New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-14
GEN. BUFFERS OFFICIAL REPORT OE THE
BATTLES

WAsHISGTos, June u, 1861.
The following s Gen. Buffers official report of the
s6ar at Little and Big Bethel:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARrhEsr OF VIRGINIA,
FoKTRRss MONROE, June IL, 1851
GESERAL: Having learned that the enemy had
established an outpost of some strength at place
called Little Bethel small church. about eight miles
from Newport News, aud the same distance from
Hampton, from whence they were accustomed nightly
90 advance both on Newport News and the picket
xrerds Of Hampton 10 annoy them, and also from
whence they had down 10 small squads Of cav
airy and taken a number Of Union men, come OF whom
had the safeguard and protection OF the troops OF the
United States and forced them into the rebel ranks
and that they were also gathering up the slaves OF
citizens who had moved away aud left their farms in
charge Of their negroes, carrying them to work IN
intrenchments at Williamsburg aud Yorktown, 1 had
determined 10 send up force 10 drive them back and
destroy their camp, the Headquarters Of which was
sfis small church. had also learned that at place
short distance further on the road TO Yorktown,
was outwork Of the rebels, on the Hampton side
Of a place called Big Bethel. large church, near the
head Of the north branch Of Back River and that here
was very considerable rendezvous, with works OF
less strength in process OF erection and from
this point the whole country was Lid under c0ntibu-
ton.
Accordingly ordered Gen. Pierce, who il in COM
mand Of Camp Hamilton, Ut Hampton, tosend Duryees
regiment Of Zouayes TO be feTned over Hamilton
Creek at O'Clock this morning. and to march by the
road up TO Newmarket bridge then crossing the bridge
90 90 by by road and thus put the regiment in the
Of the enemy and between Big 8etbei and LATHE
Bethel ia part for the purpose OF cutting him of and
then TO make attack upon Little Bethel Idirected
Gen. Pierce TO support BIN from Hampton with Col.
Townse nds regiment, with two mounted hOwitzers,
and march about an hour later. At the same time l
directed Col Phelps, commanding at Newport News,
TO send out BATTALION composed OF such companies OF
sbe reg oents under bis command he thought best,
under command Of Lieut. WashburB In time TO
make demonstration upon Little Bethel in front, and
20 have him supported by Col. Bendixs regiment with
two field pieces. Bendixs and TownSend's regiments
should effect junction OF fork of the road leading
from Hampton TO Newport News, something ike u
mile ind half from Little Bethel
directed the march 10 be timed that the attack
shoud be made Just at daybIeak, and that after the
attack was made upon Little Bethel, DuTyee's reg-
znent and regiment from Newport News should fol-
Low Immediately upon the beels Of the fugitives, II
they enabled TO cut them off, and attack the bat
fey on the road to Big Bethel while covered by the
fngityee; or, Ii it was thought expe1ient by Gen.
Pierce falling to surprise the camp vt Little Bethel
they should attempt 10 take the work near Big Bethel
To prevent the possibility Of mistake In the darknees,
directed that no attack should be made until the |
watchword should be shouted by the attacking regi
ment aud ia case that, by any mistake In the march,
the regiments that 10 make the junction should
unexpectedly meet and be unknown each other also
1rected that the members Of Col. Townsends regiment
lhes1 b. known, n 10 daylight, by sousships white
wssn - ~ IN.