New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-12
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.


camp under command of Brigader-General Pierce,
with the design of breaking up marauding expeditions
on the part of the enemy for the purpose of running Off
the negroes and white men TO work on their batteries
The forces were transported safely over Hampton
Creek in barges manned by the Naval Brigade, under
supervision of Lieut. Crosby OF the fgate Cumberland
The force had proceeded about three miles beyond the
creek when they were fred upon by the New-York
Seventh Regiment, who had marched down from New
port News for the purpose of joining in the expedition
The Seventh was established in copse OF wood, at
an angle Of road and their fire was quite destructive
Sergeant Carey, of Company A, Colonel Townsends
Regiment was killed. Lieutenant Stone, the same
regiment Sergeant, and nine prvates were wounded
some seriously. The fire wasretuned, and the Seventh
fred one charge Of grape from howitzer which
passed over the heads Of the troops OF the Third doing
no harm.
The precise state Of matters was then mutually
ascertaned and the forces uniting proceeded toward
Little Bethel Church, five miles from Hampton. There
they came upon the advanced guard of the enemy, de-
feated them and drove them back taking 80 prisoners,
including one lieutenant.
Advancing toward Big Bethel, in York County. they
came upon the enemy in force, and sharp engage
ment ensued in which tue artillery played an import
ant part on both sides.
As far as have heard the object of the expedition
has been accomplished and before this forces which
have been heavily Reinforced in possession Of Big
Bethel, nine miles from Hampton. The enemy have
been erecting strong Notifications at that point but had
not completed them.
No details have reached us Of the action, and must
await them before | can give further details.
Gen. Pierce has no orders to hold Great Bethel and
it is thought they will return after destroying the
position.
Gen. Butler was busy keeping open communication
with the post.
The conduct of the men has been most admirable
under the hottest fire. The Naval Brigade received
the highest compliment for their efficient conduct In
working the boats they of the greatest service
throughout the night and day.
LATER.
Tie contest at Great Bethel was more severe than
was at first apprehended. The enemy were so strongly
nrenched in aud protected by batteries that after more
than two hours and half severe fighting, our ammu-
milton giving out we were obliged to fall back which
we did in perfect ORDER
The details as near as can be in the confusion ascer-
tanned, are as follows:
Brgadier.Ge Pierce, with the LIST, ID, and Sd
from Newport News from the 4th Massachusetts, lst
Vermont, and 9TH and 9th New.York, with two light
fed-pieces under Lieut.. Greble and squad Of regu-
lars drove into the enemy numbering 1900 men, and
soon came on their position protected by the FIRE of six
heavy batteries mounted with and l2-pound howit-
zers and heavy rifed TIE engagement hnmc-
diatey became warm, the guns under Lieut. Greble
returning the intensely hot fire from the enemys bat
terry.
After some time Gen. Pierce gave the order 10 charge
on the battery, and Col. Duryees Zouaves CALAMITY
marched in quick tine under scorchng fire up to near
the ramparts of the battery, when broad ditch
interviewed which could not be passed and the gallant
lads fell back.
Col. Townsends regiment also went nearly TO the
battery but meeting the same obstruction also
compelled to retire.
After over two hours hot contest the ammunition for
the feldpeces and the muskets gave out and the order
was given TO retire. which was effected in perfect order
and safety.
Want of time prevents any details. We lament the
lose of Lieut. Grebie of the United States Artillery
one of the most brave gallant and chivalrous officers
in the seryice-who died bravely at his gun from
cannon shot, which struck him in the forehead killing
him instantly.
Our loss in killed and wounded il about 10. Among
the latter mention:
Captain fitzpatrick, Of the Zouaves, was shot in the
leg.
Lieut.. Dumont, Company y, of the same regiment,
had bayonet wound in the leg moi serious, and others
slightly wounded.
shall forward list at the earliest possible moment.
The enemy's loss was heavy. Every one on our side
behaved most bravely and did their duty.