The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-06-14
WAsH1Naron. lime IN.

ton. 1t is reported that the evacuation
OF Harpers Ferry by the rebel forces has
already begun. It is known that the poll
~ OF such step has received serious con-
alteration from rebels. They appear to
have abandoned all idea of offensive opera
tons and only think now Of being able to
hold what they have got.
| Secession flags won't float over Wash.
iDgton, Independence and Faneuil Halls.
| 1t is certain General Johnston has been
largely reinforced within few days, and
1t may be his intention to try the metal of
the Patterson, Mcclellan and Cadwallader
commands. He will find himself surround
ed on all sides, and out of the reach of as
sistance from the South. If he retreats
towards Manassas Junction, he will be
closely followed by the whole Federal force,
now concentrated around Harper's Ferry,
and the retr0grade movement will hardly
stop north Of Richmond.
have reason to believe that Lieut.. Gen,
Scott leaves to night for Frederick, to com.
mand in person. His horse went forward
to Baltimore to day.
Fort MONROE, June 10.
Gen. Butler having learned that the reb-
els were fOrtifyiDg their camp with strong
batteries at Great Bethel, nine miles from
Hampton, on the Yorktown road, he deemed
1t necessary to dislodge them. According
" movements were made last night from
Monroe and Newport.
About midnight Col. Duryea's Zouaves
and Col. Townsend's Albany regiment
crossed the river at Hampton by means of
six large batteaux manned by the naval
brigade, and took up line of march, the for
mer some two miles in advance of the
other.
At the same time Col. Bendixs regi.
ment and a detachment OF Vermont and
Massachusetts volunteers and regulars at
Newport marched forward to form juno
ton with the regulars from Fort Monroe at
Little Bethel about half way between
Hampton and Great Bethel.
The Zouaves passed Little Bethel about
four A. NJ, Col. Bendixs' regiment had ar
rived and took position at the intersection
of the road.
Not understanding the signals the Ger
man regiment fred upon Col. Townsend's
column, marching in close order and led by
Lieut.. Buffers son and aid Delany of Gen.
Buffers staff, with two pieces of artillery.
Another account says that Col. Town
sends regiment fred first. At all events
the fire of the Albany regiment was harm
less while that of one man and wounding
seriously two others.
Several other slight casualties occurred.
The Albany regiment being back of the
Germans discovered from accoutrements
left on the field, that the supposed enemy
was friend. They had in the meantime
| fred five rounds with small arms and field
piece.
The Zouaves hearing the firing turned
and also fred upon the Albany boys.
at day break Col. Aliens and Col.
Cars regiment moved from near the for
tress to support the main body.
The mistake at Little Bethel having
been ascertained, the buildings were burned,
and Major with two prominent secession
lists were taken prisoners.
The troops then advanced upon Great
Bethel but our three small pieces of artil-
cry were unable to cope with the heavy
rifled cannon of the enemy.
The rif1ed battery was completely mask
ed; no men could be seen only at the fash.
es of the guns.
There were probably not less than one
thousand men behind the batteries of the
rebels
Concerted movement might have secured
the position, but Brig. Gen. Pierce, who
commanded the expedition, appears to have
lost his presence of mind The Troy regi
ment stood for an hour exposed to the gall.
ing fire, when an order to retreat was at
last given. Lieut.. Grebbill, of the United
States Army and in command of artillery
was struck by cannon ball and instantly
killed.
He had spiked his gun, and was gallant-
ly endeavoring to withdraw his command.
Capt. Geo. Watson, of the Troy regiment,
after the order to retreat was given, took
possession of the gun and brought it off the
field, together with the corpse of the Lieu
tenant. Both were brought to Fortress
Monroe.
There are probably about % killed and
100 of federal troops wounded.
| Lieut.. Butler deserves the greatest credit
for bringing off the killed and wounded.
Several of the latter are now in hospital
here.
Great indignation is manifested against
Brigader General Pierce.
| ~ 10 uOt huOWu INV ulduJ WCIC hIIlCu VI
wounded in the unfortunate collision of
federal troops previous to marching on
Great Bethel. he loss was however in
considerable. The fire of our troops on
the masked battery did apparently little
execution, being composed of small field
pieces and howitzers, against rifled cannon
of the rebels.
The attack last but half an hour, when
the retreat was sounded, and executed in
good order. The troops throughout this
trying affair behaved well.
The estimated number killed was about
30 and 100 wounded. Major Winthrop,
aid of Gen. Butler, and Lieut.. Col. Grnnell
of New York first regiment are missing.
Among the killed are Lieut. Greble's of
the United States artillery. He was struck
on the right side of the forehead by riaed
cannon. the ball from which bore away the
upper part of the head.