Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-11-01
THE EDWARDS FERRY BATTLE.
Further Details of the iffair.
WASHINGTON, Thursday, Oct. q.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE ED.
WARDS FERRY AFFAIR.

WARDS FERRY AFFAIR.
Capt. W. G.. Young, who was with Col.
Baker when be fell, was in the f1neral process
sion to-day, with the men of Capt Bleral's
Company, who helped to carry Col Bakers
body from the field. All are New Yorkers,
as is their brave Captain, who shot the rebel
who killed Col. Baker. Capt Young states
that the field and staff officers, assisted By
privates from the California Regiment, worked
artillery. All the guuners fell early in the
engagement.
An impression is being created that Col.
Baker exceeded his instructions, and did not
retreat, rs ordered, when be found the enemy
in overwhelming strength. Capt. Young says
there was DO possible retreat, save BY swim,
ming the Potomac, The ouly aatboat by
which they got over was sunk. The disaster
isSattributable to tie want of transportation
The order given By Gen. Stone to Col. Baker
was picked up with his hat, out of which it
had fallen, coEerad with blood and brains. II
is 10 toe city.
The following account of tie battle, its be>
ginning and its consequence, is derived from
Col gobQru, Gen. McClenans Aid, who ac-
compsaied him TO Edward's Ferry, aud re,
turned with him tonight.
On Saturday afternoon, Captain and Is
men of Col. Deveus's 18th Massachusetts
Regiment were ordered by Gen Stone tocross
the river at Harrison S Island, follow bridele
path which had been discovered, 10 tho vicinity
of l4eesburg, aud report what was seen. The
Captain thought 10 saw 30 Rebel tents, and
| brought back word TO that effect. Acting up,
on the report, Gen. Stone sent five companies
of Col. Deven's Regiment, supported By five
companies of Col. Lees Massachusetts 20tb,
to capture the supposed Rebel camp. On ar.
irving at the spot, they found no tents and saw
no enemy. They fell back short distance,
/ took position, and sent word back.
| Gen. Stone, having information that the
rebel Gon. Evans had 5000 men near Lees.
| burg, and that he bad sent bis baggage over
! Goose Creek TO the South, that be might not
be impeded in retiring to Manassas if attacked
By "a superior force, and perceiying that tie
coast was clear, concluded to attempt the cap
| tuTe of Evans whole force. Col Baker took
command Gen. Stone gave him 1900 men.
being Col. Bakers own brigade AMI the Tam
many Regiment, With cavalry aud as much
/ artillery the enemy had, and the residue of
the l5ih aud 10th Massachusetts,, being the
| best regiments be had. Now begios the cons
| fliet Of statements According to Col. Col
burn, Col. Bakers orders we're TO cross at
Harrison's Island; not to 60 beyond the island,
unless his means of Transportation were ample;
not to move from the Virginia bank of the
river until the whole force was over; when he
advanced, TO bo careful in sending out scouts
and skrmishers; 10 protecting his Aanks and
| guarding his rear; and on no account TO make
a demonstration unless so posted as TO feel
sure of success.
! Col. Baker, however, according to Col. Col
| burns statement, moved forward before more
| than 700 or 500 had crossed. With that nnm.
ber, leaving DO guard at the river, aud keep
| ing up no communication with il, so that three
companies which subsequently crossed, were
unable TO join him. After no had been Joined
by the nine Massachusetts companies, under
command of Col Devens, he, with about |, !,
! 800 men, was attacked by Gen. Evanss whole
force, with the exception of his battery, which
remained on bill opposite Edwards = cry,
being threatened by Gen. Stone, who made
feint OF crossing in order TO keep il there.
During the fight, our men, altbough out
numbered three TO one, fought with the utmost
bravery throughout, as bravely after the fall
! of officers as before, and to the last Of their
ammunition. Gradually retreatlng to the riy-
er, they were there ordered By their officers to
throw their guns into the water, to save them
from the enemy, aud all that could to swim
for the Island The boats were not to be
found They had been swamped in carrying
over the wounded, how many of whom were
drowned is not known, as swimmers were
shot il TIE water.
Gen Mcclellan is delighted With The beha-
vior Of the troops thtoughout, aud is in excel,
lent heart at knowing that such men are in his
command lie found neither those tha. we're
IN nor those that were cut Of the engagement