Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Iowa) 1861-1864, 1861-11-07


The National Intclligencer has an
editorial upon the bate in which Col.
Baker fell which puts that unfortunate
affair in more satisfactory light than
any other statement we have hereto
fore seen. The prevalent impression,
it would seem, does great injustice to
the real character and results of the
movement, as devised and planned by
Gen. Stone. The enemy on the Vir-
ginia shore were advised Of General
Stones intended move, and it was his
object to deceive them. There are
two ferries across the Potomac in that
vicinity, one of them Conrad's at the
head of Harrison Island, Ga long, mar
row tract of four hundred acres in
mid.strcam, and the other Edwards
Ferry, six miles below, on the direct
road from Poolsvillc, Nd, to Lccsburg,
Va. 1t was Gen. Stones plan to d.
vert the attention Of the enemy from
both these to third point, at the foot
of Harrison's Island, and by making
a feint of throwing over his whole
column at that place, invite the rebel
attack while at Edwards Ferry,
thus left free, the main body could be
moved across without hindrance. All
this was done.
Gen. Baker received the order for
his movement on Sunday. That eve-
ming Capt. PhiIbrick and Lieut.. Howe
Of Col. Devens' 18th Massachusetts,
with twenty men, crossed the river at
the point above indicated, and made q
thorough reconnaissance to within
mile of Lecsburg, and returned, re-
porting that no enemy had been seen.
All through that night, by facilities
for transport far too meagre, (although
never expecting to return, Gen. Ba.
ker was throwing over his force, and
at daybreak the first line was formed
at Balls Bluff, about eighty feet
above the river, offering on the top an
area Of several hundred acres, sur
rounded by trees, save in the angle
to the Southwest, where a clearing
and corn-ficld, with the corn in the
shocks, opened out to the main road.
The force of Gen. Baker was about
100 strong. The first attack of the
enemy was made about six o'clock,
from rude rifle pits in the corn-field
This was met by a gallant charge ol
the Massachusetts, 18th, who drove
the enemy from their coverts at the
point Of the bayonet. After sharp
work for some three hours along the
whole front of the little line, the enc
my being kept in check by three pie
ccs Of artillery, they (thc enemy US
ing only rifles and cavalry carbines
a lull took place, during which, Gus,
as Gen. Stone intended. the rebels
were drawing their whole force from
above and below to strengthen the
centre of their line which they believ
ed to bc threatened by the head of oul
whole column.
While our troops were eating theil
dinner, about two O'clock P. H., tho
rebel firing recommended, from tho
woods. Numerous sharpshooters hat
also been placed in the tree tops.
From this time until nightfall tn.
fight continued without cessation. Ba
ker fell at about four o'clock, wheI
Col. Coggswell succeeded to the com
mand. AS evening came On ammuni
ton gave out on the left of the line
The weary troops there wavered ant
an order was given to retreat to Har
rison's Island.
] Thus ended the fight Of Balls Bluff
Meanwhile it's purpose had been gain
ed the main body had safely cross
ed, and were in position on the Virgin
10 side. Gen. Banks, the same nigh
and on Tuesday, was moving up hi
division from Darncstown, nine mile
below Poolesville, and crossed the riy
er to join Stone. The work was near
ly accomplished. when an order cam
from Gen. Mcclellan to re.cross tn
river with the whole force to the Ma
ryland side. This was entirely &C
complished by Wednesday night, an,
on Thursday morning not q Fedora
soldier in that vicinity was on th
Virginia shore.
The reason for this change of pla
is not explained. 1t is evident tina
officers and men fought in a manne
that would have done honor to tn