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Big Bethel
Battle Name : Big Bethel
Date(s) : 10 June 1861
Part of : American Civil War , Eastern Theatre, 1861 ,
Outcome : A victory for American Confederate Forces over American Union Forces
Type of battle : Land
Summary
At Big Bethel, near Fortress Monroe, Maj Gen Ben Butler with 7 Union regiments attacked one of J.B. Magruder's outposts on the James peninsula. It was held by just 1,400 Confederates but Union confusion and rebel artillery blunted the attack and drove Butlers troops back. The casualty rate of 76 Union to 8 Confederate went some way to supporting the southern assertion that 1 true rebel was worth 10 'Yankees Hirelings'.
