Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1861-06-14
"A Severe Fight.
.0 FoRr Monroe, juno 9th, Oh
VIA BALrIMoRR. juno 10.

s Gem Butler having learned that the
rebels were fortifying the Camp with
strong batteries at Great Bethel, nine miles
from Hampton on the Yorktown road,
deemed it necessary to dislodgc them, ac-
cordingly movements were made last night
Aom Fortress Monroe and Newport.
News about midnight chat Col, Dur
YEAS Zouaves and Col. Townsend's Albany
Regiment crossed the river at Hampton, by
means of six large batteaux, manned by
the Naval Brigade, and took up the line
of march, the former some two miles in
advance of the latter.
At the same time Col. Bendcr's Regi-
ment and a detachment of the Vermont
and Massachusetts, regulars at Newport
moved forward to form a junction with the
regulars from Fortress Monroe at Little
Bethel, about half way between Hampton
aud Great Bethel.
The Iouavcs passed Little Bethel about
4 A. N. Col. Bendix's regiment armed and
took up a position at the intersection of the
roads. Not understanding the signal the
German regiment, in the darkness Of the
night, fired upon Col. Townsend's column,
marching in close order and led by Lieut..
Buffers son and aid-de.camp Of Gen. But
Ter, with two pieces of artillery.
Other accounts say that Col. Townsend's
Regiment fired first. At all events the
fire of the Albany Regiment was harmless,
while that Of the Germans was fatal, kill
ing one man and wounding seriously two
others, with several other casualties. The
Albany Regiment being back of the Ger
mans discovered from the accoutrements
left on the field, that the supposed enemy,
was a friend. They had in the meantime.
nine rounds with small arms, and a field
piece. The Zouaves hearing the firing
turned and also fred upon the Albany Reg
iment.
At daybreak Col. Aliens and Col. Cur
It's regiments moved from the rear Of the
fortress to support the main body.
The mistake at Little Bethel having
been ascertained, the buildings were burned,
and a Major with two prominent secession.
lists taken prisoners.
The troops then advanced upon Great
Bethel, but our three small pieces of artil-
lery were unable to cope with the heavy
rifled cannon of the enemy. The rebel
battery was completely masked. No men
could be seen, only the flashes Of the guns.
There were probably less than 1000 men
behind the batteries of the rebels. A well
concerted movement might have secured
the position, but Brig. Gen. Pierce, who
commanded the expedition, appeared to
have lost his presence of mind, and the
Troy Regiment stood for an hour exposed
to a CALLING fire, when an order to retreat
was at last given.
Lieut.. CREDIBLE, of the U. S. Army, and
in command of the artillery was struck by
a cannon ball and instantly killed. lie
had spiked his gun and was calamity en-
deavoring to withdraw his command.
Capt. Geo. w. Wilson, of the Troy Reg
iment, after the order to retreat was given,
took possession of the gun and brought it
off the field, with the corpse of the Lieu
tenant. Both were brought to Fortress
Monroe this evening.
There are probably about twenty-five
killed and one hundred of the Federal
troops wounded. Lieut.. Butler deserves
the greatest credit for bringing off the
killed and wounded. Several of the
wounded are now in the hospital here.
Great indignation is manifested against
Brigadier Gen. Pierce.