Weekly Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-11-01
THE BATTLE OF BALLS BLUFF.
IFrom the New York Worlds corrsspOnIeneel

tfrom the New York Worlds Correspondeneel
CAPT FRANCIS G.. YouNds STATEMENT
On Sunday evening, General Stone, being per-
auaded that no important force of the enemy
remained along the upper Potomac, aud in obe-
dience to orders from headquarters, commenced
his passage Of the river at Harrisons Island. -
The point of transit was about five miles above
Edwards Ferry, aud nearly an equal distance
from Leesbnrg. The island is IL low, fertile strip
of land, several miles in length, so dividing the
river that lhe Maryland channel is not n fnrlong
iu width, and that on the Virginia side not more
than two hundred feet.
Six companies of the fifteenth Massachusetts,
Regiment, under Col. Devan, and two companies
of the twentieth tTammany) New York, arrived
At the river about . A. NJ. on Monday, and com
mcnced TO cross. At sunrise they were all ON
the Virginia side.
Before daylight an order came to Colonel
Baker to march the first battalion of the Cali
iornia Regiment to Conrad's FERRY. two miles
south Of the island, and then, If he heard firing
to 90 to the support of Coggswe and Devan.
Accordingly, Lieut.. Col Wisiar advanced with
the battalion. GS9 officers and men and By sun
rise Ind reached the river md proceeded down
to the island crossing. l accompanied the force
to arrange for transportation. Was sent TO report
for orders TO Gen. Stone. Returned, having re-
ceived command to cross at once. On my way
back overlook Col. Baker, who told me that
only the battalion were to cross. lie had no
orders for the brigade.
Shortly after General Stone placed Colonel
Baker in command of nil the forces on the Viz
gnia side. Our battalion then, at about A.
NJ, commenced crossing to the Island, and from
thence to the further shore Meantime we could
hear skrmishing shots on the heights which
continued without much ntermission through the
morning. Now we began to experience tho diff
ticuty which was the chief cause of the terrible
scenes which closed the day.
No adequate means of transportation had been
provided. II seemed as it the column was ex--
pected to walk across on the water surface -
Nothing but IN old scow, capable Of holding per-
haps forty men, appeared available on either side
of the island If the Massachusetts, men had
had any other boats they were not visible in tho
morning. Az length discovered large scow
in the canal, mud two hours were consumed in
getting it over into the Maryland channel. 1t
would hold about sixty men. Colonel Baker
Lieutenant Colonel Wistar, Assistant Adiutant
General Harvey and myself went with the first
load to the island, and there superinlended the
transit Of our men.
1t was II NJ. before our first company landed
at the foot Of the bush covered precpice which
rises abruptly over one hundred feet from tho
river bed on the further side of the river Four
hours more had elapsed before the last company
landed. Sections Of the Second Rhode Island
Battery, comprising two bowtzers, two field
smooth'bores, and riied guH, went over with us,
the men dragging them up the heights with great
difficulty and spirit.
AT this time irregular fighting was going on
above. II seems that Colonel Devan had in the
morning moved with n small detachment in the
direction Of Leesburg, shortly after his forces
had crossed, had advanced one mile, there mot
the enemy's skirmshers in feeble force, and had
retired to the brow Of the heights. Before this
the Quartermnster of the Massachusetts, Fifteenth
had gone alone to point within mile Of the