Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-06-15
Particulars OF rHe rsrpLH At GREAT

rtuTUrLARs OF THe rirILE At GREAT
haunt.
HALrIMoRe, June j --1hr rptcisl cores |
pundent Of the american. returned this morn
ing from Fortress Monroe, furnishing the fol.
lowing account OF the Battle at Great Be-
tbel.
For several days General Butler had been
advised Of the movements of considerable
body Of Rebels in the vicinity Of a village
called Great Bethel, which is about twelve
miles distant from Fortress Monroe, and
near the road leading to yorktown. Be-
lieviDg from reliable reports that they had
thrown up entrenchments, aud were gradually
extending their outer line Of pickets, be
determined after consultation with other off
Gers TO whip them away. He accordingly
gave orders to several regiments to hold
themselves in readiness to march at q mo-
ments notice.
At the same time The chief of the ordnance
| department received orders to send out forth.
with battery OF howitzers which was coon
on the line of march, comprising four y.
Founders, o detachment of United States
Artillery, with Lieut.. John +. Greble. of
Pennsylvania, aud other officers. A party
party Of the Naval Brigade was also quickly
mustered for the purpose Of carrying troops
ACROSS Hampton Greek. which was done by
means Of fishing boats sent down on Saturday
from the Susquehanna river.
The detailed force Of volunteers consisted
of three regiments the Albany regiment
Colonel Townsend; the New York Zouaves,
Qed by Colonel Duryea j and the Fifth New
York Regiment, Colonel Benedix with
companies Of other regiments, comprising a
force Of nearly 5000 men. The command
! moved at half past two o'clock on Sunday
night, with the Zouaves nearly one hour
ahead, and, owing to most unfortunate
mistake in relation to signals, two of the
regiments got into collision, when Colonel
Townsend's for the enemy. fired ,into them.
and did not discover their mistal8 until the
dawn of day, when their supposed enemies
left them masters Of the field.
1t is not known how many we're killed and
wounded, but it will not be considerable
After 90 explanation and y mutual under.
standing, it was agreed TO move on Great
Bethel, and the entire force took up the line
of march for that point, which is three miles
from the place where the error wagcommit'
ted. As soon as the right of the coftNn got
near the place, they we're appraised by the
presence Of the foe, who were very strongly
entrenched, and opened fire upon them with
a battery of riaed cannon.
The Federal troops promptly responded
but volleys from Infantry and small park OF
howitzers were unavailing against such a
formidable battery, and in the course of hall
an hour, retreat was sounded. and executed
in good order. The regiments moved we'll
and the NEE, it is acknowledged on all sides
acted with a spirit of determination.
The most melancholy feature was the death
Of Lieut.. Greble.
1t was almost impossible to tell the NUN
ber of killed and wounded on the side Of the
Federal troops, but was told By Gen. Bat
Ter that his estimate was about thirty killed
and one hundred wounded. 1t was feared
that Major Winthrop, aid to Gen. Butler
had been killed, as he could not be found.
When the news of the action reached the
Fortress the utmost sadness prevailed, ant
there was sorrowful aspect visible through
out.
The first wounded man who reached th,
Fortress was private James Garbett. liz
came in on ambulance, which was very care
fully driven.
AS soon as Gen. Butler heard OF the affair
which was about I O'Clock, he mounted hi;
| horse and rode OF the height Of speed tt
, Newport News, for the purpose of ascertain
ing the facts in tae case. Col. Dimmick alst
/ rode around the ranparts, and inspecting tb'
, side near the land approach, ordered howit
zers and mortars to be gotten ready
About nine, r. NJ, the steamer Cutaiin
reached the wharf with some of the dead sut
wounded. In the meantime nearly oil th,
arrived feet proceeded mp the James River
to Newport News. The Hospital for tn
regular forces and the regiments OF volun
} teers who are stationed in the fort is in frs
rate order, and under the direction of Or
Cuyler, will continue so. 1t is officially an
8 nounced that the health Of the garrison i
excellent, and that but few are on the scl
+. list.
g hive endeavored to get list Of the kle,
r and wounded iE the affair at Great Bethel
. but succeeded only partially. hs but few O
D them had reached the forts OF the hour 70
/. the departure of the boat, which usual
leaves at four p. NJ, bu. was detained 70
=. your correspondent up to Q P. NJ, on thi
}. occasion.