The Plymouth weekly Democrat., 1861-11-07
A FULL ACCOUNT
OF THE
BiTTLE NEAR EDWARDS FERRY
DEATH OF SENATOR BAKER.


ry. which is the most complete and con-
nected that has yet reached us:
"A gentleman attarhed to Col Bakers
Brigade, who witnessed part of the en-
gagemsnt, furnishes the following particu-
lars
Two battallions, I ZOO men Of the Cal
ifornia. the TammanJ and Massachusetts,
18th Regiments. crossed On Monday
morning at Conrad's Ferry and landed
Pickeis were thrown out and large force
Of rebels discovered Abont 8 o'clock
Baxter's, Owens and Morehead's regi.
ments. Of Bakers Brigade, arrived at the
Ferry. but failed to cross, the only two
scows used In the morning having heen
sunk. one in the morning while king a
cannon across. aud the other in returning
afer the first repulse. with about hun
dred men. who jumped on board in the
widest confusion. many Of whom were
drowned
Col. Baker was killed when making the
first charge after successfully rallyipg his
men.
No cannon was used by the enemy in
engagement. and the Union force got but
one across. There were seven in position
on this side, two at ConIad's Ferry. and
FIVE at Edwards Ferry. about six miles
apart. At the latter. two scows and a ca
nal boat were used to convey troops across
all day.
considerable number had assembled
on the Virginia side Of this ferry when
the battle commenced, but il was not con
sidered safe to re-enforce Col Baker from
that point. 1t took each scow. with fftv
men. over An hour 20 make the trip: so
that much time ewas lost; owing to the
limited means Of transit
Col Devins of the Massachusetts Rogi-
ment escaped to this side by swimming
the river, and many of the troops follow
ed his example. Several were drowned
IN the attempt, the river being fifteen feet
deep.
The enemy was seen in and around a
ratification opposite Edwards Ferry in
the morning. and the guns on our side
were opened upon them under the person
al direction Of General Stone. AZ the
first fire the rebels struck their tents and
fed.
The loss on our side is ably
very large-larger than that of the ene-
my.
Col. Bakers remains. escorted bv a
squad Of Van Aliens Cavalry. under com
mand OF Capt. Young. and accompan;e ed
By the deceased's son, Lieut. Baker, and
hi. brother. DR.. Baker. both of whom
were In the engagement arrived at the
residence Of Col. j w. Webb in tho ev-
ening.
The funsral will take place to morrow
The arrangements have been assigned tc
Brisadier Casey. The BODY will be in
Congressional 6uiying ground.
a preseniiment of Col Bakers death
came to him on Friday At night be
made his will in the morning he tod Mr.
Webb that lie should be killed within for
ty'eight hours, and asked him to take care
Of his body. His wife is on her way Il
California.
Lieutenant Colonel Wister Of Col Ba
ker's regiment, was brought from III,
field with a leg. an arm, and his lowe
Jaw shattered. Assistant Adjutant Gene
al Harvey Of the brigade and Captain
Markee. were captured. The brigade re
turned to it's former encampment, fv
miles frem Conrad's Ferry. the same ev
ening Scores Of men. nearly Laked az
rived at the camp yesterday. havin,
thrown away their clothes to swim tn
river. Upward Of 1000 we're missin,
yesterday
A telegraph from Gen. Mcclellan a
Edwards Ferry thi. morning, says tina
all is secure, and tha. no attempt has bee
made.
No additional particulars touching th
killed and wounded had been received
The conduct Of our men was excelen
and the disaster. though great. was not S
great as at first supposed.
Capt +. G.. Young Of New York. al
TO Col. Baker. and who was with hin
"heu he died. gives the following ac
count
Ger. Stone ordered Col Baker, on Sur
day evening. to have his brigade ready I
move at o'clock on Monday Morning
The brigade was then stationed FIVE mile
from ConIad's Ferry. AT o'clock
the morning. however. messenger fror
Gen. Stone ordered the first battalion
under Lieutenant Colonel Wistar, 10 NOV
Immediately. 80 as to be at Conrad's Eel
n