Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-06-14

priuoners, who we're cooking some vctual. before
a small fire. Thsse men had becu sent out GU 9
RECOMMENDING expedition. and did not perceive
the Federal troops until too late TO retreat
One of them vas Captain Whiting, a command.
or Of company, and the other two private-.-
Captain Whiting mad very valuable horse, about
whose safety be appeared tU be much coucerued
lie said they might do. with HIM what thew
pleased. but begged them to be kiud to his favor
lite animal, which had cost him $4,000
Captain Whiting states that tue Confederate
troops were commanded by Colonel Magruder,
late Of the Unied States army, and that there
were Mt least 600 men 10 the batteries. which
we're constructed in the most formidable manner.
The l1as Of the Confederates is reported by the
passengers to have been heavy, but they exact
number Of killed and wounded is not known.
there we're only three regiments on the Federal
side in the engagement, comprising 300 men.
The colonies Of the other regiments refused 10
order their men TO march up to the battery, de-
caring that such was their want of confidence
in General Pierce, that they would not run the
risk of imperilng their lives, preferring rather
to 10 court martaled than do SO.
There is a great deal Of regret manifested by
the residents In the yincinity Of Great Bethel OF
the result Of the fight, and II is asserted that il
has had the effect Of making many persons de-
clare their sentiments ms Unionists.
During the fight the fligAie Cumberland ran up
tho river to position nesr the battery, but did
not open fire upon IL
The zouave who came up ia the Georgiannd
info med uur reporter that be an three Others
while ont on q recommending expedition last week
visited the place where the battery had beer
erected, hut at that time there was no evidence
OF any intention TO occupy it.
!, WAS an cd fort, which had been standing
for years Since the visit, the COnfederatcs hat
gone 10 work and fixed it up, covering il with
branches Of trees, and making heavy embank-
mrnts Of said, placiug the most effective cannoi
in II.
TIE Federal troops did not expect to find
masked battery stationed at the place, and wer
surprised when IT FIRST Opeurd fire upon them,
TtGfe were three thousand men in FORTRESS
Monroe. and eight or nine thousand ia tho Wei
nifty. Provisions and fresh water were plenty.
General Butler was making extensive prepare
tions for another movement, which he Woull
command in person, and II was expected that th
battery would DO taken before the close OF tn
week
The Cumberland and one small gun boat wer
the only yes,es at the Fort. They were LYNN
in the stream near the Rip Raps.
In regard TO the unfortunate collision between
the Albany and German regiments, il may b
stated that IN order TO provide against III
several regiments natAkiug each other Tor til
enemy, quail badge was worn upon the arm
and the soldiers were ordered TO throw up thei
arms TO indicate to the approaching roops Il
United States forces) tnat they were fiji ndly
Supposmg the lines upvroaching mi ht be frieLd
one Of the regiments fired in the air, but th
other fired on them as it they we're enemies =
This kind OF mistake happens in almost ever
campaign, even among veterans.