The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-12
Renewal of the Battle by
General Butler.
The Rebel Batteries Captured and
One Thousand Prisoners Taken.
&C., &C., &e.
ACCOUNTS BY THE WAY OF BALTIMORE.
FORTRESS MONROE, Va ,

FORTRESS MONROE, Va 1
VIA BALTIMORE, June TO- 1851. J
About twelve o'clock st Sunday night quite large
force left camp under command OF Bfigadier General
PIERCE with the design Of breaking up marauding exps
dtons part of the enemy for the purpose OF run
ming off the negroes and white to work their bat
teries The forces were transported safely lamp
ton creek in barges manned by the Naval Brigade under
the supervision of Lieut. Crosby Of the frigate Cumber
land The force proceeded about three miles beyond
the creek when they were fired upon by the New York
Seventh regiment, who had marched down from Newport
News for the purpose Of joining in the expedition
The Seventh established in copse Of wood at an
angle Of road and their fire quite destructive.
Sergeant Carey Of Company A, Colonel Townsends reg
ment, was killed. Lieutenant Stone, Of the same reg
ment sergeant and nine privates were wounded some
seriously The fire WAS returned, and the Seventh fred
one charge of grape from howitzer which passed
the heads of the troops Of the Third, doing no HARM
The precise state Of matters then mutually
taned and the forces uniting proceeded towards Little
Bethel church, five miles from Hampton. There they
came upon the advanced guard Of the enemy, defeated
them and drove them back taking thirty prisoners in
Guiding one lieutenant.
Advancing towards Big Bethel, in York county, they
came upon the enemy in FORCE and sharp engagement
ensued in which the artillery played important part
On both Sides
General Pierce orders to hold Great Bethel and
II thought they viii return, after destroying the
position.
General Butler was busy keeping open communication
with the post
The conduct Of the men has been most admirable under
compliment for their efficient conduct In working the
boats they OF the greatest service throughout
night and day
rosTscRIPr.
The contest Great Bethel was more severe than was
at first apprehended The enemy 80 strongly in
trenched in and protected by batteries that after
than two hours and half lighting, ammuni-
tior giving out, obliged to fall back, which
did In perfect order.
The Details near as can be certained In the confu-
sion are as follows
Breadier General Pierce, with the First Second and
4, Third New York, from this post joined with detach-
mepts from Newport News from the Fourth Aassachu.
sets First Vermont and Seventh and Ninth New York
with two light field pieces under Lieut. Grebe, and a
squad regulars marched against the enemy numbering
four thousand men, and soon came on their position, pro-
tected by five six heavy ttteries, mounted with Six
and twelve pound howitzers and heavy rifed
The engagement Immediately became warm, the guns
under Lieutenant Grebe returning the intensely hot fire
from the enemy's battery.
After some time General Pierce gave the order to
Cnafge on Tue paery and Colonel burgess Zouaves gal
lanty marched in quick time under scorchng fire up
to near the rampats of the battery where broad ditch
INTERVIEWED that could not be passed. and the gallant
lads fell back.
Colonel Townsends regiment also went nearly TO the
battery but, meeting the obstruction were also
compelled to retire.
After over two hours hot contest the ammunition FIR
the field pieces and the muskes gave OUT and the order
given to retire, which effected In perfect order
and safety.
We lament the loss Of Lieutenant Grsbe of the United
States artillery of the most brave, gallant and Chi
various officers In the service who died bravey at his
gun from cannon shot which struck him In the fore
bead, killing him instantly.