Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-06-12
A FIGHT NEAk FORTRESS MONROE
The Federal Troops Repulsed.
BAD GENERALSHIP AND BLUM
DE-SING.

Fort MONROE, June 1O.-A portion of the
troops stationed here have had an unfortunate
and unsuccessful fight at Great Bethel, nine
miles from Hampton, on the Yorktown road
Gen. Butler learned that the rebels were en-
trenching themselves at Great Bethel, and sent
a force there to dislodge them. The move
ment was made Monday night. About mid
night, Col Duryea's Zouaves and Col. Town
send's Albany regiment crossed the river at
Hampton by means of six large batteauX,
manned by the naval brigade, and took up the
line of march. the former some two miles in
advance of the latter. AT the same time Col.
BeDdix's regiment and detachment of the
Vermont and Massachusetts regiments at
Newport News moved forward TO form a
junction with the regiments from Fort Monroe
at Little Bethel about half way between Hamp.
ton and Great Bethel.
The Zouaves passed little Bethel about A
o clock Bendix's regiment arrived next, and
took position at the intersection of the roads,
but not understanding the signal the German
regiment in the darkness of the night fired on
Col. Townsend's column, then marching in
close order, and led by Lieut.. Butler, the son
and aid of Gen, Butler With two pieces of ar
tillery. Other accounts say Col. Townsend's
regiment fired first. AT all events the fire of
the Albany regiment was harmless, while that
of the Germans was fatal, killing one man and
fatally wounding two others, besides several
other slight casualties. The Albany regiment
being back of the Germans, discovered from
Announcements left on the field that the sup
posed enemy was a friend they had mean.
time fired nine rounds with small arms and
field piece. The Zouaves, hearing the fire,
had turned and fired also upon the Albany
regiment.
AT day break Col. Aliens and Col Cars
regiments moved from the rear of Fortress
Monroe to support the main body, the mistake
at Little Bethel having been ascertained The
troops then advanced upon Great Bethel in
the following order :-Duryea's Zouaves'
Col. Bendix's regiment, Lieut.. Col. Wash
burns, Col Aliens and Col. Carrs regiments.
AT that point our regiments formed success.
siyely and endeavored to take large masked
rebel battery. The effort was futile, our three
small pieces of artillery not being able to cope
with the heavy rifle cannon of the enemy, be.
ing, according to some accounts, thirty in
number. The rebel battery was completely
masked, so that no man could be seen, only
flashes OF the guns.
A well concerted move might have secured
the position, but Brigadier General Pierce,
who commanded the expedition, appears 10
have lost his presence of mind, and the Troy
regiment stood an hour exposed to the CALLING
fire. The order to retreat was at last given,
but at that moment Lieut.. CREDIBLE of the reg.
ulars, in command of the artillery, was struck
by cannon ball and instantly killed. He had
spiked his guns and was calamity endeavorH
ing to withdraw his command.
Capt. Geo. w. Wilson, of the Troy regi-
ment, after the order to retreat, took posses
sion of the gun, and, with Quartermaster Me-
Arthus, brought it off the field with the corpse
of the lieutenant, which was brought to the
Fortress this evening. There were probably
% killed and 100 wounded. Great indigna.
ton is manifested against Brigadier General
Pierce.