The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-11-07
THE HALLS BLUFF ACTION.
Omcial Report of Gen. Stone, Command
ing the Division.


NEW YORK, Get. 3O-The Tribune of this NOR
ming has the official report OF Gen. Stone comman.
ding the action at Balls Bluff 1t was sent to the
War Department yesterday, and in it occurs the
following:
Col. Baker having arrived at Conrad's Ferry
with the Ist California re giment at an eeiiv honr
proceeded to Edwards Ferry, ar ranorfed to me-
in person, stating that his regiment at the former
place and three o. .ner regiments of his brigade,
were IeauY u march. [ directed him to Harrison's
lsland - assume command, and in a full CONVEX.
ION explained Thin the position as it then stood
| told him that Gen. Nc Call had advanced his
troops to Drainesville, and was extremely desir-
Gus of ascertanng the exact position and force of
the enemy in our front, and exploring far as it
was safe, on the right, toward the Leesburg and
Gum Spring road also informed Colonel Baker
that Gen. GOrman opposite Edwards Ferry,
should be reinforced and that l would make an
effort to push Germans troops carefully forward
TO discover the best line from the Ferry to the
Leesburg and Gum Spring road, already mention
ed and the position of the breastwo and hidden
batteries, which prevented the movement of troops
directly from the left TO the right were also point
ed out to him. The means Transportation across
of the suficiency of which he Baker was to be
Judge, was detailed, and authority given him to
make use of the guns of a section each of Vaug-
hans and Buntings batteries, together with
Frenchs mountain hOwtzers, all the troops of his
brigade and the Tammany regiment, besides the
29th and part OF the both regiments of Massachu-
setts volunteers and left it to his discretion after
viewing the ground, TO retire from the Virginia
shore under cover of his guns and the fire of his
large infantry force or TO pass reinforcements
in case he found it practicable and the position on
the other side favorable. stated that wished no
advance made unless the enemy were of interior
force and under no circumstances to pass beyond
Leesburg, or strong position between it and
Goose Greek, on the Gum spring road Colonel
Baker was cautioned in reference to passing artil
ery across the river, and begged, if he did to be
we'll supported by good infantry. THE General
pointed out to him the position of some bluffs on
this side of the river, from which artillery could
act with effect on the other, and leaving the mat
ter of crossing more troops, or retiring what were
already over, TO his discretion, gave him entire
control of operations on the right After Colonel
Deyens's second advance, Col. Baker went to the
field in person and it is a matter of regret to me
that he left no record of what officers ana men he
left charged with the care of the boats and nsur-
ing the regular passage of troops. If any were
charged with this duty, it was not performed. for
the reinoI cements as they arrived, found no one
in command of the boats, and great delay was
thus occasioned. Had one officer and company
remained at each landing, Harding the boats their
full capacity would have been made servicable,
and sufficient men would have been passed on to
secure success The forwarding of artillery before
its supporting force of infantry, also impeded the
rapid assembling of an imposing force on the Vir-
GINA shore. If the infantry force had first crossed
difference of 900 men would have been made in
the infantry line at the time of attack, probably
enough to have given us the victory
[SignedI CHAs. 2. STONE,
Brig. Gen. Commanding.