CHAP.XIII.] BURNING OF HAMPTON, VA.

Numbers 2. Report of Colonel John W. Phelps, First Vermont Infantry.

CAMP BUTLER, Newport News, Va., August 11, 1861.

SIR: Scouts from this post represent the enemy as having retired. they came to New Market Bridge on Wednesday, and left the next day. They-the enemy-talked of having 9,000 men. They were recalled by dispatches from Richmond. They had twenty pieces of artillery, among which was the Richmond Howitzer Battery, manned by negroes. Their wagons numbered sixty. Such is the information which our scouts gained from the people living on the ground where the enemy encamped. Their numbers are probably overrated; but with regard to their artillery, and its being manned in part by negroes, I think the report is probably correct. If they did have 9,000 men, and have thus withdrawn, without effecting any other object than the burning of Hampton, their retiring may be looked upon as nearly allied to a defeat; for the barbarous fierceness of spirit which they have exhibited in the destruction of Hampton, one of the oldest towns of Virginia, and which connects her history with a glorious past, cannot fail to injure their cause. It is an act which must inevitably meet with disapproval in all parts of the country, unless, indeed, the sentiments of liberality and generosity which are naturally inculcated by our free institutions have become wholly extinguished.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. PHELPS, Colonel, Commanding.

Lieutenant CHARLES C. CHURCHILL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Monroe, Va.

Numbers 3. Reports of Brigadier General John B. Magruder, C. S. Army.

HEADQUARTERS, Williamsburg, Va., August 2 [?], 1861.

SIR: As soon as I heard of the battle of Manassas I sent a force, under Colonel Johnston (cavalry), of 2,000 men, to make a demonstration in the immediate vicinity of Fort Monroe and Newport News. On the appearance of this force Hampton was set on fire and evacuated, and the troops, or a greater portion of them, were transferred to Newport News. The bridge over Hampton Creek, which the enemy had just rebuilt, was broken down by them to prevent pursuit. I had Newport News thoroughly and closely examined, and think there are probably 5,000 or 6,000 troops still there. It is naturally very strong; is now defended with a great many cannon, some of the heavies caliber, besides a war steamer at the wharf and a very large on at the point of Newport News. The Vandalia is lying broadside with the only open field of approach for a storming party. In any approach, this party would receive a fire of guns and musketry from the ships and one from the work, crossing each other at right angles, and sweeping the approach. The enemy keeps strictly within his works. In our last encounter with him two of his officers were killed within a short distance