The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-12

wht Lieutenant O. was struck by cannon bal and
instantly kbed.
AT about the same tine apparent that the
DisiSn u our men Sas giving out email creek be-
tween them and the rebel earthwork presented form-
sslc obstacle. Atou. seventy zouaves, however
passed TouAd ne creek, and were frequently seen
tending with tho enemy at the greatest odds
Gan. Pierce gave tie order 10 fail back and my In
fcrnant who was In the battle and ust arrived here
with aeepscbes to the government, says they did in
good order hey retired shout three miles nd halted
when messenger Yves cent 10 General Batter TO report
the facts and 10 ask for reinfcrcements with mere can
nor, and, IL possible, some cavalry
About eleven were killed and forty wour ded on our
ride hut tie number killed and wounded Of the rebels
Is rot known.
When my informant left Fortress Monroe last evening
reinforcements bad gone 10 Gen PIERCE and Gen. Baer
ssid he would have the battery before morning
WASHINGTON. June IL, 1891
In my previous despatch should have mentioned
that my informant who WAS in the engagement at
Bethel states positively that the report that the cannon
belonging 10 the federal forces taken is false They
were moved back with the troops, and the latter retired
in good Order only regretting the want Of ammunition
and The fan Of Lieutenant Greble who inspired them
more thar any other officer.
side than mentioned in my previous despatch. The
Zouavcs suffered severely in attempting to carry the
place by Storm They acted most CALAMITY, and have
doubt that il will turn out that 1t least one hundred
killed side when the detailed report appears
Great modification IL felt here al the repulse OF the
federaforces Eye witnesses of the affair say the con
fuson and heavy loss of life due to the fact that the
troops had literally to act without al eader The general
opinion that the ignorance Of General Pierce calls for
prompt court martial.
On receipt Of the news from Fortress Monroe special
meeting Of the Cabinet Immediately called together
and remained in session for nearly two hours.
WASHINGTON, June H. 1851.
II appears now that the dispatches that came from
Fortress Monroe made reference TO the battle at Great
Bethel but related To other subjects Gen. Butler had no
time before the steamer left yesterday to make any de-
Jailed report and probably determined not to do until
he announce the capture Of the rebel batteries.
PAYMAsTER MACGREGOR'B (FOURTH REGI-
MENT SCOTT LIFE GUARD) ACCOUNT.
We indebted TO Macgregor Of the Fourth
regiment New York Volunteers (scott Life Guard) who
arrived this city last night, for the following particu
lars in reference TO the engagement
CAMP BUTLER, NEWPORT News Va 1
June 10, 1851
eight miles from Fortress Monroe bordered by the Janice
and Rappshannock rivers and opposite the Elizabeth
river leading TO Norfolk Of considerable strategic
importance There are now encamped there five regi-
ments, viz;-rhe First Vermont, Colonel Phelps Third
Massachusetts, Colonel Packard; and three regiments Of
New York Volunteers consisting Of the Seventh Colonel
Bendix Fourth cott Life Guard), Colonel Taylor, and
the Ninth (zouaves), Colonel Hawkins.
The vicinity infested with secessionists and rebel
forces in considerable numbers known to exist the
neghborhood, principally at Yorktown where they are
organized four thousand strong.
order issued yesterday, by General Butler, Or
dering 600 men from the Vermont Massachusetts, and
Seventh New York regiments to rendezvous at midnight
at junction of roads about miles from here
an equal force detailed from Fort Monroe from CoIone
Duryees Colonel Townsends and Colonel Aliens regi-
mens, to proceed 70 place called Bethel to dispense
force Of AGO rebels assembled there. Colonel Ben
dix, who with two field pieces, in command of Lieutenant
Grebe led the ADVANCE had arrived at the point above
mentioned suddenly discovered force approaching and
from failure to give the proper countersign other
cause, mstook them for enemies, and Colonel Bendix
gave the order TO fire, which they did, killing and
woundng eight men belonging to Colonel Townsend's
regiment.
After this most unfortunate calamity the forces joined
and marched towards Bethel before reaching which, and
Bethel was searched, cleared Of rebels and burned.
Shortly after leaving the place they fell in with the
enemys pckets who were driven in, and as they were
approaching the town and near the bank Of creek
which separated them from the town. concealed battery
suddenly opened upon them with fearful effect the first
shot killing three Of Col Bendixs men. Our forces came
up the creek the artillery in the centre and infantry
the right and left and opened fire upon them across
the creek distance Of about 100 yards. The rebels
thought number 800 men, had red cannon and Mimic
rifles which they fused with fatal effect on our men
bridge formerly in existence had been burned and the
reality rendered it impossible for forces to make
flank movement Our troops fought bravey under great
OF position After lighting for two three
hours in this way the federal forces withdrew the firing
ceased on both sides our artillery ammunition having
been exhausted The loss on our side s about seventy
five, killed and wounded Lieutenant Greble killed
Major winthrop aid to General Butler s also supposed
to be dead Upon our troops retiring the enemy burned
their works apparently intending to fall back upon York
town.
The whole afar-so disastrous and by many consider
ed impoitic-has spread deep gloom over the regl
ments each Of which has share in theskied and wound
ed Brigadler General Pierce. who commanded the ex
petition blamed and charged with lacking skill aud
Judgment in the management
The troops at Newport News are in fine condition and
spirits anxious for fight Blu. are almost hopeless of
meeting the enemy 10 open field fight, where they are
cor ndent they could drive them to the four winds
brgadier general is badly needed at the Newport News
camp where five regiments are stationed and no recog
nized authorized local commander The camping ground
ia beautiful plateau mile in length elevated fifteen
or twenty feet from the water skirted by woods Daily
excursions made for provender and mules horses,
COVE pigs, poultry, &C. arrive for the assistance and
comfort OF the garrison Gen Buffers orders that
all property be be paid for, excepting that OF se
ceshers," which is forfeited
BRIGADIER GENERAL E. A. PIERCE.
This officer, who in supreme command Of the
troops in the affair before alluded TO- ia native of Roz
bury, Massachusetts,, and was appointed by Governor
Andrew to fill the vacancy caused by the promotion Of
Msjor General Butler He recently arrived at Fortress
Nonroe and entered upon his duties his military ante
cedns know very little Of at present. but we under
stand that he has held Brigader Generals commission
for upwards Of two years in the regular organized mill