LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR
Confederate States of America, v
War Department, >
Richmond, March 3!, 1862. )
To the honorable the Speaker
Of the House of Representatives :
Sir : In reply to the resolution of the House of Repre-
■ sentatives, I have the honor to communicate herewith copies
of the official reports, on file in this Department, of the bat-
tie of Bethel, on the 10th of June, 1861 :
Very respectfully, your ob'dt serv't,
GEO. W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War.,
s
REPORT OF COL. J. B. MAGEUDETi,
H eadquartf.rs CaMP Bethel, >
Bethel Church, June \i)th, 1861. $
Lieut. Col. Garnett:
Sir : The enemy, thirty-five hundred (3,500) strong,
attacked us at our post, and after a very animated conflict of
two hours and a half was repulsed at all points and totally
routed. Four companies of cavalry are now in hot pursuit
towards Newport News. I cannot speak too highly of the
devotion of our troops, all of whom did their duty nobly, and
whilst it might appear invidious to speak particularly of any
regiment or corps, where all behaved so well. I am compelled
to express my great appreciation of the skill and gallantry
of Major Randolph and his Howitzer Batteries, and Colonel
Hill, the officers and men of the North Carolina regiment.
As an instance of the latter, I will merely mention that a
gun under the gallant Captain Brown of the Howitzer Bat-
tery, having been rendered unfit for service by the breaking
of a priming wire in the vent, and not being defended by
infantry from the small number we had at our command,
Captain Brown threw it over a precipice, and the work was
occupied for a moment by the enemy. Captain Bridgers of
the North Carolina Regiment, in the most gallant manner
retook it and held it until Cap'ain Brown had replaced and
put in position another piece, and then defended it with his
infantry in the most gallant manner. Col. HilTs judicious
and determined action was worthy of his ancient glory,
and Colonel Stuart, Major Montague, Major Carey, Cap-
tains Walker and Atkinson, with every officer and every
man under their command, did good service in the front of
the fight.
The able and efficient manner in which Captains Douthatt,
Phillip s and. Jones, of the cavalry performed the duties of
4
infantry, and Lieutenant Chisman of the Wythe Rifles, in
protecting the rear of the position, is deserving of high
commendation.
There were many acts of personal gallantry, some under
my own observation, and others which were reported to me,
that I will take occasion to mention in a subsequent commu-
nieation. At present, I expect another attack, and have no
time.
I am extremely indebted to the two brothers, Robert H,
and Wm. R. Aaughan, my Acting Commissary and Quarter-
master, for the most gallant and efficient services, no less-
than to my youthful aids Mr. George A. Magruder, Jr., and
Hugh Stannard, who were always in the front of the fight,
and upon whom I request the Government to bestow com-
missions, as they are desirous of entering the regular ser-
vice.
In the hurry of this communication I may have omitted!
to mention many gallant men.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obd't serv't,
(Signed,) J. RANK HEAD MAGRUDER,
Colonel Commanding.
To Col. R. S. Garnett.
Number of killed and wounded on our side—1 killed and
7 wounded.
Enemy—10 dead bodies found as reported to me, and
perhaps 50 wounded. Three prisoners.
Our force, all told, about 1,200 men.
Enemy—3,500 with 18 and 24 pound guns besides light
guns.
(Signed,) J. B. M.
(Official,) John Withers,
Assistant Adjutant General.
A. & I. G. O., March 31,. 1862.
5
REPORT OF COL. J. B. MAGRUDEE,
Headquarters York town, >
June 12, 186 i. $
Sir : I had the honor to transmit by Mr. Hugh Stannard,
a, short account of a battle with the enemy at Bethel
Bridge, on the 10th. This was written on the field, and I
had not then had time to ascertain the number of killed and
wounded on the other side. I think I reported ten killed
and many wounded. I hare now to report that eighteen
dead were found on the field, and I learn Irom reliable citi-
zens living on the road, that many dead as well as a great
many wounded were carried, in wagons, to Hampton. I think
I can safely report their loss at from 25 to 30 killed, and 150
wounded. I understand the enemy acknowledge 175 killed
and wounded. It is a source of great gratification to me to
be able to say that our own loss, as far as heard from, was
only one killed and seven wounded—but too much praise
cannot be bestowed upon the heroic soldier whom we lost.
He was one of four who volunteered to set fire to a house
in our front which Avas thought to afford protection to our
enemy—and, advancing alone between the two fires, he fell
midAvay, pierced in the forehead by a musket ball. Henry
L. Wyatt is the name of this brave soldier, and devoted
patriot. He was a member of the brave and gallant North
Carolina Regiment.
I omitted to mention in my hurried dispatch of the tenth,
the name of Capt. Jones, of Cavalry, who rendered
important service before and during the battle. I regret to
say that one of his videttes was cut off by the enemy, and
is presumed to have been taken prisoner.
I cannot omit to again bring to the notice of the General-
Commanding-in-Chief, the valuable services and gallant
conduct of the First North Carolina Regiment, and Major
Randolph of the Howitzer Batteries. These officers rvere
not only prompt and daring in the execution of their duties,
8
but most Industrious and energetic in the preparations for the
conflict. . The firing of the howitzer batteries was as perfect
as the bearing of the men, which was entirely what it ought
to have been. Captain Bridgers, of the North Carolina Re-
giment re-took, in the most daring manner and at a critical
period of the fight, the work from which Captain Brown, of
the artillery had withdrawn a disabled gun, to prevent its
falling into the hands of the enemy, and which work had
been subsequently occupied by the enemy. This work was
soon again occupied with another piece by Captain Brown,
who resumed the effective fire. Captain Bridgers deserves
the highest praise for this timely act of gallantry.
The Louisiana Regiment arrived after the battle wras over,
having made a most extraordinary march. They returned
to Yorktown the same night, making a distance of 28 miles.
It was not thought prudent to leave Yorktown exposed any
longer. I, therefore, occupied the ground with cavalry,
and marched the remainder of my forces to Yorktown. We
took several prisoners, among tlieni. some wounded.
Our means of transportation were exceedingly limited,
but the wounded enemy were carried with our own wounded
to farm houses in our rear, where the good people, who have
lost almost every thing by this war, and who could see the
smoking ruins of their neighbors houses destroyed by the
enemy, both in his advance and retreat, received them most
kindly and bound up their wounds. I also ordered the hu-
mane Captain Brown to bury as many of the enemy's dead
as could be found near our camp, which was done.
The cavalry pursued the enemy for five miles, hut were
stopped by the bridge across Back river at New Market,
which was destroyed by the flying enemy after crossing it.
1 am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed,) J. B. MAGRUDER,
Colonel Commanding,
(Official.) John Withers,
Assistant Adjutant General.
A. k I. G. 0., March 31, 1862.
7
REPORT OF COL. J. B. MAGRUDER.
Division Headquarters, )
Yorktown, June 16th, 1861. )
Sir : I have the honor, herewith, to enclose for your in-
formation, the reports of Col. D. H. Hill, 1st regiment N.
C.; Lieut. Col. Stuart, 15th Ya. regiment; Major Ran-
dolph, Howitzer Battalion; Major Montague, Ya. Battalion;
Capt. Werth, Ya. Battalion, of their respective commands,
during the action of the 10th instant, at Bethel Church.
I am, sir, with great respect,
(Signed.) J. B. MAGRUDER,
Colonel Commanding.
General S. Cccper,
Adjutant and Inspector-General, Richmond, Fa.
Official: John Withers,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
A. & I. G. 0., March 31, 1862.
8
REPORT OF COL. IX H. HILL.
Col. J. B. Magruder,
Commander York Line :
Sir : I have the honor to report that, in obedience to or-
ders from the Colonel commanding, I marched on the ^6th
instant, with my regiment and four pieces of Major Ran-
dolph's battery, from Yorktown, on the Hampton road, to
Bethel Church, nine miles from Hampton. We reached
there after dark, on a wet night, and slept without tents.
Early on the morning of the 7th, I made a reconnoisance of
the ground, preparatory to fortifying. I found a branch of
Back river on our front, and encircling our right flank; on
•our left was a dense and almost impassable wood, except
ubout 150 yards of old field. The breadth of the road, a
thick wood and narrow cultivated field, covered our rear.
The nature of the ground determined me to make an en-
closed work, and I had the invaluable aid of Lieut. Colonel
Lee, of my regiment, in its plan and construction. Our
position had the inherent defect of being commanded by an
immense field immediately in front of it, upon which the
masses of the enemy might be readily deployed. Presum-
ing that an attempt would be made to carry the bridge,
across the stream, a battery was made for its especial pro-
tection, and Major Randolph placed his guns so as to sweep
all the approaches to it. The occupation of two command-
ing eminences beyond the creek, and on our right, would
have greatly strengthened our position, but our force was
too weak to admit of the occupation of more than one of
them. A battery was laid out on it for one of Randolph's
howitzers. We had only 25 spades, 6 axes and 3 picks;'
but these were busily plied all day and night of the 7th, and
'all day on the 8th. On the afternoon of the 8th, I learned
that a marauding party of the enemy was in a few miles of
us. I called for a party of 34 men to drive them back.
Lieut. Roberts, of F company, of my regiment, promptly
9
responded, and in five minutes his command was en route.
I detached Major Randolph, with one howitzer, to join them,
and Lieut. Col. Lee, 1st regiment N. 0. Volunteers, re-
quested, and was granted, permission to take command of
the whole. After a march of five miles, they came across
the marauders, busy over the spoils of a plundered house.
A shell soon put the plunderers to flight, and they were
chased over New Market Bridge, where our little force Avas
halted, in consequence of the presence of a considerable
body, situated on the other side. Lieut. Col. Lee brought
in one prisoner. How many of the enemy was killed and
wounded is not known. None of our command was hurt.
Soon after Lieut. Col. Lee left, a citizen came dashing in,
with the information that 75 marauders were on the Back
river road. I called for Capt. McDoAvell's company, (E) of
the 1st regiment of North Carolina Volunteers, and in three
minutes it was in hot pursuit. Lieut. West, of the HoAvit-
zer Battalion, Avith one piece, Avas detached to join them,
and Major Lane, of my regiment, volunteered to assume
command of the Avhole. After a weary march, they encoun-
tered, dispersed and chased the wretches over NeAV Market
Bridge—this being the second race, on the same day, over
the NeAV Market course, in both of which the Yankees
reached the goal first. Major Lane brought in one prisoner.
Reliable citizens reported that two cart-loads and one buggy-
load of Avounded were taken into Hampton. We had not a
single man killed or wounded. Col. Magruder came up that
evening and assumed command.
On Sunday, the 9th, a fresh supply of tools enabled us to
put more men to Avork, and, Avhen not engaged in religious
duties, the men worked vigorously on the entrenchments.
We were aroused at 3 o'clock on Monday morning, for a
general advance upon the enemy, and marched three-and-a-
half miles, Avhen Ave learned that the foe, in large force, Avas
within a feAV hundred yards of us. We fell back hastily
upon our intrenchments, and aAvaited the arrival of our in-
vaders. Lieut. Col. Stuart, of the 3d Virginia regiment,
having come Avith some 180 men, Avas stationed on the hill
on the extreme right, beyond the creek, and company G, of
my regiment, Avas also throAvn over the stream, to protect
the hoAvitzer under Capt. Brown. Capt. Bridgers, of com-
pany A, 1st N. C. regiment, took post in the dense wood
beyond and to the left of the road. Major Montague, with
three companies of his battalion, was ordered up from the
10
rear, and took post on our right, beginning at the church
and extending along the entire front on that side. This fine
body of men, and the gallant command of Lieut. Colonel
Stuart, worked with great rapidity, and, in an hour, had
constructed temporary shelters against the enemy's fire.
Just at 9 o'clock A. M., the heavy columns of the enemy
were seen approaching rapidly and in good order, but when
Randolph opened upon them, at nine and a quarter, their
organization was completely broken up. The enemy prompt-
ly replied with his artillery, firing briskly but wildly. He
made an attempt at deployment on our right of the road,
under cover of some houses and a paling. He was, how-
ever, promptly driven back by our artillery, a Virginia com-
pany,—the " Life Guards"—and companies R and G of my
regiment. The enemy attempted no deployment within mus-
ketry ranges during the day, except under cever of woods, fences
or paling. Under cover of the trees, he moved a strong
column to an old ford, some three-quarters of a mile below,
where I had placed a picket of some 40 men. Col. Magru-
der sent Capt. Werth's company, of Montague's command,
with one howitzer, under Sergeant Crane, to drive back this
column, which was done by a single shot from the howitzer.
Before this, a priming wire had been broken in the vent of
the howitzer commanded by Capt. Brown, and rendered it
useless. A force estimated at 1,500 was now attempting to
out-flank us, and get in the rear of Lieut. Colonel Stuart's
small command; he was accordingly directed to fall back,
and the whole of our advanced troops were withdrawn. At
this critical moment I directed Lieut. Col. Lee to call Capt.
Bridgers out of the swamp, and ordered him to re-occupy
the nearest advanced work, and I ordered Capt. Ross, com-
pany C, 1st regiment N. C. Volunteers, to the support of
Lieut. Col. Stuart. These two captains, with their compa-
nies, crossed over to Randolph's battery, under a most heavy
fire, in a most gallant manner. As Lieut. Col. Stuart had
withdrawn, Capt. Ross was detained at the church, near
Randolph's battery. Capt. Bridgers, however, crossed over
and drove the Zouaves out of the advanced howitzer battery
and re-occupied it. It is impossible to over-estimate this
service ; it decided the action in our favor. In obedience to
orders from Colonel Magruder, Lieut. Col. Stuart marched
back, and, in spite of the presence of a foe ten times his
superior in number, resumed, in the most heroic manner,
possession of his intrenchments. A fresh howitzer was car-
11
ried across and placed in the battery, and Capt. Avery, of
company G, was directed to defend it at all hazards.
We were now as secure as at the beginning of the fight,
and as yet had no man killed. The enemy finding himself
foiled on our right flank, next made his final demonstration
on our left. A strong column, supposed to consist of vol-
unteers from different regiments, and under command of
Capt. Winthrop, Aid-de-camp to Gen. Butler, crossed over
the creek and appeared at the angle on our left. Those in
advance had put on our distinctive badge, of a white band
around the cap, and they cried out repeatedly, " don't fire."
This ruse was practiced to enable the whole column to get
over the creek and form in good order. They now began to
cheer most lustily, thinking that our work was open at the
gorge, and that they could get in by a sudden rush. Com-
panies B and C, however, dispelled the illusion by a cool,
deliberate, and well-directed fire. Col. Magruder sent over
portions of G, C and II companies, of my regiment, to our
support, and now began as cool firing, on our side, as was
ever witnessed.
The three held officers of the Regiment were present, and,
but few shots were fired without their permission, the men
repeatedly saying, " may I fire "I think I can bring him."
They were all in high glee, and seemed to enjoy it as much
as boys do rabbit shooting. Capt. Winthrop, while most
gallantly urging on his men, was shot through the heart,
when all rushed back with the utmost precipitation. So far
as my observation extended, he was the only one of the
enemy who exhibited even an approximation to courage du-
ring the vrhole day.
The fight at the angle lasted but twenty minutes. It
completely discouraged the enemy, and he made no further
effort at assault. The house in front, which had served as a
hiding place for the enemy, was now fired by a shell from a
howitzer, and the out-houses and palings were soon in a
blaze. As all shelter was now taken from him, the enemy
called in his troops, and started back for Hampton. As he
had left sharp-shooters behind him in the woods on our left,
the dragoons could not advance until Capt. Hoke, of Com-
pany K, 1st N. C. Volunteers, had thoroughly explored
them. As soon as he gave the assurance of the road being
clear, Capt. Douthatt, with some 100 dragoons, in compli-
ance with Col. Magruder's orders, pursued. The enemy, in
his haste, threw away hundreds of canteens, haversacks,
12
over-coats, &c.—even the dead were thrown out of the wag-
or^s. The pursuit soon became a chase, and, for the third
time, the enemy won the race over the New Market Course.
The bridge was torn up behind him, and our dragoons re-
turned to camp. There were not quite 800 of my Regiment
engaged in the fight, and not one half of these drew trigger
during the day. All remained manfully at the posts as-
signed them, and not a man in the Regiment behaved badly.
The companies not engaged were as much exposed, and ren-
dered equal service with those participating in the fight.
They deserve equally the thanks of the country. In tact,
it is the most trying ordeal to which soldiers can be sub-
jected, to receive a fire, which their orders forbid them to
return. Had a single company left its post, our works
would have been exposed. And the constancy and disci-
pline of the unengaged companies cannot be too highly com-
mended. A detachment of fifteen cadets, from the N. C.
Military Institute, defended the Howitzer under Lt. Hud-
na.ll, and acted with great coolness and determination. I
cannot speak in too high terms of my two field officers, Lt.
Col. Lee and Major Lane. Their services have been of the
highest importance, since taking the field to the present
moment. My thanks, too, are due, in an especial manner,
to Lieut. J. M. Poteat, Adjutant, and Lieut. J. W. Ratch-
ford, Aid—both of them Cadets of the N. C. Institute, at
Charlotte. The latter received a contusion in the forehead
from a grape shot, which nearly cost him his life. Captain
Bridgers' Company, A, Lt. Owens, commanding Company
B, Capt. Ross, Company C, Capt. Ashe, Company I), Capt.
McDowell, Company E, Capt. Ctarr, Company K, Captain
Avery, Company G, Capt. Iluske, Company II, Lt. Whitta-
ker, commanding Company J, Capt. Hoke, Company K, dis-
played great coolness, judgment and efficiency. Lt. Greg-
ory is highly spoken of by Major Lane, for soldierly bear-
ing on the 8th. Sts. Cook and McKethan, Company H,
crossed over under a heavy fire to the assistance of the
troops attacked on the left. So did Lt. Cohen, Company C.
Lt. Hoke has shown great zeal, energy and judgment, as an
Engineer officer, on various occasions.
Corporal Geo. Williams, Company A,
Privates, Henry L. Wyatt, " "
" Thomas Fallan, " "
" John Thorpe, " "
13
Volunteered to burn the house which concealed the enemy.
They behaved with great gallantry. Wyatt was killed, and
the other three were recalled.
Sergeant Thomas J. Stewart, Company A, and private
Win. McDowell, Company A, reconnoitered the position of
the enemy, and went far in advance of our troops. Private
J. W. Potts, of Company B, is specially mentioned by his
company commander; so are—
Sergeant William Elmo, Company
C. L. Watts,
W. II. McDade, "
Sergeant J. M. Young, "
Corp'l John Dingier, "
Privates G. H. A. Adams, "
" R. V. Gudger, "
G. W. Werley,
" John C. Wright, "
" T. Y. Little, "
" J. E. Jenkins, "
" R. W. Stedman, "
" M. E. Dye, "
" H. E. Benton, "
" J. B. Smith, "
" G. W. Buhmann, "
" James C. McRae, "
Casualties.
Private Henry L. Wyatt, Company K, mortally wounded.
Lieut. J. W. Ratchford, contusion.
Pri. Council Rodgers, Company II, severely wounded.
" Charles Williams, " " "
Private S. Patterson, " D, slightly wounded.
" William White, " K, wounded.
" Peter Poteat, " G, slightly wounded.
I cannot close this too elaborate report, without speaking
in the highest terms of admiration of the ILcwitzer Battery
and its most accomplished Commander, Major Randolph. He
has no superior as an artillerist in any country, and his men
displayed the utmost skill and coolness. The left Howitzer,
C,
D,
D,
E,
F,
H,
14
under Lieut. Hudnall, being nearest my works, came under
my special notice. Their names are as follows:
Lieut. Hudnall, commanding, wounded,
Serg't S. B. Hughes,
G. H. Pendleton,
R. P. Pleasants,
Wm. M. Caldwell,
Geo. W. Hobson,
Wm. McCarthy,
H. C. Shook, wounded,
L. W. Timberlake,
Geo. P. Hughes,
Jno. Worth, wounded,
D. B. Clark.
Permit me, in conclusion, to pay a well-deserved compli-
ment to the i st Regiment N, C. Volunteers. Their patience,
under trial, perseverance, under toil, and courage under fire,
have seldom been surpassed by veteran troops. Often work-
v ing night and day—sometimes without tents and cooking
utensils—a murmur has never escaped them, to my knowl-
edge. They have done a large portion of the work on the
intrenchments at Yorktown, as well as those at Bethel. Had
all ot the Regiments in the field wmrked with the same spirit,
there would not be an assailable point in Virginia. After
the battle, they shook hands affectionately with the spades,
calling them " clever fellows and good friends."
The men are influenced by high, moral and religious sen-
timents, and their conduct has furnished another example of
the great truth, that he who fears God, will ever do his duty
to his country.
The Confederates had in all about 1,200 men in the ac-
tion. The enemy had the Regiments of Col. Huryea,
(Zouaves,) Col. Carr, Col. Allen, Col. Benedict, and Col.
Wardrop, (Massachusetts,) from Old Point Comfort, and five
Companies of Phelps' Regiment, from Newport News. We
had never more than 300 actively engaged at any one time.
The Confederate loss was 11 wounded; of these, one mor-
tally. The enemy must have lost some 300. I could not,
without great disparagement of their courage, place their
loss at a lower figure. It is inconceivable that 5,000 men
should make so precipitate a retreat, without having sus-
tained at least this much of a reverse.
15
Let us devotedly thank the living God for his wonderful
interposition in our favor, and evince our gratitude by the
exemplariness of our lives.
With great respect,
(Signed,) D. H. HILL,
Col. 1st lleg't N. C. Volunteers.
(Official:)
Jno. Withers,
AssH Adjutant GerCl.
A. & I. G. 0.,
March 31, '62,
16
REPORT OF LIEUT. COLONEL WM. D. STUART.
Headquarters Detachment, 3d Reg't., )
Virginia Volunteers, Yorktown, Va. £
Colonel John B. Magruder :
Sir : I have the honor to report that I took the position
assigned me, in the engagement of the 10th, to the right
and in front of the line-of-battle, and completed the slight
breastwork erected to protect the command, consisting of
three companies of my detachment, commanded by Capts.
Walker, Childrey and Charters, numbering, rank and file, 208
men. The enemy deployed as skirmishers in the orchard,
immediately in front and to our left, protected on the left by
several frame buildings and sheds; those in front were dis-
persed by a fire from the first platoon of Captain Walker's
company, but we were annoyed by the fire from behind the
buildings, and the battery in the road to our left, but under
cover of the breastworks, the men remained unhurt. After
the dispersion of the skirmishers, a column of about fifteen
hundred appeared in the road immediately in our front,
extending from the left to right, with a battery of artillery
in front, and advancing a line of skirmishers down the ravine
on my right, protected from both view and fire, which fact
was reported to me by scouts sent out for the purpose of ob-
serving their movements. The battery in front commenced
advancing on the left of the ravine and immediately in our
front. The battery supporting us on the left had been
silenced and withdrawn sometime before this. These facts
being communicated to you, in obedience to your orders, I
retired in order through the swamp to the 2d position assign-
ed me on the hill, on the left of the church. Here, one of
my companies was detached, and sent to the support of Capt.
Werth, another under Captain Walker was sent to Presson's,
near the Warwick and York Bridge. About this time, Capt.
Atkinson's company had arrived on the field, and with this
and a detachment of the Wythe Rifles, I re-crossed the
swamp, advanced and regained my former position. I was
T7
supported at this time by a portion of company G, of North
Carolina Rifles, and with their aid again drove off some skir-
mishers advancing through the orchard. The firing, how-
ever, after I regained my position, was irregular on the part
of the enemy, and I only permitted some few shots to be
fired at a prominent position of their column, and stragglers
skulking behind the fences, owing to the enemy being much
beyond rifle range.
Both officers and men under my command behaved with
the greatest coolness throughout the whole engagement and
none were injured.
(Signed,)
(Official,)
A. & I G.
2
18
REPORT OF MAJOR GEO. W. RANDOLPH.
Yorktown, June 12th, 1861.
Col. John B. Mao ruder,
Com'g the Division at Yorktown :
Colonel: I have the honor to report that in the action of
the 10th instant, the Howitzer Battalion, under my command,
fired eighteen (18) solid shot and eighty (80) shells, spheri-
cal case and canister, and was injured in the following par-
ticulars:
A. Lieutenant and two privates were wounded, (one se-
verely and two slightly,) five (5) horses and three (3) mules
were killed or disabled, the Parrott gun (iron rifled,) had its
linstock splintered, and a musket ball passed through the
felloe of the left wheel, a musket ball pierced the corner
plate and a partition of the limber chest of one of the howit-
zers and lodged against a shell ; two poles of caissons, one
set of swingle bars, one large pointing ring, a chain for a
rammer and several priming Avires were broken; and one of
the howitzers was spiked by the breaking of a priming wire
in its vent.
I have already made a requisition for ammunition enough
to fill all the chests of the battalion, and will submit as soon
as practicable requisitions for what ever else may be re-
quired.
As the position of the pieces was under your own observa-
vation, it is only necessary to state that the Parrott gun, and
one howitzer were posted in the battery immediately on the
iright of the road leading to Hampton; that a howitzer was
placed in the battery erected on the right beyond the ravine
through which a pass-way was made for the purpose of with-
■drawing the piece if necessary; a howitzer was posted near the
bridge ; the rifled howitzer was placed on the left of the road
behind the right of a redoubt erected by the North Carolina
Regiment; and a howitzer was posted in the rear of the road
leading from the half-way-house; a howitzer having been
19
previously sent to the half-way-house under the commmdof
Lieutenant Moseley.
Early in the action the howitzer in the battery on the
right having been spiked by the breaking of the priming
wire, was withdrawn from its position and the infantry sup-
porting it fell back upon the church, but it was subsequent-
ly replaced by the howitzer of Lieut. Moseley, which arri-
ved at a later period of the action.
The ford on the left being threatened, the howitzer at the
bridge was withdrawn and sent to that point, and the rifled
howitzer was withdrawn from the left of the road, and sent
to assist in the protection of the rear.
The same disposition was subsequently made of the howit-
zer at the main battery, situated immediately on the right of
the road.
The enemy came in sight on the road leading from Hamp-
ton a few minutes before 9 o'clock, A. M., and their advance
guard halted at a house on the road side about (600 yards)
in front of our main battery. Fire, however, was not opened
upon them for ten or fifteen minutes, when from the number
of bayonets visible in the road, we judged that a heavy col-
umn was within range.
The action then commenced by a shot from the Parrott
gun, aimed by myself, which struck the centre of the road a
short distance in front of their column and probably did good
execution in its ricochet. At no time could we seethe bodies
of the men in the column and our fire was directed by their
bayonets; their position being obscured by the shade of the
woods on their right and two small houses on their left, and
somewhat in advance of them. Our fire was immediately re-
turned by a battery near the head of their column, but con-
cealed by the woods and the houses so effectually that we
only ascertained its position by the flash of the pieces. The
fire was maintained on our side for sometime by the five
pieces posted in front of our position; but as already stated,
one of them being spiked and another withdrawn to protect
the ford early in the action, the fire was continued with
these pieces and at no time did we afterwards have more than
three pieces playing upon the enemy. The fire on our part
was deliberate and was suspended whenever masses of the
enemy were not within range, and the execution was good, ,
as I afterwards ascertained, by a personal inspection of the.
principal position of the enemy. The cannonade lasted with
intervals of suspension from a few minutes before 9 o'clock,.
20
A.'M., until 11-2 o'clock, P. M., and the fact that during
this time but ninety-eight (98) shot were fired by us, tends
to show that the firing was not too rapid.
The earth-works, thrown up by the battalion, were struck
several times by the common shot of the enemy, but no in-
jury was sustained. They fired upon us with shot, shell,
spherical case, canister and grape, from six and twelve
pounders, at a distance of about six hundred (600) yards,
but the only injury received fr m their artillery was the loss
of one mule.
We found in front of our main battery, in and near the
yard of the small house already mentioned, five killed and
one mortally wounded by the fire of our artillery. We
heard of two others killed at Cramdall's, about a mile from
us, and have reason to believe there were many others.
The injury done to our artillery was from the fire of mus-
ketry on our left flank. The ground on that side, between
us and the enemy, sinking down, so as to expose us over
the top of the breast-work, erected by the North Carolina
Regiment.
After some intermission of the assault in front, a heavy
column, apparently a reinforcement or reserve, made its ap-
pearance on the Hmpton Road, and pressed forward
towards the bridge, carrying the United States flag near the
head of the column. As the road had been clear for some
time, and our flanks and rear had been threatened, the how-
itzer in the main battery had been sent to the rear, and our
fire did not at first check them, I hurried a howitzer forward
from the rear, loaded it with canister, and prepared to sweep
the approach to the bridge; but the fire of the Parrott gun
again drove them back. The howitzer, brought from the half-
way house by Lieut. Moseley, arriving most opportunely, I
carried it to the battery on the right to replace the disabled '
piece. On getting there, I learned from the infantry that a
small house in front was occupied by sharp-shooters, and
saw the body of a Carolinian lying thirty yards in front of
the battery, who had been killed in a most gallant attempt
to burn the house.
I opened upon the house with shell, for the purpose of
burning it; and the battery of the enemy, in the Hampton
Road—being on a line with it—and, supposing probably
that the fire was at them, immediately returned it with solid
shot. This disclosed their position, and enabled me to fire
at the house and at their battery, at the same time. After
an exchange of five or six shots, a shell entered a window of
the house, increased the fire already kindled, until it soon
broke out into a light blaze, and, as I have reason to believe,
disabled one of* the enemy's pieces. This was the last shot
fired. They soon afterwards retreated, and we saw no more
of them.
The action disclosed some serious defects in our ammuni-
tion and equipment, for which I earnestly recommend an
immediate remedy. The shell of the Parrott gun have a
fixed wooden fuse, which cannot be extricated. The shortest
being cut for four seconds. The consequence was, that the
shells burst far in the rear of the enemy, and served merely
as solid shot. Had they been plugged and uncut fuses fur-
nished, I think that our fire would have been much more
effective. The power and precision of the piece, demonstra-
ted by the thirty rounds fired from it, render it very de-
suable that all of its advantages should be made available.
I therefore respectfully suggest that the shell be hereafter
furnished plugged, and the fuses left uncut.
It is reported to me that the Borman fuses, used by one
of the howitzers, were defective—the shells cut for five sec-
onds exploding as soon as those cut for two.
The caissons of the .Navy Howitzers were made by plac-
ing ammunition chests upon the running gear of common
wagons, and the play of the front axles is so limited, that
the caisson cannot be turned in the ordinary roads of this
part of the country ; and wherever the road is ditched, or
the woods impassable, it cannot be reversed. There is also
great danger of breaking the poles in turning the caissons
quickly, as was shown in the action of the 10th instant. I
am aware that the expedient of using wagon bodies was re-
sorted to in order to save time; but, as it might lead to
great disaster, I recommend that their places be supplied as
speedily as possible with those made in the usual way.
The small size of the limber of the howitzers, (Navy,)
renders it impossible to mount the men, and the pieces can-
not move faster than the cannoniers can walk. In a recent
skirmish with the enemy, in which we pursued them rapidly,
we could only carry two men; and having got far ahead of
the others, we had to unlimber and fire with only two can-
noniers at the piece. The piece having only two horses,
and the carriage being very light, it is hazardous to mount
any person on the limber.
I therefore recommend that four horses be furnished to
each Navy Howitzer—one for the chief, and the other three
for the men usually mounted on the limber.
We have succeeded, since the action, in unspiking the
howitzer disabled by the breaking of the priming wire, but
from the inferior metal used in making our priming wires,
we shall have to lay them aside altogether, and I must re-
quest that better ones be furnished. At present I can say
nothing more* of the conduct of the officers and men of the
battalion, than to express the high gratification afforded me
by their courage, coolness and precision, and to ask permis-
sion at a future time, to call your attention to individual
instances of gallantry and good conduct. I have requested
the commandants of companies to furnish me with the names
of such non-commissioned officers and privates as they think
especially worthy of notice.
I am happy at having an opportunity to render my ac-
knowledgments to Col. Hill, the Commandant of the North
Carolina Regiment, for the useful suggestions which his ex-
perience as an artillery officer enabled him to make to me
during the action, and to bear testimony to the gallantry
and discipline of that portion of his command with which I
was associated. The untiring industry of his Regiment in
intrenching our position, enabled us to defeat the enemy
with a nominal loss on our side.
I have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed,) GEORGE W. RANDOLPH,
Major Commanding the Howitzer Battalion.
(Official copy:)
Jno. Withers,
A. A. General„
A. & I. G. 0.,
March 31, '62.
23
REPORT OF MAJOR E. B. MONTAGUE.
On the morning of the 10th of June, my command re-
ported to Colonel Magruder at Bethel Church, according to
orders. At in the morning information was re-
eeived that the enemy in force were advancing upon us.
Col. M. immediately ordered me to throw up a redoubt front-
ing toward a ravine over which it was supposed the enemy
might attempt to turn our right flank. My men worked
well and had nearly finished the redoubt, when the first gun
from our batteries was fired, which took place at — o'clock,
A. M. The enemy returned the fire with spirit, and the
shells and shot flew thick and fast about my command, who
were in a peculiarly exposed condition, my redoubt flanking
towards and being nearly perpendicular to the points of
attack. Fortunately for my command, however, the major
part of the enemy's shot had sufficient elevation to passover
our heads, though many shell and solid shot fell within a few
feet of our redoubt, one ball passed under my horse between
his fore and hinder feet; several others passed within a few
feet of his head, and a few buried themselves in our breast-
work. Had the enemy's guns been slightly depressed he
must have raked my whole line with his enfilading fire. A
very short time after the firing commenced, I received an
order to direct one of my companies, the Chatham Grays,
under the command of Captain Worth, to defend a ford one
mile below the bridge against the first battalion of the New
York Zouave Regiment, and I saw no more of the company
until after the fight. About — minutes after the fight, and
after Lieut. Colonel Stuart had been compelled to fall back
across the ravine and occupy my redoubt, Col. Magruder or-
dered me to take my command about 11-4 miles around to
aid the Wythe Rifles, under the command of Lieut. Chis-
man, in guarding a marsh where he thought the enemy were
attempting to turn our left flank. I immediately carried
my command around to the point indicated at the double
quick, joined the rifles, and deployed my whole command as
skirmishers, over line of a quarter of a mile, under cover of
a dense foliage. We remained in this position until late in
the evening, when we were ordered back by Col. Magruder
to the church. The enemy did not attempt to cross our
line, and we remained quiet and inactive during the remain-
der of the fight. We had no killed or wounded. Every
man in my whole command, both officers and men were per-
fectly cool, calm and collected during the whole time which
we were exposed to the enfilading fire from the enemy's bat-
tery, and to the diagonal fire of musketry from his loft flank.
I have no hesitancy in expressing my gratification at the
manner in which my command, the Halifax Light Infantry,
Captain Grammer, the Chatham Grays, Captain Werth, and
the Old Dominion Rifles, Captain Dickinson, as well as the
detachment of the North Carolina Regiment, under my com-
mand, conducted themselves during the whole engagement.
Respectfully reported,
(Signed,) E. B. MONTAGUE,
Major Commanding Va. Battalion.
To Col. J. B. Magruder,
Commanding Division.
(Official,) John Withers,
A. A. General.
A. & I. G. 0., March 31, 1862.
REPORT OF CAPTAIN W. IT. WERTH.
Camp York town, June 13th, 1861.
To John B. Magruder,
Colonel Commanding Division :
I beg leave to make the following report of the movement
of the troops under my command at the battle of Bethel
Church, on the 10th instant.
By the order of E. B. Montague,' Major of the Virginia
Battalion at Bethel, my company, the Chatham Grays, was
placed in the redoubt to the rear of the church to defend the
right wing in case of a discomfiture. From this point, I
was detailed by your orders to take position at the ford on
the creek, about one mile below the bridge. I crossed my
command over the open field under a shower of shell and
canister, which the enemy poured into us from their battery,
but sustained no damage.
A portion of the 5th New York Zouave Regiment (3 com-
panies) was at this time advancing down the opposite bank
of the stream for the purpose of crossing the ford, and
thereby turn our left flank. I saw the movement, and at once
took double quick and made the distance of over a mile in
about nine minutes, beating the Zouaves and getting in po-
sition at the ford in time to cause them to halt. I obstructed
the ford in all conceivable ways, by felling trees, &c., and
then placed my first platoon on the north west side, under
cover of an old mill dam, whilst my second platoon I placed
in ambush on the opposite side, where the road leading to
the ford could have been raked for 400 yards with deadly
effect. At 10 o'clock and 10 minutes, one Naval Howitzer
with a detachment from the Howitzer Battalion reported to
me for duty. I at once placed the gun in a position 120 yards
up the creek from my infantry, where I had a beautiful range
for grape or canister on a spot in the road on the opposite
side of the stream, over which the enemy would of necessi-
ty pass in attempting the passage of the ford. From this
point I had the pleasure of getting one good shot at the ene-
26
my, which from the sudden rout of the party at which it was
aimed, must have done much damage. I also threw down all
the fences on either side of the creek, and cleared all the
undergrowth and large timber so that after the enemy had
passed the range of the howitzer from its first position, I
could limber up, and in two minutes have it in position to
deliver its fire between my two platoons, and immediately
upon the ford. At 10 to 11 A. M., the Southern Guard,
Captain , reported to me for duty. I at once join-
ed this command with my company, all entirely concealed
from the enemy. At a little past 11 o'clock, so completely
ambuscaded was my entire force, one of the enemy sent
down to examine the ford, come up to within 20 yards of
my position and did not suspect the presence of any force,
until I ordered him to ground arms, which he instantly did,
and I had the pleasure of taking him prisoner. He had a
fine Minnie musket, accoutrements, and 45 rounds of car-
tridges. I placed him under guard, and afterwards forward-
ed him to Headquarters. All the men under my command
displayed a wonderful degree of coolness for troops who had
never been under fire, and I am assured if we had been so
fortunate as to have been attacked by a force five times our
strength, that the command would have made a desperate re-
sistance.
At sun down I was ordered to withdraw.
This special report is rendered necessary by my being de-
tached from Major Montague's Battalion.
With high respect,
I am sir, yours, &c.,
W. H. WERTH,
Capf. Chatham Grays, Va. Vols.
(Official,) John Withers,
A. A, Gensral.
A. & I. G. 0., March 31, 1862.
6)
2 *
REPORT OF CAPT. W. IP. WERTII.
Headquarters, >
York town, June 12th, 1861. )
Col. J. B. Mao ruder.
Commanding Division:
Sir : I beg leave, very respectfully, to make the following
report of my scout:
On Sunday afternoon, the 9th of June, 1861, I procured
the corn and oats on the Back river road, as ordered, and
had the wagons returning to camp in two hours and a quar-
ter from the receipt of the order. I was then joined by one
company of North Carolina infantry, one piece of the how-
itzer battery, and a detachment of Capt. Douthatt's cavalry,
as I supposed, to assist me in making observations near
Hampton, on the Back river. I approached New Market
Bridge at 5 o'clock P. M., planted the howitzer so as to
sweep the bridge, deployed my infantry in open order, on
my right flank, in ambush, so that they could rake the road.
The cavalry I posted in the rear, and threw out videttes on
each of my flanks, to avoid a surprise. In this position, I
waited for the appearance of the enemy. I, of course, had
no idea of endangering my command by engaging the ene-
my, if in force. I was too weak. In a few moments alarm
guns-were fired by a chain of sentinels, extending from New
Market Bridge to Fortress Monroe. In a few "moments a
force advanced from Hampton, (supposed to be a battalion of
infantry, but marching in detached companies,) whilst, at
the same time, one or more companies approached by the
road leading from Newport News. These forces were each,
advancing upon New Market Bridge from opposite directions,
thinking I had crossed the bridge with my command. Upon
observing their approach with a glass, I quietly retired from
my position to a point in the rear, three-quarters of a mile.
The enemy approached the bridge, and when they suddenly
came in sight of each other, they (each mistaking the other
28
for me,) opened fire and kept it up for some five minutes be-
fore they discovered their error. I was sitting on my horse,
near the bridge, and saw the firing plainly with my glass,
but did not, at the time, know the cause, although I sus-
pected it. At dusk I took up the march for Bethel Church,
the enemy following me, and the next morning the fight
opened.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
W. II. WERTH.
One of the prisoners taken (since dead,) stated that, in
this brush, there were 6 killed and 13 wounded; and cor-
rob orated all the above statements of my report.
W. H. WERTH.
Official: John Withers
Assistant Adjutant- General.
A. & I. G. 0., March 31, 1862.
29
EE PORT OF GAPT. W. II. WERTH.
Gamp Yorktown, June 12th, 1861.
To Col. J. B. Magruder,
Commanding Division:
Sir : I beg leave to make the following report of a recon-
noisance, made by me, of the enemy's position at Newport
News, on Friday, 7th June, 1861 :
I had under my command 20 picked men and horses, from
the Old Dominion Dragoons, " together with two men from
my company." Capt. Philips accompanied me, as did Lieut.
Gary and Lieut. Harrison, the latter from the Charles City
cavalry. My object was to make a close examination of the
enemy's works at Newport News, which I knew would be of
service to you in your future movements. I did not start
with the intention of pressing my men into certain ruin by
an attack upon an overwhelming force, but simply to make
a reliable reconnoisance. At about 1 o'clock, I had ap-
proached the enemy's position to within two miles. I, Capt.
Philips, and two men, were in advance of the detachment
some 400 yards, whilst two men marched the same distance
in rear. At this juncture I saw a squad of eight men on
the bank of James river, and distant from me some distance,
probably a mile and a half. I examined them with my glass
and knew them to be soldiers. They immediately fled to-
wards their fortifications. I saw at once that, if I allowed
them to reach the works and give the alarm, that my whole
command might be cut off and my reconnoisance broken up,
so I at once ordered a forward movement at speed, so that I
might cut them off. Our advance party of five being better
mounted, and having so much the start, distanced the de-
tachment in running the two miles, and placed them proba-
bly 600 yards in the rear. When our little advance party
had ridden to within 700 yards of Newport News fortifica-
tions, I ordered Capt. Philips and the two men of the ad-
vance guard to change direction to the right, so that he
30
might get between the eight fugitives and the works, whilst
I continued my direct advance upon the works, thinking, if
Capt. Philips failed to intercept these men, that I should
certainly meet them. After I had approached the fortifica-
tions of the enemy to within 400 yards, I turned to the right,
(the James river side,) to head the eight men. I had gone
in this direction probably two or three hundred yards, W'hen
suddenly I came up to within fifty yards of a party of the
enemy, engaged in cutting wood. I was then entirely alone.
I halted and hid myself behind a thicket, only twenty yards
from the party. Here I remained long enough to count the
number of men. distinguish the officers, &c. In about three
minutes the eight men (whom Capt. Philips had failed to in-
tercept,) raised the alarm in the Massachusetts regiment,
(which was encamped outside of the works, and not more
than 160 yards from the spot where I stood,) and I at once
saw that I must do quickly whatever I intended doing, so I
reined my horse back and walked him out into the clearing,
in plain view of the whole party, and not more than twenty
paces from them, picked out the commissioned officer and
shot him dead in his tracks. The whole party then yelled
" look out, look out for the d d Virginia horsemen, they
are down upon us," &c., and at once threw down everything
they had, and commenced a retreat at a double quick. I put
the spurs to my horse and rode into them at full speed, (giv-
ing, at the same time, a loud walla-walla war-whoop,) and
then delivered my second shot, which brought another man
(a private) dead to the ground. (I shot the first one through
the heart, and the last one under the right shoulder-blade.)
My horse by this time became totally unmanageable, and my
third fire missed its aim but killed a sorrel mule. I fired
only these three shots. The party consisted of twenty-seven
privates of infantry, two privates of artillery, one commis-
sioned officer and one non-commissioned officer of infantry—
in all thirty-one. Their uniform corresponded with mine—
gray cloth with black trimming. Capt. Philips and his
pa.rtv of two men had been joined, in the meantime, by the
main party, and I soon crossed over to them. We then gal-
loped after the retreating enemy, but saw one or two com-
panies from the regiment running to the rescue, which in-
duced me to apprehend an attack. In this I was mistaken,
for, instead of the party of thirty-one rallying in the two
companies, the two companies partook of the panic, and
rushed back towards the fortifications, yelling " Virginia
31
horsemen" as long as I staid to hear them. The party of
thirty-one had their arms stacked against a tree, whilst four
of them were on guard with their muskets. I cannot say
whether the guard fired or not, I did not pay much attention
to them. The two companies which came to the rescue had
their muskets, hut forgot to fire. On the left wing of the
encampment there was a field battery of two brass 12-
pounders, unlimbered, which were not over 150 or 160
yards from us, but the gunners had abandoned the battery.
If I had not been so entirely at the mercy of the guns of
the fortifications at Newport News, (only about 600 yards
off',) I should certainly have burnt the whole encampment,
for it is my firm impression the whole regiment ran into the
works and abandoned everything.
Capt Philips, I must say, proved, upon this occasion,
that he was a man of consummate coolness and bravery, and
his men are of that kind of metal which can be relied upon
under any and all circumstances. Lieuts. Gary and Harri-
son were prepared for anything, and, I am convinced, would
( have followed to any place where their horses could have
leaped.
In making the approach, I went by New Market Bridge
and St. Clair's steam mill, but, upon returning, I took a newr
road through the woods, fearing the troops from Hampton
had formed an ambuscade for my reception. I returned to
Bethel by 6 o'clock without damage, and then joined my
command, on Pocosin river.
I am, sir, yours respectfully,
W. li. WERTH,
Captain Chatham, Grays, Fa. Vols.
Official: John Withers,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
A. & I. G. 0., March 31, 1862.