New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-24
THE FIGHT AT LEEsBURG, VA.

THE FIGHT AT LEESBURG, VA.
Poo1xsvIILH. Tuesday Oct. %, 1861.
The following report Of the battle Of Balls Bluff,
midway between Conrads and Edwards Ferry,
and opposite Harrisons Island, which occurred yes
terday, has been cleaned from authentic sources:
On Sunday nigt, Col. Devens of the 18th Ma,sa-
chusetts. who had for some time guarded Harrisons
Island with one company, ordered Capt. Philbriek Of
Company Ii and Qusrtermaster Howe of his staff,
with a detachment of 20 men to scout the Virginia
shore in the direction of Leesburg. They crossed
from the Island to the shore and executed the order
by approaching within three-fourths Of a mile OF
Leesburg returning to their startngpoint about 10
o'clock at night, discovering, az they supposed a
small camp one mile or more from Leesburg.
On reporting 70 Col. Deyens, the latter with about
800 men pushed forward, by direction Of Gen. Stone,
in the same locality with orders TO destroy the camp
at day break and return; and Col. Devens remaining
with his command concealed, sent back word that no
enemy was 10 sight; Capt. Philbricks company TAX
ING an advanced position, while the remaining com
panies were concealed reserve in case of IN at
tack ON the advance. When about mile and bali
from she river and 800 yards in advance OF Col De
yenss reserve, Capt. Phbriek, accompanied by Col.
Deyens in person, attacked and drove back a COM
pany Of Mississippi remtn, and then fell back TO the
reserve concealed in the rear the Appearance Of
body Of rebel cavalry. In the skirnish Capt. Phil
brick had difficulty in getting near enough TO tie en-
emy for his smooth-borc guns TO have much effect,
whereas the other used long-range rifles on our
forces.
At daybreak, and at the same hour that Col.
Deyens's command left the shore TO mako the
Il. NJ.
over one company Of bis regiment, which remained
on the shore to cover the return of Col. Devens.
! Col. Devens maintained bis ground, and was re-
enforced during the morning by 300 more OF bis
regiment. under Lieut.. Col. Ward. About o'clock
/ he was attacked by considerable body Of rilemen,
who attemIted to outaank him. Fearing they might
be successful and after resisting them for some time,
Col. Deyens slowly retreated in perfect order, to
the river. where Col. Baker had arrived with bat
taIlion of the California Regiment, commanded by
| Lieut.. Col. Nisbar.
/ He then took command, first compimenting Col.
Deyens for his successful resistance 20 a superior
/ force, and giving bis command now less than six
hundred men, the right Of the line OF battle, tie
center and left wing being formed Of ahb0t three
hundred of the Massachusetts 2Jth, under Col Lee,
and the California battalion about five hundred in
number. under Lieut. Col. Wistar. Two mountain
bowitzers, commanded by Lieut.. French and one
niece of the New-York battery, commanded by
Lieut.. Bramhal were in front OF the center just
previous TO the commencement OF the action.
The attack was commenced by tbs enemy on our
right. but was soon directed more heavily to the
center and left.
For about two hours the battle ragged terTiicsly,
complete shower of leaden hail pouring upon us.
Three several times the left of the line made an ad-
vance, but were compelled TO return as often. The
right was better protected, and held their position.
An order came from Col. Baker TO throw two
coupanies Of the 18th Massachusetts, to the center,
which was Immediately executed. This produced
the impression that the battle was going against us,
but caused no confusion or dsmay. The left was
herd pressed, but remained firm. About this time
the news spread that Baker killed While in the
net of pushing cannon forward, with his shoulder
TO the wheel, he was pierced by six balls.
lie was evidently the object of the enemys sharp
shooters. After this there was cessation oil lire
for few moments, during which Col Cogswell OF
the Tammany Regiment arrived with two oompa-
MES. and he being the senior officer, the command
devolved ON him. In short time it became evident
/ 10 Col. CogBweH uat the uhy WINS ioe'i ''AN -
thought it best to cut his lway through to Edwards
Ferry, where Gen. German was in charge, throwing
over reenforcements by direction of Gen. Stone VINO
was in sight OF the battlefield at Edwards ferry'
directing the general movements.
An order was now issued to transfer the 10Th Mae
sachusetts from the right to the left, which was eA
eeuted as calmly as a battalion drill
4 Col Cogswel soon became satisfied OF the impossl-
/ bl,y Of reaching Edwards's Ferry as desired, ana
paye an order toward the river, which w's execn'eo
"a uell IA the circumstances would permit. They
rcscbed the river bank about 20 minutes before night
fall.
Here the 18th deployed as skirmshers along Tue
shore. The only means Of conveyance to the is''ho
yros a arpe boat, capable of carrying about 10 per-
,oua. which was overcrowded and swamPed. Inc
troops remaining on the shore made desperate re-
.arcc and il ia believed that the enemy took com
Parstysly few prisoners u Consequence