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

THE sIWATION.

THE SITUATION.
The official report of General Butler, which we
publish in full to-day, gives the details in very
satisfactory form of the action at Big Bethel on
Monday morning. The intention of General
Butler in despatching the body of men under
General Pierce was to destroy the batteries erect
ed by the rebels at Big Bethel, from which point
they Lad been annoying the federal troops
by scouting parties for some time past In order
to accomplish this efectualy, it was necessary
first to get possession of Little Bethel, where the
outposts of the stronger force behind were sta.
toned, and this was to have been done by sur
prise, after which our troops were to have rushed
on and taken the batteries at Big Bethel before
the rebels were aware of any approaching at
tack. But owing to the unfortunate mistake
of Colonel Bendix's regiment in firing on the
Albany regiment just before reaching Little
Bethel this design was frustrated. 1t appears that
the different regiments had made their points of
junction at the time appointed, and had it not
been for the precipitancy of Colonel Bendix in
opening fire, and thus alarming the rebel forces at
Little Bethel, there is little doubt that the
successful accomplishment of General Buffers
plan would have been attained As it was,
however, the Albany regiment, supposiug
that they were caught in an ambuscade, re-
turned the fire of the German regiment, and the
Zouayes joined in the combat, thus giving notice
of an attack to the outposts in the village. When
the federal troops got into Little Bethel they found
the place vacated. The garrison had fallen back
on the principal point Of attack-the intrenched
camp at Big Bethel-and the batteries there were
prepared to receive them when they came up. We
know the result. What intended to be surprise
turned out to be an engagement with terrible odds
against our troops, and contest in which they
behaved most gallantly, though unable to attain
their object from the want of artillery and ammu-
milton. The loss on our side, however, proves to
be less than at first reported-only fourteen being
killed and about forty wounded; and the most de-
plorable feature in the list of killed is that six out
of the fourteen fell by the fire Of their own friends
in the unfortunate collision before daylight near
Little Bethel.
The report that General Butler had captured
the batteries at later period of the day appears
to be premature, and it appears to have arose
from the fact that he had thrown forward large
reinforcements, and that determination existed
to take the batteries at all hazards. 1t is believed
by the War Department, however, that although
the rumors Of victory were premature, the mme-
date capture of the batteries is certain General
Butler wisely remarks in his official report that we
have gained rather than lost in this encounter be.
cause the men have learned to have confidence in
Themselves under hot fire, and the officers may
have learned wherein their organization and drill
are inefficient.
General Buffers command is to be reinforced
Immediately by ten additional regiments from the
Eastern States.
The advance Of federal troops into Western vir.
ginia continues. Six more Ohio regiments are to
move in to strengthen the force already hemming
in Harpers Ferry, the determination of General
Scott being evidently to crush out the rebels at
that point by an overwhelming force from both
sides.
A curious incident occurred at Boston yes.
terday in the escape of an alleged traitor on
board the steamship America for Europe. It an.
pears that the Chief of the Boston Police re.
ceived despatch from Superintendent Kennedy.
of this city, requesting him to arrest person Of
the name Of Trappman, who was about to
sail in the America, and who was supposed to be
the bearer of important documents from the rebel
government. The Boston Chief accordingly Sc.
cured the party and searched his papers, but
found nothing suspicious. Mr.. Trappman stated
that he was the Prussian Consul at Charleston, 8.
G., and produced evidence of the fact satisfactory
to the police authorities. He stated further that
he was bearer Of dispatches from Lord LYONS to
the British government. he was accordingly re-.
leased, and sailed for Europe. Tho vessel had M