The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-29
REPORT OF ACTING BRlGADlER GENERAL
KINKS

IIEApou ARrERs NINETEENTH REGIMENT, Mass yoIs,o
CAMP BENTON, Oct %, 1861.
To Brigader General LANpEk:--
SIe-Iearnng that column Of troops cross.
ing the Potomac the Dist inst. at point the
Harrsons Island in which the companies Of my
regiment stationed as pckets upon the river had been
ordered Join by General Baker FASTENED thiiher In
anticipation Of orders from General Stone
arrived there about half past one O'Clock P. NJ, and
found among the troops ut the point Of crossing great
fusion no competent officer seeming to have been left
charge Of the transportation and the progress made
embarkng very slow at took charge at this
point caused line to be stretched tho river, by
which to prope the boats, and forwarded troops in the
Parts Of California regiment not already crossed, the
Rhode Island and New York batteries the New York and
Tamnany regiments and the Nineteenth Massachusetts,
With the latter regiment proceeded 70 the island.
learned that General Baker had been killed. and found
everything in confusion, our column being entirely routed
and in precipate retreat, throwing away their arms,
deserving their killed and wounded and leaving large
number Of prisoners in the hands Of the enemy.
at took command arrested as far as possible the
progress of the rou restored ORDER and to check the
advance Of the enemy, who threatened TO occupy the
island sent the Nineteenth Massachusetts, regiment to
the and placed gun the Rhode Island battery
in position supported by the companies OF the MaSsachu
sets Twentieth, and much Of the Tammany regiment
upon the island and could BIO induced 10 remain,
which disposition being made and pickes extended upon
the Virginia side Of the island commenced active mea
for the gathering Of the wounded and the rescue OF
struggling parties of troops upon the Virginia shore,
by the construction Of RATS and the use Of small boats,
the boats used for crossing TO the Virginia shore having
swamped and lost in tho precptate and dsordcry
retreat No field officer on duty upon the island with
the exception Of MAJOR Bon of the New York Tamnany
regiment.
After the passage OF the Nineteenth Massachusetts, reg
ment no reniorcemens crossed to the island although
several regiments upon the towpath the Maya
side but returned 10 their camps during the night
considerable number OF nnarined ingtves, from va
rious regiments, were passed to the Maryland shore
during the night and the transportation OF the wounded
was continued until noon of the 22d.
on the morning OF the 22i despatched Lieutenant
Dodge Of the Nineteenth Massachusetts,, with flag Of
truce, TO request Of the rebel commander per-
mission wounded Of which numbers lay In
uncarcd for on the Virginia shore This request was
denied except III the Of a few apparently mortay
wounded The remainder taken prisoners. Per-
mission for my surgeon TO and treat the wounded
was also refused, except condition that he should
remain a prisoner In their hands Subsequently de-
spatched Captain Vaughn Of tie Rhode Island battery,
with another flag Of truce TO obtain permission 10 bury
the dead which acceded to- with the stipulation that
movement OF troops should be made from the Island