The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-11-11
The Tammany Regiment at Bal's Blur.
TO THE EDITOR or THE HERALD.

CAMP LYON NEAR Poor EsvuIE, Nd, Nov. 2, 1861.
There in neither pleasure nor profit in a newspaper
controversy concerning official acts but when ones cha
racter is ruthlessIy assaed, it is duty he to him
self his friends and to posthumous reputation TO mako
explicit rofuaton through the channel In which
the assault makes its first appearance Conscious Of the
entire asy Of the too apparent nuendoes ard direct
sauit upon the Tammany regiment contained in what
purports be tho official report of Colonel Kinks Of the
Massachusetts Nineteenth regiment in relation to the
battle OF Balls Bluff self respect our regard for the
good opinion Of the friends who have generously
hded u.s. and sensitive regard for the fair repate Of
the brave and true men undor our respective
commands, alike demand an early denial Of the
base caiumnies contained therein. Justice and the
truth of history demand that some of the
moro garing m'sstatemsnts should bc specifically
referred to- though 1t is difficult TO partcuarize where
misstatements gene ally prevail The facts ia reia
ton TO the occupation OF Harrisons Island are briefly
those
Early Monday forenoon the 2lst ult, Major Bowe
relieved the companies Of the Tammsny regiment then
picket (eight in number}, and marched tham
double quick to Conrads Ferry Tho two remaining COM
panes were hurried to tho same destination under
mand OF Captain Hogg. On arriving opposite Hsrrson's
Island, about two miles below the fesfy, Major Bowe
sued by ORDERS the superniendence Of tho transpora
ton Of troops from the Maryland shore to the island
This arduous task rendered douby by the inadequate
means furnished, was performed entirely by members
vision Of Major Bowe and Lieutenant Abbott,
Colonel Kinks neither advising, directing assisting
the perplexing and annoying labor. This duty per
formed faithfully until learned that the day bad gone
against US and tho beat running from the island TO the
Virginia shore had been swamped Then VIC learned that
Colonel Kinks, Of tho lssach setts Nineteenth had
rived and had assumed command OF the troops the
island, when search was Immediately instituted for him,
for the purpose Of devising some FOR the
back from the Virginia shore OF the wounded
furnishing and discomltted comrades in arms
who were piteously appealing to us for
The search unsuccessful for two hours
On applying to him. however, to know what should BIO
done in the premises, the application was met with a
curt unfeeng and superclious response from the liz
of Col. n. who manifested interest In the matter
Thus thrown upon resources, the companies
OF the Tammany regiment then the island were
placed in the inrenc ments, where they remained all
night during chilling storm. until the forenoon Of the
next day, when, deeming 1t unsafe to leave exposed
the shores Of the Potomac for three four miles be-
prudential measure ordered the Tammany companies
hitherto picket their former pests Then and not
until then, Col HnkA regiment called upon TO do
particle Of duty either in guarding the island taking
care OF the wounded The men Of the Tammany regi-
nsent anfested throughout tho steadast devoted
meas did any number Of them Col. Kinks plainly
intimates, evince the remooet disncnaon to do duty
on the Island, though almost furnishing for want OF
nourshment and chilled to the bono by the inclemont
blasts OF wind and rain
With tho Massachusetts, Fifteenth and Twentieth Cali
forns Second and the Rhode Island Third battery who
fought side by side with tho Tammany In the fierce
sansuinary conflict which resaed disastrousiy, we
are willing to leave reputation, confident that
VIII receive from these brave oompatrots tho highest
need Of praise.