Hello Trevor
Your GG Grandfather would be Basil i guess?

The US 3RD Artillery article i already have,thanks, but you are right it is interesting. Unfotunately it does'nt tell me enough about Col. Gates after the disaster!

However! You might look at the New York Times Archives for info. There is masses of it and it takes some sorting through.
Alternatively look at Harpers New Monthly Magazine Volume 8 issue 45 Pages 404/405 Published Feb 1854. in the Cornell University Library, http://cdl.library.cornell.edu
I hope that is the correct address!

Thanks again and Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings...Jimbo