New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-16
LETTER FROM A ZOUAVE.
CAMP HAMILTON, June ]

CAhP hAAILTOF, juno IL, IcOl.
DEAR BROTHER: We have had our first battle. We
engaged the enemy at 10 o'clock yesterday morning,
and fought for two hours and twenty minutes. Old
soldiers say it was the hardest battle fought in the
same length of time. Oar boys, and, in fact all the
men on our side, went in without nching, and stood
their ground nobly so long as they allowed to do
co. The Federal forces numbered twenty-five hundred
men, including the Vermont, Troy, New'York boys,
and the " red devils"
We cannot tell the number opposed to us, but
should think there 5000 or 10000 men, with ~
heavy guns some of which were Iiled beside several
shell guns They held the strongest position in the
country there being but road leading to II. In
order to reach them, we had TO march at night up
through an open field, which was entirely commanded
by their cannon and we succeeded in getting within
100 yards of their intrenchmeDts.
blazing fire from their guns was kept up eontin-
uay during progress, but fortunately did us but
little damage think they had twenty guns at least
in full play shooting forth blaze Of fire and shot
tnuousy. Their shot aimed at our heads passing
about four feet above the ground but we marched
full half mile In face Of them without losing man.
We were all perfectly cool and undaunted and every
time the fash Of their guns we all dropped flat
upon the ground That is all that saved US from fear
full loss of life.
We had three small guns commanded by Lieut.
Greble, and they were most skiniully handled. A
stream Of water which lay between US and the enemy
was all that prevented US from hand 10 hand fight
with bayonets. That was Just what we wanted and
would have had in fifteen minutes more If we had been
allowed to proceed. Our boys and few OF the YER
mont BOYS made q charge on the battery, and when
witbiB few rods of them the enemy left their gnns
and commenced to run. The guns were almost within
our grasp when we came upon the stream winch We
could not cross, and were obliged to fall back.
The rebels then returned u their guns, ana again
opened fire upon 49, After this we prepared to charge
upon the big battery at the bridge, commanding the
road when Gen. Pierce sent his Aid to u.s. ana ordered
us OH the field say log that we had more than done our
duty and must return to camp. lie beng the otlcer
in Command we were forced TO obey, although there
was much grumbliog at the order. On our retreat
which was made in perfect ORDER we met some heavy
guns and reGnorcements OF men, sent nom the tort TO
relief. -
Our intention was TO return TO the attack the fol-
lowing morning. if Gen. Butler would let us, and car
nv the battery at all hazards and could have done
il easily with the additional guns sent On our re-
treat we CAPTURED two Of the enemy, captain and
n,iyate both well armed and the first mounted on a
good horse. We have them now IN camp hvng on
pork and aoasses. The Captain says there were ten
thousand men at the batteries but moet Oh our 1olAs
think he exaggerated.
we had a bard time Of it indeed, marching all day
aud all night, except while we were lighting, with
nothing 10 eat. We are getting rested now: and VIII
be all right in the morning. Our loss 1--we Killed and
seventeen wounded. How many Of the enemy were
killed il is impossible TO state but think it will count
up at least fifty, and perhaps twice that number.
saw she'll 70 through their ranks, sweeping down
full squad of men.
The enemy use rifles and climb trees to fire at us;
that's iust where like TO find them for you know
have had considerable experience in shooting squirrels
wish had time to give you full account OF our DO
inqe but have not. My friend who stood alongside
OF me was shot through the body he was considered
dangerously wounded but is better to-day, and we
hore he will yet recover. Give my love toalth folKs
and write to me often. Good bye and God bess you.
Yours, HENRY