The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-06-21
NEW SERIES-NO. 1874
The Battle of Great Bethel-.G Gener 1
Buffers Official Report.


the official report of General BUTLER,
relating to the skirmish at Great Bethel,
has been published. 1t is dated June 10.
1t does not vary from the accounts hereto,
fore published. He states that the men be-
haved with great steadiness under fire, and
that our loss amounts to 40 or so, "one-
fourth of which was from the unfortunate
mistake, to call it by no worse name, of
Colonel BENDIx," in firing upon our own
soldiers. General BUTLER, in conclusion,
says:
I think, in the unfortunate combination of
circumstances, and the result which We expert
ced,we have gained more than we have lost
Our troops have learned to have confidence in
themselves under fire, the enemy have shown
that they will not meet us in the open field. and
our officers have learned wherein their Organj-
tion and drill are inefficient.
We find in the New York Times Wash
ington dispatches, the following additional
particulars of the affair:
There were three batteries opened on our
troops from the right, left, and centre of
the road to Yorktown. In all there were
about thirty cannon served, many of them
being rife pieces. Our forces had only
light battery of three field peices, six pound
ers, at frst-and fourth, which came up
during the conflict.
The fight at the batteries commenced at
eleven o'clock in the forenoon of Monday,
and lasted incessantly till about two o'clock
The New York Zouaves, Col. Hawkins, fell
aside from the road, and got in range
across one of the batteries, doing good exe~
cution for more than half an hour, but they
got out of ammunition and were ordered to
fall back with the retreat.
On the water side it was impossible to
approach the battery. After the first VOL
leys were fired upon the central battery,
the column opened right and left, and en-
tered the woods, with view to turning the
flank of the enemy, while the field pieces,
served by the Massachusetts boys, held
their position in the centre for time. The
odds were too great, however, and the re-
treat was finally made good, only one of the
field pieces being saved.
Orders were given by Gen. Butler at the
outset that the different detachments should
distinguish themselves by wearing white
badge on the arm. This was done, and it is
inexplicable that Col. Bendix, of the New
York German regiment, should have fred
upon his own friends, when be came in sight
of them, inasmuch as they might have been
known by their badges.
The conduct of Brigadier General Pierce
is again severely commented on. He re.
tired to the rear, confused and unable to
give any orders that his men could compre-
hend. He cried, Boston, charge!' but
none could hear him, at any distance, and
one man cried out, "Charge, be id
How are you going to charge that inferual
fire." The boys stood their ground as long
as it was of any use.
FORT MONROE June l3.
1t is confirmed that the rebels have retir.
ed from Great Bethel, so far as their main
body is concerned, but the place is still held
by them and can be occupied by large
body on very short notice.
Capt I'll. s. Davis, son of Judge Davis.
Lieut.. Chas. HI. Seamen and DR.. Martin,
OF Col. Duryee's yesterday entered the
enemy's line with flag of truce, and went
to within half mile of Yorktown. Thev
saw formidable battery at Bethel, but
were not allowed to examine the works, and
from there to Yorktown were conducted by
bride paths, escorted by sergeant and four
soldiers, who met them at New Market
Bridge three miles from Hampton, to which
point the secession pickets extend. They
were courteously treated by Col j. B. Ma
gruder, who commanded at Bethel. There
was large encampment OF cavalry at
Yorktown, and the place was being strongly
fortified.
There were also batteries between Great
Bethel and Yorktown.
The secessionists report one killed and
five wounded at the engagement at Great
Bethel, and express the wish that Gen.
Pierce may be retained in command.
Major Winthrop was shot dead by
Louisiana ri6eman while leading heavy
charge. He was buried by the rebels, and
his heroism greatly praised. Two Zouazes
died prisdSers.
The rebels say they have other prisoners,
whom they were willing to exchange.