Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-07-04
Correspondence between Gen. Dutler and
Gen. flaxruder,

Sen.
We heard Of this correspondence some ten
days since, but did not see it till yesterday,
when we found it in the New Orleans Del
ia" appended to one of the excellent letters Of
our friend IS" written from this city. Tho
correspondence will be read with interest by
all. We publish it entire,
Bambastes Fur,oso Butler" says, IS
after recovering from the first effects OF the
lesson dn nis'errd 10 him by Col Mogruder,
is now citing bis talents to the task VI less
euing the magnitude Of his defeat, and OF e1
cusing the precipitancy with which his forces
rushed from the scene Of action, leaving their
dead to bs buried and their wounded to be
cared for by our vlcto:ious soldiers. Ga the
day after the baths he sent q flag OF truce to
Col. MagrudeT, proposing an exchange 81
prisoners, and requesting permission to bury
&is desd and remove h;s wounded. Consider
ing that be had but ono of our soldiers, "a vi
detts captured before the action the proposal
for the iUrmalitY Of = cartel was excessively
ridiculous. 1t will be observed, however, that
he offers to exchange citizens, held by him IT
custody, against Federal soldiers, captured il
battle. This is a peculiarly mean and con-
lemp,ib!e derice, ccncocted for the purpose oil
alIuring Col. Magruder into 4 recognition Of
tho legitimacy Of tho bal barous warfare which
this e1temporizet general is waging against the
peaceful population Of the country ne is inTa.
ding. Il was, of course, 1T snce detected and
properly exposed BY Col. Migruder. think
list every oke will admit that Cur gallant lead
rr g:ias 4 triumph as decided in his p=n-con.
~trorersy With tie Massachusetts hero, as biz
victory was brilliant with the sword. would
here state, en- p9s.ant. that Gen. Butler accom-
panied his forces to the vicinity Of the field Of
notion, though DO remained at q safe distance.
He says that be left them at Hampton, though
1t is now known that he followed on, in a car
riage, to q point within n uile and g half Of
Bethel. Ha evidently thinks it the first duty
Of a general to bring up the rear Of tho al
vance, and to occupy the advance of the retreat.
Gen. Pierce, too, another Massachusetts hero,
VINO commanded in the action, could not be
found at the close Of the fight
ssn. Butler to Col. Magrude5.
DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, June II, 1851.
T. the on :er Commanding the Forces At County Bridge
Sir :-Captain Davies and Lieutepart Pot
ter, Of the 9th Regiment New York Volun-
.eers, are about 10 proceed to the sssne Of the
late engagement near County Bridge for the
purpose tf bringing away any dead or wounded
That may nave been lett behind ! trust the
courtesies Of civilized warfare will be extended
10 these gentlemen, as | have 40 doub! tbny
will be. | hare QUO prisoners, taken with
rms in their hands, whom you might desire,
or be willing TO exchange for any persons that
IN ght have been 70 unfortunate as to have fal-
len into your hands. If you deem such a
course desirable, q flag Of trace, with a proper
cartel, might be arranged, through the bearer
Of this note, Capt DaViea
l have the honor to be, most respectfully,
your %. dieat servant,
BENZ. F. BUTLER,