The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1861-06-15

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Important News from the
SEAT OF WAR!
DlsAsTROUs REsUIT on A NIGHT
HksF! At. Uros 4 REBEL sxTTE-
Fl. MoxRoE, June 9, via Baltimore ll.-Gen
Butler having learned that the rebels were for
flying cnmp with a strong battery at Great
Bethel miles from Hampton, on the York
town road, he deemed it necessary TO dislodge
them. Accordingly movements were made last
night from Monroe and Newport News About
midnight Col Duryea's Zouaves and Col. Town
Ger 0's Albany regiment crossed the river at
H ,mpton BY means of large batteaux manned
b, the naval brigade, and took up the line of
n arch; the former two miles in advance of the
Latter. At the some time Col. Benedict's regiment
peits regiments at Newport News moved forward
to form . junction with the regulars from Fort
Monroe at Little Bethel, about half way between
Hampton and Great Bethel The Zouaves
passed. Little Bethel. About a. m. Col. Ben
edict's regiment arrived and took mp position on
the intersection Of the roads.
Not understanding the signal the German reg.
iment, IN the darkness of the night, fred upon
Col. Townseie's column, marching in close
Nder, sIid led by Lieut.. Butler, son and aid de-
camp Of thn. Butler, With two pieces of artillery.
Other accounts saj that Col. Townsends reg
! lnent liz ed FIST. At all events the fire of the
Albany regiment harmless, while that of
the Germans fatal, killing one man and serious
ly wounding two others, with several other slght
casualties.
The Albany regiment being back of the Ger
mans, discovered from the accoutrelnents left on
the field, THAT the supposed enemies were friends.
They bad in the meantime fred rounds with
small arms and field piece
The Zouaves hearing the firing, turned also
and fred upon the Albany boys
At daybreak Col. Aliens and Col. Cars right
moved from the rear Of the fortress to support
the main body. The mistake at Little Bethel
having been ascertained, the buildings we're
burned, and a major with two prominent seces-
sionists taken prisoners.
The troops then advanced upon Great Bethel,
but our three small pieces of artillery were una
BILE to cope with the heavy rifed cannon Of the
enemy. The rebel battery was completely
masked No men could be seen. only flashes of
guns. Not less than 1000 men were behind the
battery of the rebels.
A well concentrated movement might have
secured the position, but Brig Gen. Pierce, who
commanded the expedition, appears to have lost
his presence of mind, and the Troy regiment
stood for one hour exposed to calling fire, when
All order to retreat was at last given.
Lieut. Grebbel. ct the U. s. Army, in COM
mand of the artillery, was struck by cannon
ball and instantly killed. He had spiked his gun
and was CALAMITY endeavoring to withdraw his
command.
Capt. George Wilson, of the Troy regiment
after the order to retreat was given took posses
sion Of the gun and brought it off the field with
the corpse of the Lieut. Both were brought to
Fort Monroe this evening. About twenty-five
we're killed and one hundred of the Federal
troops wounded. Lieut.. Butler deserves great
credit for bringing off the killed and wounded.
Several of the latter are now in the hospital
here. Great indignation is manifested against
Brig. Gen. Pierce 1t is not known how many
were killed or wounded in the unfortunate coils
ion of Federal troops previous to marching on
Great Bethel, the loss washowever inconsiderable
The fire of our troops on the masked battery did
apparently little execution, being composed of
small field pieces and howitzers against riAed
cannon of the rebels.
The attack lasted but half an hour, when re.
treat was sounded and executed in good order.
The troops throughout this trying affair be-
haved well. The estimated number killed was
about 80, and wounded 100. Major Winthrop,
Aid of General Butler, and Lieut. Colonel Grin.
nell of the New York 1st Regiment, are missing.
Amongst the killed is Lieutenant Credible, of the
United States Artillery. He was struck on the
right side of the forehead by a rife cannon, the
ball from which bore away the upper part of the
head.
WASHINGTON. June ia special dispatch to
the Post says there is great excitement here
over the news of the conflict at Great Bethel
1t is the opinion among military men that there
was gross mismanagement and bad Generalship
Of the Federal forces. The Setessionists are
looking up emboldened by the 1epulse of onr
troops.
A prominent BaltimOrean now in this CITY
states that several secession flags are again
flying in Baltimore and Gen. Banks is needed to
keep the rebels in check.
The border warfare between Maryland and
Virginia is becoming very bitter.
GREAT BETHEL CAPTURED.
The Night Disaster Retrieved.
Herald's special
WAsHINToN, June IL, l a. m.-Special mes.
senger arrived an hour since from Fortress Mon
roe, brings the intelligence that Gen. Butler this
morning proceeded with large reinforcements to
Great Bethel, and after a severe fight, captured
their batteries, one of Z and the balance of ID
guns, and also took 1000 rebels prisoners.
More News re: F..S.'s tho Fight at
seized two schooners down the river which had
been carving provisions for the enemy; burned
them both.
Reports respecting Great Bethel.
BALTIMORE, June 12.-The steamer from Old
Point has arrived.
The accounts of yesterday of the battle at
Great Bethel embrace all the intelligence recei.
we'd at Head quarters up to the departure of the
steamer. No further military movements have
taken place.
The rebel cavalry and infantry followed the
retreating troops in considerable force as far as
New Market bridge, this side of Bethel, inhu.
manly charging IN one instance upon those bear
ing the dead and wounded. The bridge was
burnt.
The enemy had in the action six guns behind
battery. There were about 20 Federal troops
killed, and it is said the number wounded is not
SO great as at first reported.
gentleman who came passenger from Old
Point this morning, and spent some time at the
Fort during yesterday and Monday, say the pas
sengers were greatly aston!shed on reaching here
to learn OF the greatly exaggerated accounts rel.
alive to the repulse at Great Bethel. IN to the
time the boat left last evening. he was in CONVEX
sation with both officers and prvates who we're
in the engagement Some modification was
expressed at the bad management of General
Pierce, but none as to the extent of the loss
which was thought to be less than at first sup
posed, or the temporary advantages gained by
the rebels.
WASHINGTON, June 12.-Nothing teard at the
War department to a late hour last night of the
defeat of the rebel forces at Great Bethel by
Gen Butler. There is no truth in the report.
Herald dispatch.
Our informant who was in the first engage
ment at Bethel, states positively that the report
OF the cannon belonging to the Federal forces
being taken, is false They were moved back
with the troops, and the latter retired in good
order, only regrettng the want of ammunition,
and the fall OF Lieut.. Grebie, who inspired them
more than any other officer l have no doubt
that at least 100 we're killed on our side, when
the detailed report is received. No doubt that
the heavy loss of life was owing to the fact that
the troops had literally to act without leader.
The general opinion is that the ignorance of
Gen. Pierce calls for prompt court martial
On receipt of the news from Fort Monroe a
special meeting OF the Cabinet was Immediately
called together, and remained in session nearly
two hours.
The use Of Balloons 10 be tested.