Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-12-29
Fighting on The Peninsula

From The tiehmoRd Enquirer, Eco ..
We have intelligence of sharp skiTmish in the
neighbOThoOd If Bethel. Ga the day before yester-
day 6 detachment consisting of three companies
of the eighth Alabama Regiment, commanded ,by
Col. Winston, Captain Sinclsir's company, Of the
Thirty Second Virginia Regiment, and some Viz
gnis cavalry, consisting principally Of the New
Kent Troop, was sent on a accommodating expedi.
ton. The cavalry, who were 10 advance, fell into
on ambCscade of the enemy the first notice OF their
presence being their fire, which killed three horses
of the company, but fortunately didnO other dam
age. A charge was Immediately made BY the inS
fantry, who drove the enemy from their ambush
across New Market bridge to the other side Of Back
river. Six Of tie enemy we're left dead on the field
and one taken prisoner, who WA hailed and com
PEELED to drop his arms and wade across the river
to his csptors. Il was not known under whose
command the Yankees we're. The force is said 10
have exceeded our own. Our loss was one man
killed (an AiaoamisH) whose name We were not
able to learn.
The general sdvices from the Peninsula are res
ported to be of very satisfactory character. Gen.
Magruders force is said TO be in the most admiras
Bile condition. All the forces in advance are in
perfect marching trim; and preparations have been
taken to meet the enemy 81 any point he may ad-
vance on land, means having been secured to notify
any movement of the enemy, even if the telegraph
line in use should be broken.
We have received copy of the following special
order issued By General Aagru1er u his comz
mand:
HEADqUARTERs AEaiT OF The PENINSULA,
AssIsTANT AnICTANT GsEERAL's OFFICE,
Yorktown, Dec. l9, 1861. J
SPECIAL OGDsRs, No. 555.
EXTRACT.
II. The Commanding General has the honor to
announce to the garrison OF Yorktown that after a
minute and most rigid examination Of the defensive
works at this post, he has entire confidence in their
ability, when defended by the gallant soldiers Of
Oyrs faSa fn mo- nj
lacks Of the enemy, with any number of ships
The enemy cannot succeed in getting possession of
orr works under any circumstances whatever.
The Commanding General therefore cOngratulstes
the troops on the prospect which the expected sail
ing of the enemy's fleet from AnnSpOls affords
them Of Tepulsing an insoent foe whose obi Get is
to invade cur land ard destroy our homes.
There is much more apparent than real danger
from attack by ships, and the gallant manner in
which the attempt on Pensacola was defeated BY
our comrades there, IS well ss the state Of the
works here, justifes the conf lent expectation of
the Commanding General Of result still more
glorious to our arms. Should this fleet turn its
guns against another point, our brother soldiers
else where will esteem themselves fortunate ia ha7
ing the opportunity to drive them frOna the waters
At the signal which has been fixed upon by Gen
Rains, the commanding officer of the garrison, the
men will repair promptly TO their several posts.
The batteries will be kept in a constant state of
preparation, shot will be ready heated in the furS
nRces and thOse entrusted VITA the important duty
of sscertainiDg the approach Of an enemy and Civ
ing the alarm, will exercise the most vigilance to
insure its successful performance. Ii Is recon-
mended to the commanding officer Of tie post to
cause the men to retire at early hour for few
nights Rt least and to be stationed at their posts one
hour before daylight This arrangement is sug~
gested to avoid as much possible, fsgiguipg the
garrison.
The commanding General will station himself in
The midst of Lis troops, and having the greatest
confidence in their 2suaGtry. again cOngratulates /
hem in their approaching triumph.
By ccm-'s Nj Gen. Hagrader
i DRYAg Asst Adi't Gen /