The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-06-25
Battle OF Bethel Church
OFFICIAL REPORT.


Hox; J. ". ELLIS Gore-nor Of North Carolina
Sir: have the homer report tina. in obedience TO
orders from the Colonel commanding marched on the
9Th inst with my regiment and four pieces OF Maj RAN
dolphs battery from Yorktown, the Hampton Road,
to Bethel Church, miles from Hampton.
We reached there after dark, a wet night, and
slept without tents. Early the morning OF the 7th
made reconnaissance Of the ground preparatory TO
certifying found branch of Back River in front and
encrclng right flank. On our left was dense and
amos: impossible wood except about $50 yards Of old
field. The breadth of the road a thick wood and
narrow cultivated field, covered rear The nature
of the ground determined to make enclosed work,
and bad the Invaluable aid of 1t Col Lee of my regi
ment, in its plan and construction Our position had
the inherent defect of being commanded by an tS2sss
field Immediately in front of it, upon which the masses
of the enemy might become readily deploycd Presum
ing an attempt would be made TO carry the bridge
across the stream battery made for its especial
protection and Maj Randolph placed his guns so to
sweep all approaches to il. The occupation OF two
commanding eminences beyond the creek and on
right, would have greatly strengthened our position,
but force weak TO admit of the occupation
of more than one of them battery was laid out on
it for of Randoph's Howtzers. We had only IS
spades, and picks but these busiy piled
all day and night of The 7th, and a.i day the 9Th.
On the afternoon of the 9th learned that marandng
party of the enemy was in few miles of u.s. called
for party of "a drive them back. Lieut. Ro-
bers of company of my regiment promptly respond
ed, and in five minutes his command was route.
detached Maj Randolph with howzer to join him,
and 1t Col Lee LIST regiment Volunteers. requested
and granted permission to take command of the
whole. After a march of five miles they
the marauders busy the spells of q plundered
house. shell put the plunderers flight. and
they were chased over New Market Bridge where
little force halted in consequence of the presence
of considerable body stationed the other side. 1t
Col Lee brought in prisoner. How many Of the
enemy were killed aud wounded is not known None
of our command hurt. Soon after 1t Col Lee left,
citizen Gashng in with the information that IS
marauders the Back River road ! called for
Capt McDowell's company of the let regiment c
Volunteers and in three minutes it il hot pursuit.
Lieut. West of the howitZer battalion, with piece
was detached to join them, and Maj Lane, of my reg
ment, volunteered to assume command of the whole.
After weary march, they encountered, dispersed and
chased the wretches New Market bridgc-this be-
ing the second race the day the New Mar
ket in both of which the Yankees reached the
goal FIRST. Maj Lane brought in prisoner. Reliable
citizens reported that cart loads and buggy
load of wounded were brought into Hampton. We had
not single man killed wounded. Col Magruder
came up that evening and assumed command.
On Sunday the 9th, fresh supply of tools enabled
US to put more men to work and when engaged in
religious duties the men worked vigorously the en-
trenchments We were aroused at 3 O'Clock Monday
morning for general advance upon the enemy. and
marched 81 miles, when learned that the foe in large
force within few hundred yards of US. We fell
back hastily upon our entertainments and awaited the
arrival of our invaders 1t Col Stewart of the Sd Va
Regiment having joined rs with $50 men, was
stationed the hill the extreme right beyond the
creek, and company of my regiment also thrown
the stream protect the HowitZer under Captain
Brown. Capt Bridgers Of company LIST regiment
took post in the dense wood beyond and to the left of
the bridge. Major Montague. with three companies of
his battalion, ordered up from the and took
post the right beginning at the church and extend
ing along the entire front that side This fine body
Of men, and the gallant command of 1t Col Stewart
worked with great rapidy, and in an hour had con-
structed temporary shelters against the enemys FIRE
Just at o'clock N, the heavy columns Of the enemy
were approaching rapidly and in good Order but
when Randolph opened upon them Of their organiza
ton pletely broken up. The enemy promptly
replied with his Artillery firing briskly and wildly
do Al
road. under cover of some houses and psling They
were however, promptly driven back by Artillery
Virginia company (the Life Guard), and companies
B, G and G Of my regiment. The enemy made de-
poyment within musket range during the day except
under cover of woods, fences palng. Under cover
of the trees he moved strong column to old ford
some of a mile below where had placed picket OF
some 40 men.
Col Magruder sent Capt. Worth's company of Mon
tagues command, with one howzer under Sergeant
Crane, drive back this column, which done by
single shot from the howitzer Before this, printing
wire had been broken in the vent of the howizer
manded by Capt Brown and rendered it useless. A |
force estimated 500 attempting to outfank
and get in the of Lieut. Col Stewards small |
command. He accordingly directed to fall back |
and the whole of our advanced troops withdrawn.
At this critical movement directed Lieut.. Col Lee 10
call Capt. Brdgcrs of the swamp and order him
occupy the nearest advanced work. aud ordered Capt
Ross, Company G. LIST Regiment n, &. Volunteers, to
the support Of Lieut. Col Stewart These Captains
with their companies, crossed to Randolphs bat
terry under heavy fire, in the most gallant man
her. AS Lieut.. Col. Stewart had withdrawn, Capt. |
Ross detained a. the church Randolph's bat
terry. Capt Bridgers however crossed and drove
the Zouaves of the advanced howtzer battery and
occupied it, 1t is impossible to overestimate this
service. 1t decided the action in favor. In obed
orders from Col Magruder, Lieut. Col. Stewart
rushed back, and spite of the presence of foe ten
times his superior in numbers, resumed in the most
heroic manner possession of his e:trenchments. A |
fresh howtzer carried and plat ed in the
battery and Capt Avery of Company directed to
defend it all hazards. We secure at
the beginning of the fight, and yet had man |
killed The enemy finding himself fOeC on right |
flank made his final cmonstration our left. |
strong column supposed to consis; of volunteers from
different regiments and under command of Capt. VIM
throp, aid-de-camp to Gen Butler, crossed the
creek and appeared at the angle our left Those in
advance had put distinctive badge of white |
band around the cap, and they cried out repeatedly
" don't fire" This was practsed to enable the |
whole column to get the creek and form in good
order. They began to cheer most Justify, thinking
that work open at the gorge and that they |
could get in by sudden rush. Companies and O, |
however, dispclled the illusion By cool, deo- |
crate and we'll directed fire. Col. Magruder sent over
portions Of G. and companies Of my regiment to
support. And now began cool firing our side as |
was witnessed. The three field officers tf the |
regiment present, and but few shots were hred
without their permission, the repeatedly saying
% may FIRE, think can bring him." They were all
in high gee and seemed TO enjoy it much as boys do
RABBIT shooting. Capt Winthrop, while most calamity |
urging his shot through the heart, when all
rushed back with tie utmost precipitation. So far
my observation extended, he the only one of the
enemy whs exhibited even approximation courage
during the whole day The fight at the angle lasted
bu, twenty minutes it completely discouraged the
euemy and he made further assault. The house in