The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1861-11-08

bushes of the forest, and to make their way
up and down the river bank to a place OF
crossing. The instances of personal gallan.
try OF the highest order were so many that
it would be unjust to detail particular cases.
Officers displayed for their men, and men
for their officers, that beautiful devotion
which is only to be found among true sol.
diers.
While these scenes were being enacted on
the right, l was preparing on the left for a
rapid push forward to the road by which
the enemy would retreat if driven, and en-
tlrely unsuspicious of the perilous condition
OF our troops. The additional artillery had
already been sent, and when the messenger
who did not leave the field until after three
O'Clock, was questioned as to Col. Bakers
position, he informed me that the Colonel
when he left, seemed to feel perfectly secure
and could doubtless hold his positisn in case
he should not advance. The same statement
was made by another messenger half an
hour later, and [ watched anxiously for a
sign of advance on the right, in order to
push forward General German. 1t was, as
had been explained to COL Baker, impracti.
cable to throw Gen. Germans brigade direct
ly to the right by reason of the battery in
the woods, between which we had never
been able to reconnoiter.
At 4 P. M, or thereabouts, telegraphed
to Gen. Banks for brigade of his division,
intending to occupy the ground on this side
of the river near Harrisons Island, which
would be abandoned in case of a rapid ad-
vance, and shortly after, as the fire slackened,
messenger was waited for on whose tidinss
should be given orders either for the advance
of Gen. Gorman to cut off the retreat of
the enemy, or for the disposition for the
night in the position then held.
At 5 P. M, Capt. Candy arrived from the
field and announced the melancholy tidings
of Col. Bakers DEATH but with no intelli-
gence of any further disaster. [ immedi-
ately apprised Gen. Banks Of Col. Bakers
death, and | rode quickly to the right to
assume command. Before arriving opposite
the Island, men who had crossed the river
plainly gave evidence of the disaster, and on
reaching the same | was satisfied of it by
the conduct of the men then landing in boats.
The reports made to me were that the
enemy's force was 10000 men. This |
considered, as it proved to be, an exaggera-
ton. Orders were then given to hold the
Island, and establish patrol on the tow
path from opposite the Island to the line OF
pickets near the MOnocacy, and | returned
to the left to secure the troops there from
disaster, and make preparations for moving
them as rapidly as possible.
Orders arrived from Gen. Mcclellan to
hold the Island and Virginia shore at Ed
wards Ferry at all risks, indicating at the
same time that reinforcements would be
sent, and Immediately additional means of
intrencbipg were forwarded, and Gen. Cor
man was furnished with particular directions
to hold out against any and every force of
The enemy.
During that time General Hamilton, with
his brigade, was on the march from Darnes-
town. Before left to go to the right,
issued orders to intercept him, and instruc
ted him to repair to Conrads Ferry, where
orders awaited him to so dispose of bis
force as to give protection to Harrison's
Island, and protect the line of the river.
At 3 A. M. Major Gen. Banks arrived and
took command
A report of divisions for the following
days will be made out speedily. l cannot
conclude without bearing testimony to the
courage, good discipline, and conduct of all
the troops of this division during the day.
Those 10 action behaved like veterans, and
those not brought into action showed that
alacrity and steadiness in their movements
which proved their anxiety to engage the
foe in their country's cause. We mourn the
loss of the brave departed, dead on the field
of honor, if not of success, and we miss the
companionship of those of our comrades
who have fallen into the hands of our ene-
mics. But all feel that they have earned
the title of soldier, and all await with in
creased confidence another measurement of
strength with the foe.
CHAS. P. STONE,
Brig. Gen. Commanding.
REPORT OF COL. KINKS.
The following is from the report OF Col.
Kinks, Nineteenth Massachusetts, Volun-
teers, to Brigadier-General Lander:
"1 have to report that the remnant OF the
Tammany Regiment, under command of
Major Bon, deserted its post in the intrench-
ments on the Island, at an early hour IL the
forenoon of the 3d. and passed to the
Maryland shore, in disobedience of orders,
while l was engaged in arranging for the
removal of the wounded and the burial of
the dead cannot close this report with
Justice to our troops who fought so valiantly,
without commenting upon the causes which
led to their defeat and complete rout. The
means of transportation, for advance in sup
port, or for retreat, scere crimindlIy def-
cient, especially when we consider the facility
for creating proper means for such purposes
at our disposal.
w. w. Smith, Southern Confeder-
ate, who was in the privateering business,
hoo hoon Onnuso<o1 IF niroou IL. philodo1-