The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-13

motion CO crdereo, and he march 80 timed tha,
Colonel Duryee had got in the position noted upon the
accompany rg sse,c and Lieutenant Colonel washburn,
n com mand Of the regiment from Newpor News, had
got into the poe ion Indicated upon he sketch, and
Colonel 5endxs regime had been posted and ordered
to hold the fork Of the road with two pieces artillery,
and Colonel rowpsends regiment had got t, the place
Indicated just behind and about TO form junction
as the d,y dawned.
Up to this point the plan had been vigorously,
accurately and successfully carried OUT but here,
by come strange faulty, and a. yet unexplained blum
der, without any word Of notice, while Colone Town
serd IN column route and when the
head Of the column within one hundred
yards COL Bsndxs regiment opened fire with both arti
iery and musketry upon COL Townsends column which,
in the hurry and confusion rregulary returned by
some Of Col Townsends men, who feared that they had
faep3 into an am uscade. Colonel Townsends column
i'm medaiely retreated to tho emnence near by, and
rot pursued by Colo el Bendix's By this al
mostS criminal blunder two Of Colonel TowRsend's
regiment were killed and eight more or less wounded.
Hearing this cannonadng and friog IN his rear Lieu
tenant Colonel Washburn not knowing but that his COM
municatiOn might be cut off, Immediately reversed his
march, did Colonel Daryee and marched back to form
junction with his ressrvest
General Pierce, who was with Colonel Townsend's
approach and had posted himself in force the line Of
march, and getting any Communication from Colonel
Ouryee, sent back to for renforcements, and i'm
medatey ordered Colonel Aliens regiment to be put in
notion and they reached Hampton about seven o'clock.
In the meantime the true state Of facts havirg been
4scertained by General Pierce, the regiments effected
junction, and resumed the line of march. At the mo-
ment OF the firing Of Colonel Bendix, Colonel Duryee had
surprised part of an outlying guard Of the enemy, con-
shtpg OF thirty persons who have been brought in
OF course by this firing all hopes OF surprise above
the camp at Little Bethel WAS lost and, upon marching
upon it., it was found 10 rave been vacated, and the
cavalry had pressed toward Big Bethel Colonel Duryee
however, destroyed the camp at Little Bethel and ad-
vanced General Pierce then, he informs with the
advice Of his Coone though best to attempt to carry
the works of the enemy at Big Bethel and made DISPOSE
lions to that effect. The attack commenced, as in
formed-fer have yet received any official reports
about half past nine O'Clock.
At about ten O'Clock General Pierce sent note TO
saying that there was sharp engagement with the
enemy, and that he thought he should be able
TO maintain his position until reinforcements could
come up. Acting upon this information, Colonel
Carrs regiment which had been ordered 10 the morning
to proceed far as Newmarket Bridge allowed to
90 forward. received this information, for which
had sent special messenger, about twelve O'Clock.
immediately made disposition from Newport News to
have Colonel Phelps from the four regiments there for
ward aid If necessary. AS these orders could be
cent forward repaired to Hampton for the purpose Of
having proper abuances and wagons for the sick and
wounded intending to 60 forward and join the command.
While the wagons going forward messenger came,
announcing that the engagement had termined,
md that the troops were retiring good
order to camp. remained upon the ground at
Hampton, personally seeing the wounded put in boats
and towed round to the hospital AMI ordering forward
Lieutenant Norris with twoboat no wtzers to the
Of the returning column in case 1t should be at
lacked. Having been informed that the ammunition Of
he artillery had been expended and seeing the head Of
he column approach Hampton in good order, waited
Tor General Pierce to come up. l am informed
oy him that the dead and wounded had all
been brought OF, and that the return had
osen conducted in good order, and without haste.
learned from him that the men behaved with great
seadiness, with The exception Of few instances,
and that the attack made with proprety, vgor and
courage but that the enemy found 10 be supported
by battery, variously estimated as Of from fifteen TO
twenty pieces, some of (which were red cannon, which
we're very well served and protected from being readily
turned by creek in front.
Our LOGS is very considerable amounting perhaps to
fatV fifty, quarter part Of which you Will see wN
rom she unfortunate mstake-to call 1t by no worse
n8me-of Colonel Bendix.
Twill, as official returns can be got give
fuller detail Of the affair, and will only add now thst
have to regret especially the death OF Lieut. Greble Of
the Second artillery, who went out with Co. Washburn,
from Newport News and who very efficiently and gal
anty fought his piece until he struck by cannon
shot will endeavor to get accurate statements
TO forward by the next mail. / think, in the
unfortunate combination Of circumstances, and the
result which we experienced. we have gained
more than we have lost. Our troops have learned to
have confidence in themselves under fire, the enemy
have shown that they will not meet in the open field
and officers have learned wherein their organization
ard drill are inefficient.
While waiting for the official reports have the honor
submit thus far the information of which am pos.
sessed have the honor to be,
Most respectfully,
Your obedient servant
BENZ. F. BUTLER, Major General commanding.