New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-16

these forces which, o moment before had been con-
tending apparent foes narched TO reen-
force COL Duryee, who had by this time got largely In
advance Of the other regiments. But before reaching
the point where the skrmishers who had been sent
ahead informed the commanding officer the enemy were
fortified, Col Duryee came TO halt and waited ior
re6nforcements to come up. When within about loV
rods of the Rebels battery, the
ordered Col. Townsend and Col. Duryee TO form IN
line of battle, one regiment either side OF the mann
road. Col. Townsend formed on the lett, and ooth
regiments there remained, anxiously awaiting ngbling
orders. Soon orders were given to Col Duryee 10
march by the flank out into the road up toward ,he
enemy's battery. As they approached heavy volley
of rifle and cannon shot was poured Ia upon them, ou
without very disastrous effect whereupon they Turned
TO the right, and marched oil into dense wood, when
the firing ceased. Then came the command for Col
Townsend 10 advance which he did in line Of battle.
After coming to narrow lane, about thirty rods
from the fertilization Of the enemy, he halted his COM
maDd and detailed two companies on the right wing 70
skirmish among the bushes. This task they bravery
undertook but when about the middle OF the held
which interviewed between the regiment and the enemy
they fred upon by rapid succession OF cannon
and sma shot, which, il it had been skilliuy aimed
must have made many brave volunteer bie the dust
Col Townsend seeing the danger of those companies
gave the command for them 10 retire. But either be-
they did not hear il they did, would not obey
they continued gradually to creep toward the enemy
camp The Colonel could endure this no longer and
putting spurs 70 biz splendid charger galoIed ieaessy
|
the enemys guns and in range OF their niles and red
cannon. In few moments he turned TO the main part
ID the regiment, and gave the command 10 forward
Instantly the command was obeyed and away the reg-
ment started over fences and dches till il upon
a line with the skrmishers, when the command
"halt" was given
| Now, the force Of the enemy, which had been
stationed in other portions OF the fertilization, came
fying to the point where they could fire upon the
Third Regiment and sent constant stream Of cannon
| balls and grape-shot around, above, and upon us
There the regiment stood for at least twenty rive
minutes in that scorching fire, giving and receiving
voIeys of eaden death. But thinking that the forces
were too strongly fortified and too great in numbers TO
admit of the battery being successfully stormed the
Brgader-G eneracrdered Col Townsendto retreat, just
az LIE was about charge bayonets the enemy In
compliance with the order he retired TO the point from
which he cent out the skirmishers before mentioned
The numbers of the rebels variously estimated
at from three five thousand strong, snugly encased
in stronghold while the Federal forces cut in
| open sight, and not so strong by good deal There
were ao from twenty-five 10 thirty held-pieces ready
| TO burst upon Them The conduct Of Col. Townsend
| was much admired. There he sat- cool and calm az
another Washington beautiful mark for the bullet.
But thank heaven though the bullets whizzed about
ha head like hail, he spared to serve his country
longer. In this conflict some ten or twelve OF Col
Townsend regiment were wounded, including several
officers but only one l believe mortay. From Col.
Dutyee force several killed by chance cannon
| shot and many others seriously wounded from the
r,fe-shot upon them from the traitors Although the
Federal troops were successful in taking the rebel
battery yet they accomplished what they started for,
| and returned 10 camp.
| understand Gen Butler intends ordering another
attack soon, as well upon Sewalls Point across
| the River. will be happy to communicate to you
any further steps Of importance which may be taken
| j. 5. {.