The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-24

tho tear, the appearance Of body Of rebel cavalry
In the skirmish Captain Ihibrck had difficulty
in getting enough to the enemy for his smooth bore
guns to have much effect, whereas tho other used long
range rides on our forces
At dayJreak and at the hour that Colonel DevenB
command left the shore to mako the advance Colonel
Lee, of the Twentieth Massachusetts, one com
pany OF his regiment, which remained the shore to
cover the return of Colonel Devens.
Colonel Devens maintained his ground, and was re-
inorced during the morning by treo hundred more Of
his regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Ward.
About one O'Clock he was attacked by considerable
body Of rihemen who attempted to ontfank him Fear
ing they might DO successful and after resisting them for
time, Colonel Devens slowly retreated In perfect
order to the rvcr where General Baker had arrived with
battalion of the California regiment, commanded by
Lieutenant Colonel Wistar.
General Baker then took command, first complimentirg
Colonel Devens for his successful resistance superior
force, and giving his command less than six hun
dred, tho right of the limo OF battle the
centre and left wing being formed Of about
three hundred Of tho Massachusetts, Twentieth under
Colonel Lee and The California battalion, about vo hun
bred in number under Lieutenant Colonel Wistar Two
mountain howitzcrs, commanded by Lieutenant French
and one piece Of the New York battery commanded by
Lieutenant Bramha, in front Of the centre Just
previous to the commencement Of the acton
The attack was commenced by the enemy right
but directed more heavily to the centre and
left
For about two hours the battle ragged orriGcally, a
complete shower Of leaden hail pouring upon Three
several times tho left Of the line made advance but
compelled TO return ofton. The right better
protected and held their position.
An order from General Baker to throw two COM
panies Of the Fifteenth Massachusetts the centre,
which was immediately executed. This produced the
impression that the battle going against US, but
caused confusion or dismay. Tho left was hard
pressed but renamed firm.
abou, this time The news spread that General Baker
was killed While in the act Of pushing forward
with his shoulder to the wheel, lie pierced by six
balls lie evidently the object Of the cnemys sharp
shooters
After this there was cessation Of fire FOR few mi
nutcs during which Colonel CogsweH, % the Tanlnaly
regiment arrived with two companies and no being the
senior officer the command dcvolved him. III short
time II became evident to Colonel Cogswcl that the
day was lost, and he thought it best TO cut hi
way through Edwards Ferry, where General German
charge, throwing renforcemens, by direction
Of General Stone, who within sight Of the batt,
field at Edwards Ferry, directing the general movement
An order was now issued transfer the fifteenth Mas
sachuscs from the right tic left, which executes
| as calmly battalion dri
Colonel Cogswcli became satisfied OF The imposs
bity Of reaching Edwards' Ferry as desired and CAV
an order TO fall back toward the river which wa.
| Gated as at well tho circumstances would permit
they reached the river bank about twenty minutes be
nilh,fal. Here The Fifteenth deplcycd skrmishcr
along the shore. The only .. conveyance 10 th
island large boat, capable Of carrying about forty
persons, which overcrowded and swaInptd
The troops remaining on tie shore made desperate
| II q. gti blt took