HDQRS. SEVENTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS,
Camp Butler, Newport News, Va., July 15, 1861.
SIR: I herewith submit the following reports from Captains Anselm, Brestel, and Baecht:
On the 12th instant First Lieut. Oscar von Heringen, accompanied by Ensign Fred Mosebach, of Company E, Seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V., left the camp with twenty-two men of said company to get wood; but, overstepping his instructions, he went near the encampment of the enemy, was taken by surprise, and made prisoner. Lieutenant von Heringen took with him a horse belonging to Adjutant Schaffner, and a saddle belonging to Dr. Schenk, now visiting the camp. The horse is reported killed and the saddle taken by the enemy. Captain Brestel reports that on Friday morning last (the 12th instant) one corporal and sixteen privates of his company, E—[an evident omission here occurs in the original]. The men belonging to my company (except four, who are missing) have returned, and report that they were surprised by the enemy and routed. Captain Baecht reports that Nicholas Dorring accompanied Lieutenant von Heringen on the 12th instant without permission from his captain.
Respectfully, yours,
LOUIS SCHAFFNER,
Adjutant.
Col. JOHN E. BENDIX.
[Endorsement.]
CAMP BUTLER, NEWPORT NEWS, VA., July 17, 1861.
Respectfully forwarded.
J. W. PHELPS,
Colonel, Commanding.
This report shows that these men were lost from disobedience to orders. The place of surprise was at least nine miles from camp at Newport News, while the wood for which the party was sent was within a short distance. If the officers in command had returned, they would have been subject to punishment for disobedience to orders. As it is, their insubordination has brought with it their own punishment. The regret is that innocent men should suffer for their wrong. Colonel Bendix will see to it that no such occurrence shall again take place from his command. The general is informed that this party was sent out without leave of Colonel Phelps, commandant of post.
BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major-General, Commanding.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 