Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-06-26
VOL. XXXl.-WHOLE NO 1869.

wi DeHulN regiment Openeu Hre WIN
both artillery and musketry upon Colonel
Townsend's column, which in the hurry
and confusion, was 'irregularly returned
BY some of Colonel Townyend's men, who
feared that thev had fallen into an am
buscade. Col TownsenG's column imme.
diately ret.eated to the eminence near by,
and were not pursued by Colonel Bendix's
men. BY this almost criminal blunder.
two mer of Colonel Townserd's regiment
we're killed, ard eight more or less woun.
ded. @
Hearing this cannonading and firing in
his var. Lieut.. Col. Washburn, not know,
ing but that his communication might be
cut of Immediately reversed his march.
as did Colonel Duryea. and mached back
to form junction with his reserves.
General Pierce. who was with Colonel
Townsend's regiment, fearing that the
enemy had got notice cf our approach.
and had posted himself in force on the
line of march. and not getting any com.
munication from Colanel Duryea. sent
back tn me for reinforcements. and i'm.
mediately ordered Colonel Aliens reg,
lment to put in motion, and they reached
Hampton about seven o'clock. IN the
meantime the true state Of facts having
been ascerained by General Pierce. the
regiments effected junction, and resuu-
ed the line Of march. At the moment of
the firing of Colonel Bendy. Colonel Dur
yea had surprised a part Of the outlayins
guard OF the enemv. consisting of thirty
persons, who had been brought into me.
Ofcourse by this firing ail homes of a
surprise above the camp at l.. Bethel wa.
lost. and, upon marching upon it, it was
found to have been vacated. and the cav,
airy had pressed on toward Bi Bethel.-
Colonel Duryea however DESTROYED the
camp at Little Bethel aud advanced
General Pierce then as he informs me-
with the sdvice of his Colonies. thought
best to attemnt to curry the works of the
enemy at Big Bethel and made disposit.
tions to that effect. The attack commences
e'. ns am informed-for have not res
ceived any official reports --abou % O..
clock.
At about ten o'clock, General Pierce
sent Tote to me saving that there was n
sharp engagement with the enemy. and
thought he should he able to maintain
his position until reinforcements could
come up.-ActiEc upon this information.
Co'"n"l Carr's regiment, which had been
ordered in the r,orning to proceed rs far
rs Newmarket Bridge. was allowed to go
for yard received this information, for
which had sent a special messenger.
about twelve oc.ock. Immediately
made disposition from Newport News to
have Colonel Phelps from the four regi.
arI
As snon rs these orders could be sent for
ward repaired to Hampton. for the pur-
pose OF having proper ombulances and
wagons for the sick and wounded. intend
ing to go forward and Join the command.
While the wagons were going forward a
messenger came. announcing that the en-,
gagement had terminated. and that the
troops were retiring in good order to
camp. ! remained upon the ground at
Hampton. personally seeing the wounded
put in boats and towed round 10 the hos
pital. and ordering forward Lieutenant
Morris, with two boat howitzers. to cover
the rear of the returning column in case
il shonld be attacked Having been in
formed that the ammunition of the artil-
lery had been expended. and seeing tho
head of the column approach Hampton
in good oder. waited for Gen. Pierce TO
come ur. am Informed bv him that the
dead and wounded had all teen brought
off that :he return had been conducted
in good order and without haste. learn
ed from him that the men behaved with
great steadin ,ss, with tho exception of
some few instances, and that the attack
was made with propriety, vigor and cour.
are, but that the enemy were found to
be supported by q battery, variously esti'
mated at from fifteen 10 twenty pieces.
some of which were rihed cannon, which
we're very well served. and protect ed from
being readily turned by a creek in front.
Our loss is very considerable, amounts
ing perhaps TO forty or fifty, n quarter
part Of which you will see was from the
unfortunate mistake--to call it by no
worse name-of Col. Bend'x.
will. as soon rs official returns can be
got, give fuller detail Of the affair. and
will on.v add now that we have to regret
especially the death of Lieut.. Greble o
the Second artillery. who went out with
Col. Washburn. from New port News, and
who very efficiently and gallantly fought
his piece until he was struck by a cannon
shot. will endeavor to get accurate
statements to forward by the next mail
I think in the unfortunate combination
of circumstances, and the result which
we experienced, we have gained more
than We have lost. Our troops have learn
ed to have confidence in themselves un
der FIRE; the enemy have shown they vii
not meet us in the open field. and our of.
. ficers have learned wherein their organi
za.ion and drill are inefficient. H..#.
While waiting for the official reports.
have the honor TO submit thus far the In
formation of which | am possessed.
T have the honor to be-, -. . ... ...
- A Mos, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
BENZ. +. BUTLER,
q .. Major General commanding