The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-11-01

one on this account, and was not effected un.
til o'clock p. m.
The telegraph has given the only reliable
particulars of what transpired on the Virgin
ia side during the forenoon. where the little
band of Massachusetts men, under Col Dev-
ems, embracing portions of the Massachusetts,
18th and Goth, were compelled to maintain
an unequal contest with greatly superior
numbers. Although they met the enemy in
the early morning, it was not until O'Clock
p. m. that they were reinforced by the detach-
ment under Col Baker. Col Baker took
command of the whole force on both sides of
the river at this point of time. Capt T. G..
Young, who was with him when he died
gives the following account Of the sequel
which, while it throws upon the line officers
of the Massachusetts, regiments the response
blity of ordering retreat, is singularly reti-
cent as to the conduct 0, Ike fresh troops who
were brought into he field to relieve the
weary and exhausted Massachusetts men:
"Scrambling up the bank, We found an o.
pen field of six acres, with thick woods on
three sides, out of which came constant, ir-
regular firing from the enemy. Here were
Col DevensI 10th Massachusetts regiment on
the right in line at the edge of the woods,
having been driven in after proceeding mile
and half towards lceSburg. We formed on
the left, and presently advanced two compa-
MES of Skirmishers to the woods in front
The concealed enemy drove them back with
a heavy, telling volley, and following the reg
uar with an irregular firing. Our men fell
on their bellies under the brow of the hill,
the enemy not being in sight. The artillery
could not be served because the sunners
were not to be found
Captain Stewart Of Gen Stones staff came
with a message to Colonel Baker TO hold his
ground, as Gen German, with 1000 men. was
marching from Edwards Ferry to reinforce
hun. One company OF the Massachusetts
10Th was advanced to the left, the direction
from which Gen German was expected
They were met by yell and Il volley as be
fore. and fell back to the line. The hidden
enemy now appeared to be III force on three
sides OF Us, which, with the river at their
back, di>heartrntd the men.
The line officers o. the Massachusetts, regi-
mtnt ordered thei: companies 10 retreat, and
the enemy coming out Of the woods for IT,,
hrs. time IN .sht, general confusion rmsued
lhe men, running To the waters edge and
finding no boats. rallied, ran up the hi.l dis
charged two vollies, when an officer of the
Massachusetts 10Th tied white handkerchief
to his sword. The enemy ceased firing, anl
took prisoners Many escaped into Ia,
woods. Some swan for the island. other.
found small Skitts. Some were drowned, a
mons them many of the wounLcd.
Col Baker, who was. during the whole en,
sasement, perfectly cool and brave, on fool
cheering and leading on the men, was sho,
from the wood, several balls making t,lta
wounds. and all believed to have been sho,
from one revolver
Another account says that Gen Baker was
not mounted when shot, but was on foot
with sword in hand, at the head of his men
shouting. Come on, boys-toIlow the flag of
the | Mon, and repel its traducers..' He fell
his body being riddled with balls" Cap,
loung's narrative says that the rebel WI
killed him ran out in his shirt sleeves. fol-
lowed by four or five others. As they ap-
preached the body, Col Devens of the Massi
chusetts 10Th, Bieral Of the 22d, and Ward
the pug!lst, with ten men of his company
rushed forward, shot the killer, and drove a
way the rest.