CHAP.XIII.] RECONNAISSANCE FROM CAMP HAMILTON, VA.

written orders given Colonel Levy, the officer in charge of the expedition, will be furnished.*

I have the honor, sir, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

JANUARY 3, 1862.-Reconnaissance from Camp Hamilton to Big Bethel, Va.

Report of Colonel Max Weber, Twentieth New York Infantry.

HEADQUARTERS, Camp Hamilton, Va., January 5, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report: According to your order I undertook a reconnaissance towards Big Bethel Friday, January 3, to ascertain whether the enemy still occupied or had evacuated said position. I started from Camp Hamilton at 9 a. m. with the Union Coast Guard, under command of Colonel D. W. Wardrop; six companies of the Twentieth Regiment New York Volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Weiss, and three companies of the Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Spear, and reached Little Bethel at 10 p. m. Leaving four companies at the most important positions to cover our retreat, I assigned the principal task to the cavalry, for the purpose of attaining my object by surprising the enemy, who had thus far never seen any cavalry on our side. I therefore marched within 2 miles of Big Bethel and took position with the infantry to cover the retreat of the cavalry. I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Spear to advance cautiously; to charge and secure the pickets which he might fall in with; to proceed as near as possible to the entrenchments, until he should meet a superior force or receive a round of artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Spear executed this order most satisfactorily. Within a short mile of Big Bethel he met the first mounted picket and attacked it forthwith. Upon discharging their pieces they took to flight, likewise the second picket. Lieutenant-Colonel Spear pursued them within the entrenchments, and from there observed the enemy in full run on the road to Yorktown. The enemy being in advantage with their fresh horses, Lieutenant-Colonel Spear discontinued the pursuit.

The entrenchments, which are of inferior strength, comprise the surface of half a mile. They are qualified to quarter 2,000 or 3,000 men, and can mount about eight or ten cannon. Preparations for winter quarters half finished and timber block-houses and a quantity of boards were found within the entrenchments.

After a short stay I ordered the cavalry to return, and marched back to Camp Hamilton, where we arrived at 6 p. m., all well. The object of the reconnaissance met with perfect success. It is ascertained that the enemy has evacuated Big Bethel, and is most likely concentrated in full force at Yorktown.

All the farm-houses and barns on the road to Big Bethel were found burned down and destroyed. The whole country presents a sad picture of desolation.

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

MAX WEBER, Colonel, Commanding Camp Hamilton, Va.

Major-General WOOL, Commanding Department of Virginia.

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*Not found.

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