The National tribune., 1885-07-16
Big Bethel

To THE EDITOR: L was much gratifed q
short time ago by reading in your paper an
article headed Lieut. Greble," in which we'll
merited praise is paid to the memory of gal
liant man. In the aforementioned article
find one point which it, to my recollections not
correct. 1t is stated athat the two pieces of
artillery taken with that expedition, which
left Newport News June o, 1861, for Big Bethel,
and which had been in charge of Lieut.. Greble,
was drawn by Regulars. This is undoubtedly
mistake. Lieut. Greble had been stationed
only temporarily, at the time the Big Bethel
expedition took place, at Newport News, with
some non commissioned officers of his command
regular artillery, for the purpose of drilling
and instructing the volunteer infantry in artil-
lery drill. They did take part in the expedi-
ton, but it would have been impossible for the
few n-commissioned officers to draw two
pieces of artillery such a distance, consequently
both pieces was drawn by volunteers. One of
the cannons, am positive, was drawn by my
regiment by details of IL men, which were re-
lieved at intervals of one hour; the other one
was drawn in the same manner, but l don't
recollect if it was done by members of the 7th
N. Y. or by members of other volunteer regi-
ments.
The failure to take Big Bethel by surprise
on the 10th of June, 1861, was according to my
recollection, never satisfactorily explained, and
believe even the board of investigation. which
was appointed at that time, did not agree.
Since then "a years have passed by, and
still the opinions on the management, exc
cution, and failure of this enterprise differ Just
as much now as ever.
One party left Fortress Monroe on the even
ing of the 9th of June, 1861, to meet at certain
point (cross- roads, another party, which started
at the same time from Newport News Both
parties were supposed to wear on the right
arm white linen with red seal, in order to
recognize each other. This precaution was
not taken through some misunderstanding or
neglect by some of the regiments which left
Newport News.
At the time when the firing commenced
the 9TH N. Y. was in advance This regi-
ment wore gray uniform. Capt. Wratislaw,
with his company (K), was on the lead,
and had his company deployed as skirmshers
when he arrived at the edge of the woods,
with clear field in front Of him. The COM
pany had hardly left the woods when volley
of musket balls whistled around them. After
the bullets had been received by the company
the Captain sang out in loud voice, Now,
boys, let them have it! and then, of course,
the company commenced to discharge their
guns. At the same timo the regiment was
drawn up in line of battle. All this occurred
before daybreak, SO that it was impossible for
anybody to ascertain who fred. The day
commenced to break, and we observed some
thing moving under tree which was standing
in that clear field in front of u.s. Soon we as
certained that somebody was waving with q
white handkerchief, and we noticed that the
firing in front ceased. Therefore order was
given to Cease firing" As soon as it was day-
light we found that our men had been firing
into us-GoTTFRIED OBHARDT, Co. K, 7th N.
Y, TOgus, Me.