from Monroe
and Newport News. Abnut midnight,
! Col DURYEA'S Zo..avcs and Col. Townsends
! Albany Regiment crossed the river at
Hampton, by means Of large batteaux,
manned by the Naval Brigade, and took
I'D the line Of march, the former two
miles in advance CT the latter. At the
same time Col Bend:x's regiment ard de-
tachments of the Vermont and Massachu-
sets regiment al Newport News moved
forward to form junction with the regu-
lars from Fortress Monroe at Little Bethel,
about half way between Hampton An |
Great Bethel. The Zouaves passed Llt.is
Bethel about A. NJ Col. Bendix's Ger.
MANI regiment arrived and took up po-
sition on the intersection of the roads
Not understanding the signal, the German
regiment, in the darkness of the night,
fred upon Col. Townsend's column, march
ing in close order and led by Lieut.. Butler.
son and ai6-de-camp of Gen. Butler, with
two pieces of artillery.
Other accounts say that Col. Towns
ends regiment fired first. At all events
the fire of the Albany regiment was harm
less, while that OF the Germans was fatal,
killing one man and wounding seriously
t:Yo others, with several other slight casu-
alities.
The Albany regiment being back of the
Germans discovered from the the accou-
trements left OH the field, that the sup
posed enemy was friend They had IN
the meantime fired nine rounds with
small arms and field piece. The
Zouayes hearing the firing turned and
fred upon the Albany boys. At daybreak
Col Aliens and Col Carr 8 regiments
moved from the rear of the Fortress to
support the main body.
The mistake at Little Bethel having
been ascertained, the buildings were burn
ed, and Major, with two prominent Sc
cessionists taken prisoners. The troops
then advanced upon Great Bethel, but
our three small pieces OF artillery were
unable to cope with the heavy ritied can
non Of the enemy. The rebel battery was
completely masked No men could be
seen-oilly the flashes OF the guns
There were probably less than loco men
behind the batteries OF the rebels.
4 well concerted movement might have
secured the position, but Brigadier Gen.
Pierce, who commanded the expedition,
appears to have lost his presence of mind,
AID the Troy regiment stood for half an
hour exposed to a CALLING fire, when an
order to retreat was at last given
Lieut.. Greubel, of the L. S. \, in COM
mand Of the Artillery, was struck by
cannon ball and instantly killed He had
spiked his gun, and vas gallantly en-
deayoring to withdraw his command.
Capt Geo ". Wilson, of the Troy regi-
ment, after TIE order to retreat was given,
took possession of the gun and brought
the'corps OF the Lieut.. Both We're broush
to Fortress Monroe this evening.
Fourteen killed and II of the Federal
troops wounded. Lieut. Butler deserves
the greatest credit for bringing Off the
killed and wounded. Great indignation
IS manifested arainst Brisadier General
Pierce. His mistake was evidently in not
concentrating his forces at once and rush
ing upon the batteries instead of ordering
n retreat. Col. Bendixs Zouaves were
with difficulty prevented from stormins
the battery without orders. They killed
fire rebels outside the works.
The Federal troops retreated in good
order, followed by the rebel cavalry in
considerable force as far as New Market
Bridge, this side of Bethel, IniIumanly
charging III one instance upon those bear
ing the dead and wounded. The bridge
was burned.
This Gen. Pierce is one horse Massa-
chusetts politician. appointed to SO high
and res onsible position not for possess
ing the least military knowledge. but for
political services. He will probably be
cashiered.
\ telegraph dispatch on Thursday says,
Gen. Butler on Monday sent a second
force against Great Bethel and took it,
with all the guns, &c, and 1000 prisoners.
The report, however, has not Leen con,
| frmed and was doubtless canard.