HEADQUARTERS BETHEL CHURCH, June 10, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that we were attacked by about 3,500 troops of the Federal Army, with several pieces of heavy artillery, firing grape shot, this morning at 10 o’clock, and at 12 1/2 routed them completely, with considerable loss on their side. The prisoners report their force to be 5,000. It was certainly 3,500. Ours about 1,200 engaged; 1,400 in all.
Mr. George A. Magruder, jr., a volunteer aide, who is as conspicuous for his gallantry as for his efficiency, will deliver this in person.
Thirty-five hundred men are on my right flank; 10,000 on my left. Please send re-enforcements immediately. Yorktown and Williambsburg, in my rear, have troops quite insufficient in number to defend them.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER,
Colonel, Commanding Hampton Division.
Hon. L.P. WALKER, Secretary of War.
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 