1861 June 10 Bethel Church

Headquarters Camp Bethel

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 f our troops, all of whom did their duty nobly, and
whilst it might appear invidious to speak particularly f 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 Captain Brown had replaced and
put in position another piece, and then defended it with his
infantry in the most gallant manner. Col. Hill's 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,
Phillips and Jones, of the cavalry performed the duties of
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 rreported to me,
that I will take occasion to mention in a subsequent commu-
nication. At present, I expect another attack, and have no
time.

I am extremely indebted to the two brothers, Robert H.
and Wm. R. Vaughan, 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 bewtow com-
missions, as they are desirous of entering the regular ser-
vice.

In the hurry of this communicatin I may have omitted
to mention many gallant men.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obd't serv't
(signed) J. Bankhead 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 1200 men.
Enemy--3,500 with 18 and 24 pound guns besides light
guns.
(signed) J.B. M.

A1862 .C48 L4 Mar. 31