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thus far all goes well. We hold every foot we have gained. If we succeed in what we have undertaken, it will be a very important advantage gained. Loss not large thus far. The fighting up to this time has been done by General Hooker's division, which has behaved as usual, that is most splendidly.

“Ou our right, Porter has silenced the enemy's batteries in his front.

"G. B. MCCLELLAN,

“Major General Comď'g.

"HION. E. M. STANTON,
"Secretary of War."

"REDOUBT No. 3, June 25, 1862--5 p.m. "The affair is over, and we have gained our point fully, and with but little loss, notwith-standing the strong opposition. Our men have done all that could be desired. The affair was partially decided by two guns that Capt. DeRussy brought gallantly into action under very difficult circumstances. The enemy was driven from the camps in front of this place, and is now quiet.

“GEO. B. MCCLELLAN,

“Major General

"HON. E. M. STANTON,
"Secretary of War."

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The report of the chief of the secret service corps, herewith forwarded, and dated 26th June, shows the estimated strength of the enemy, at the time of the evacuation of Yorktown, to have Leen from 100,000 0 120,000. The same report puts his numbers on the 26th of June, at about 180,000, and the specific information obtained regarding their organization, warrants the belief that this estimate does not exceed his actual strength.

It will be observed that the evidence con

tained in the report, shows the following organfantry and cavalry, including the forces of izations, viz:-two hundred regiments of inJackson and Ewell, just arrived; eight battalions of independent troops; five battalions of artillery; twelve companies of infantry and independent cavalry, besides forty-six compa nies of artillery; amounting in all, to from forty to fifty brigades. There were, undoubtComd'g."edly, many others whose designations we did not

Also, on the same day, the following:

“HEADQUARTERS, Army of the Potomac, "Camp Lincoln, June 25, 1862-6.15 p.m. "I have just returned from the field, and found your dispatch in regard to Jackson.

"Several contrabands just in, give informamation confirming supposition, that Jackson's advance is at or near Hanover Court House, and that Beauregard arrived, with strong reinforce ments, in Richmond yesterday.

I incline to think, that Jackson will attack my right and rear. The rebel force is stated at (200,000) two hundred thousand, including Jackson and Beauregard. I shall have to contend against vastly superior odds if these reports be true. But this army will do all in the power of men, to hold their position and repulse any attack.

"I regret my great inferiority in numbers, but feel that I am in no way responsible for it, as I have not failed to represent, repeatedly, the necessity of reinforcements, that this was the decisive point, and that all the available means of the government, should be concentrated here. I will do all that a General can do, with the splendid army I have the honor to command, and if it is destroyed by overwhelming numbers, can at least die with it, and share its fate.

"But if the result of the action, which will probably occur to-morrow, or within a short time, is a disaster, the responsibility can not be thrown on my shoulders, it must rest where it belongs. Since I commenced this, I have received additional intelligence confirming the supposition in regard to Jackson's movements, and Beauregard's arrival. I shall probably be attacked to-morrow, and now go to the other side of the Chickahominy, to arrange for the de

learn. The report also shows that numerous and heavy earth-works had been completed for the defence of Richmond, and that in thirty-six of these, were mounted some two hundred guns.

On the 26th, the day upon which I had decided as the time for our final advance, the enemy attacked our right in strong force, and turned my attention to the protection of our communications, and depots of supply.

The event was a bitter confirmation of the military judgment, which had been reiterated to my superiors from the inception, and through the progress of the Peninsular campaign. I notified the Secretary of War in the following despatch:

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "Camp Lincoln, June 26, 1862-12 M. "I have just heard that our advance cavalrypickets, on the left bank of the Chickahominy, are being driven in; it is, probably, Jackson's advanced guard. If this be true, you may not hear from me for some days, as my communica haps, a difficult one, but I shall resort to despertions will probably be cut off. The case is, perate measures, and will do my best to out-manot believe reports of disaster, and do not be noeuver, outwit, and outfight the enemy. tions are cut off, and even Yorktown in possesdiscouraged, if you learn that my communicasion of the enemy. Hope for the best, and I will not deceive the hopes you formerly placed in me. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, 66 Major General.

"EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War."

Do

"HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "Camp Lincoln, June 26, 1862–2.30 P. M. "Your 'ispatch and that of the President received. Jackson is driving in my pickets, &c., on other side of the Chickahominy. It is impossible to tell where reinforcements ought to

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HON. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War."

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General Seymour's brigades of Gencral McCall's division (Pennsylvania reserves) were moved from Gaines's farm to a position on the Beaver dam creek; General Meade being held in reserve in front of Gaines' farm. One regiment and a battery were thrown forward to the heights overlooking Mechanicsville, and a line of pickets extended along the Chickahominy river, between the Mechanicsville and Meadow bridges.

As has already been stated, I received, while

On the same day I received the following de engaged on the 25th, in directing the operations spatches from the Secretary of War:

"WASHINGTON, June 25, 1862-11.20 p. m. "Your telegram of (6.15) has just been received. The circumstances that have hitherto rendered it impossible for the government to send you any more reinforcements than has been done, have been so distinctly stated to you, by the President, that it is needless for me to repeat them.

1

"Every effort has been made by the President and myself to strengthen you. King's division has reached Falmouth. Shield's division and Rickett's division are at Manassas. The President designs to send a part of that force to aid you as speedily as it can be done.

4. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. "Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN."

of Heintzelman's corps, information which strengthened my suspicions that Jackson was advancing with a large force upon our right and rear. On this day, General Casey, at the White House, was instructed to prepare for a vigorous resistance, and defensive works were ordered at Tunstall's station. Early on the 25th, General Porter was instructed to send out reconnoitering parties towards Hanover Court House to discover the position and force of the enemy, and to destroy the bridges on the Tolopotamy as far as possible.

The

Up to the 26th of June, the operations against Richmond had been conducted along the roads leading to it from the east and north-east. reasons which compelled the choice of this line of approach and our continuance upon it have been alluded to above.

My Own opinion

The superiority of the James river route, as a line of attack and supply, is too obvious to needed exposition. on that subject had been early given, and need not be repeated here. The dissipation of all hope of the co-operation by land of General McDowell's forces, deemed to be occupied in the defence of Washington, their inability to hold or defeat Jackson, disclosed an opportunity to the enemy, and a new danger to my right, and to the long line of supplies from the White mediate change of base across the Peninsula. House to the Chickahominy, and forced an imHouse to the Chickahominy, and forced an imTo that end, from the evening of the 26th, eveSuch a change

WASHINGTON, June 26, 1862,-6 p. m. "Arrangements are being made rapidly as possible to send you five thousand (5000) men as fast as they can be brought from Manassas to Alexandria, and embarked, which can be done sooner than to wait for transportation at Fredericksburg. They will be followed by more if needed. McDowell, Banks and Fremont's force will be consolidated as the army of Virginia, and will operate promptly in your aid by land. Nothing will be spared to sustain you, and I have undoubting faith in your success. Keep me advised fully of your condi-ry energy of the army was bent.

tion.

"EDWIN M. STANTON, "Secretary of War. "Major General G. B MCCLELLAN."

But 5000 of the reinforcements spoken of in these communications came to the army of the Potomac, and these reached us at Harrison's bar after the seven days.

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In anticipation of a speedy advance on Richmond, to provide for the contingency of our communications with the depot at the White House being severed by the enemy, and at the same time to be prepared for a change of the base of our operations to James river, if circumstances should render it advisable, I had made arrangements more than a week previous (on the 18th) to have transports with supplies of provisions and forage, under a convoy of gun-boats, sent up James river. They reached Harrison's landing in time to be available for the army on its arrival at that point. Events soon proved this change of base to be, thongh most fazardous and difficult, the only prudent

course.

In order to relieve the troops of the 6th corps on the 19th of June, General Reynolds and

of base, in the presence of a powerful enemy,
is one of the most difficult undertakings in war,
but I was confident in the valor and discipline
of my brave army, and knew that it could be¬
trusted equally to retreat or advance, and to
now inevitable,
fight the series of battles
whether retreating from victories, or marching
through defeats; and, in short, I had no doubt
whatever of its ability, even against superior
numbers, to fight its way through to the James,
and get a position whence a successful advance:
upon Richmond would be again possible.
Their superb condut through the next seven
days justified my faith.

On the same day, (26th), General Van Vliet, chief quartermaster of the army of the Potomac, by my orders telegraphed to Colonel Ingalls, quartermaster at the White House, as follows: Run the cars to the last moment, and load them with provisions and ammunition. Load every wagon you have with subsistence, and send them to Savage's station by way of Bottom's bridge. If you are obliged to abandon White House, burn everything that you cannot get off. You must throw all our supplies up the James river as soon as possible, and accompany them yourself with all your force.

It will be of vast importance to establish our depots on James river without delay, if we abandon White House. I will keep you advised of every movement so long as the wires work; after that, you must exercise your own judgment."

All these commands were obeyed. So excellent were the dispositions of the different officers in command of the troops, depots and gun-boats, and so timely the warning of the approach of the enemy, that almost everything was saved, and but a small amount of stores destroyed, to prevent their falling into the

hands of the enemy.

General Stoneman's communications with the main army being cut off, he fell upon the White House, and thence to Yorktown when the White House was evacuated.

General Reynolds- After a severe struggle he was forced to retire, with heavy loss.

A rapid artillery fire, with desultory skirmishing, was maintained along the whole front, while the enemy massed his troops for another effort at the lower road, about two hours later, which was likewise repulsed by General Seymour, with heavy slaughter. The firing ceased and the enemy retired about 9 P. M., the action having lasted about six hours, with entire success to our arms. engaged on this day; the portion of the enemy But few, if any, of Jackson's troops were encountered were chiefly from the troops on the right bank of the river, who crossed near Meadow bridge and at Mechanicsville. The information is my possession soon after the close of this action convinced me that Jackson was really approaching in large force. The position on On the 26th orders were sent to all the corps Beaver Dam creek, although so successfully decommanders on the right bank of the Chicka- fended, had its right flank too much in the air, hominy to be prepared to send as many troops and was too far from the main army, to make it as they could spare on the following day to the advisable to retain it longer. I therefore deterleft bank of the river, as will be seen from the mined to send the heavy guns at Hogan's and appended telegrams. General Franklin re- Gaines's houses over the Chickahominy, during ceived instructions to hold General Slocum's the night, with as many of the wagons of the 5th division in readiness by daybreak of the 27th, corps as possible, and to withdraw the corps itand if heavy firing should at that time be beard self to a position stretching around the bridges, in the direction of General Porter, to move where its flanks would be reasonably secure, it at once to his assistance without further and it would be within supporting distance of At noon, on the 26th, the approach of the the main army. General Porter carried out my enemy, who had crossed above Meadow bridge, orders to that effect. It was not advisable, at was discovered by the advanced pickets at that that time, even had it been practicable, to withpoint, and at 12.30 P. M. they were attacked draw the 5th corps to the right bank of the and driven in. All the pickets were now called Chickahominy. Such a movement would have in, and the regiment and battery at Mechanics-exposed the rear of the army, placed us between two fires, and enabled Jackson's fresh troops to Meade's brigade was ordered up as a reserve interrupt the movement to James river, by crossin the rear of the line, and shortly after Maring the Chickahominy in the vicinity of Jones tindale's and Griffin's brigades, of Morell's divi- bridge, before we could reach Malvern hill with our trains. I determined, then, to resist Jackson sion, were moved forward, and deployed on the right of McCall's division, towards Shady

orders.

ville withdrawn.

Grove church to cover that flank. Neither of

these three brigades, however, were warmly engaged, though two of Griffin's regiments relieved a portion of Reynolds's line just at the close of the action.

The position of our troops was a strong one, extending along the left bank of Beaver Dam greek, the left resting on the Chickahominy, and the right in thick woods beyond the upper road from Mechanicsville to Coal barbor. The lower, or river road crossed the creek at Ellison's milk, Seymour's brigade held the left of the lipe from the Chickalominy to beyond the mill, partly in woods and partly in cleared ground, and Reynolds the right, principally in the woods covering the upper road. The artillery occupied positions commanding the roads and the ppen ground across the creek.

ShTimber had been felled, rifle-pits dug, and the position generally prepared with a care that greatly contributed to the success of the day. The passage of the creek was difficult along our whole front, and impracticable for artillery, except by the two roads, where the main efforts of the enemy were directed.

At 3 P. M. he formed his line of battle, rapidly advanced his skirmishers, and soon attacked 'our whole line, making at the same time a detérmined attempt to force the passage of the upper road, which was successfully terised by

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with the 5th corps, reinforced by all our dispos able troops, in the new position, near the bridge heads, in order to cover the withdrawal of the trains and heavy guns, and to give time for the arrangements to secure the adoption of the James river as our line of supplies, in lieu of the Pamunkey. The greater part of the heavy guns and wagons having been removed to the right bank of the Chickahominy, the delicate operation of withdrawing the troops from Beaver Dam creek, was commenced shortly before daylight, and successfully executed.

Meade's and Griffin's brigades were the first to leave the ground. Seymour's brigade covered the rear with the horse batteries of Captains Robertson and Tidball; but the withdrawal was so skillful and so gradual, and the repulse of the preceding day so complete, that, although the enemy followed the retreat closely, and some skirmishing occurred, he did not appear in front of the new line in force till about noon of the 27th, when we were prepared to receive him.

About this time General Porter, beleiving that General Stoneman would be cut off from him, sent him orders to fall back on the White House, and afterwards rejoin the army as best he could.

On the morning of the 27th of June, during the withdrawal of his troops from Mechanicsville to the selected position already mentioned, General Porter telegraphed as follows:

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I hope to do without aid, though I request, so severe, and the enemy were so greatly supethat Franklin or some other command be held rior in numbers, that the entire second line and ready to reinforce me. The enemy are so close | reserves had been moved forward to sustain the that I expect to be hard pressed in front. first line against repeated and desperate assaults hope to have a portion in position to cover the along the whole front. retreat. This is a delicate movement, but, relying on the good qualities of the commanders of divisions and brigades, I expect to get back and hold the new line."

This shows how closely Porter's retreat was followed.

Notwithstanding all the efforts used during the entire night to remove the heavy guns and wagons, some of the seige guns were still in position at Gaines's house after sunrise, and were finally hauled off by hand. The new position of the 5th corps was about an are of a circle, covering the approaches to the bridges which connected our right wing with the troops on the opposite side of the river.

At 8,30 Slocum's division reached the field, and was immediately brought into action at the weak points of our line.

On the left the contest was for the strip of woods running almost at right angles to the Chickahominy in front of Adam's house, or between that and Gaines's house. The enemy several times changed up to this wood, but were each time driven back with heavy loss. The regulars of Sykes's division on the right also repulsed sevel strong attacks.

But our own less, under the tremendous fire of such greetly superior numbers, was very severe, and the troops, most of whom had been under arms more than two days, were rapidly becoming exhausted by the masses of flesh men castantly brought against diem.

When General Sleerm's divi-ion arrived on

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Morell's division held the left of the line, in a strip of woods on the left bank of the Gaines's mill stream, resting its left flank on the descent the ground, it neversed. General Porter's force to the Chickahominy, which was swept by our to some $5,000, who were, jacobably, contending artillery on both sides of the river, and extending against about 70,000 of the # V. The line into open ground on the right, towards New uus severely pressed in seve, points, and, as 1 Coal harbor. In this line General Butterfield's, its being pierced it may would have been brigade held the extreme left, General Martin total, it was avont ble : C'eneral Porter, dale's joined his right, and General Griffia's still who was ret hed to hold his position until further to the right, joined the left of General night, to divide bloccar's division, and send Sykes's division, which, partly in woods and parts of it, even single regiments, to the points partly in open ground, extending in rear of Coalmost threatened. About P. M., General PorIter having reported 13s po-ition es critical, Peach's and Meagher's Haizedes, of Richardso i's division (2d corps), were ordered to cross to his support. The enemy attacked again, in great force, at 6 v. m., but £iled to break our lines, though our loss was very heavy.

harbor.

Each brigade had in reserve two of its own regiments; Me all's division, having been engaged on the day before, was formed in a second line in rear of the first; Meade's brigade on the left, near the Chickahominy; Reynolds's brigade on the right, covering the approaches from About 7 r. M. they they fresh troops against Coal harbor and Despatch station to Summer's General Porter with sil greater fury, and bridge, and Seymour's in reserve to the second ally gained the woods held by our left. This line still further in rear. General P. St. G. reverse, aided by the cenfasion that followed Cooke, with five companies of the 5th regularan successful charge by five companies of the cavalry, two squadrons of the 1st regular caval-heavalry, and followed, as it was, by more ry, and three squadrons of the 1st Pennsylvania determined assaults on the remainder of our cavalry (lancers), were posted behind a hill in ; hues, now out-flanked, caused a general retreat rear of the position, and near the Chickahominy, from our position to the hill in rear, overlookto aid in watching the left flank and defending ing the bridge. the slope to the river.

The troops were all in position by noon, with the artillery on the commanding ground, and

in the intervals between the divisions and brigades. Besides the division batteries, there were Robertson's and Tidball's horse batteries •tillery reserve; the latter posted on ! Sykes's division, and the former on eft of the line, in the valley of the

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Frencle's and Meagher's brigades now appearcd, driving before them the stragglers, who were thronging towards the bridge.

These brigades advanced boldly to the front, faci bearing, reanimated our own troops, and and by their example, as well as by the steadiness of w?, ned the enemy that reinforcements had arrived. It was now dusk. The enemy, already entsed several times with terrible slaughter, and hearing the shouts of the fresh troops, failed Her boon the ehen were discovered to follow up their advantage. This gave an opforce, wed it soon became exi- ; crmity to rally our men behind the brigades ntire puetion was to be attacked. or Generals French and Meagher, and they Ally, and soon the lasin marched up the hill. ready to repulse bele frout. At 2 and her a tack. During the night, our thinned einforcements. ; and exhausted regiments were all withdrawn in ps was ordered safety, and by the following morning, all had ver by Alexan- reached the other side of the stream. support. la infauny formed the rear guard, and about pinforcements, | 6 o'clock, où the morning of the 28th crossed ench me, nor the river, destroying the bridge behind them. gh the san- of- ! Our loss in this battle, in killed, wounded led become | and missing, was very heavy, especially in of

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ficers, many of whom were killed, wounded or taken prisoners, while gallantly leading on their men, or rallying them to renewed exertions. It is impossible to arrive at the exact numbers lost in this desperate engagement, owing to the series of battles which followed each other in quick succession, and in which the whole army was engaged. No general returns were made, until after we had arrived at Harrison's landing, when the losses for the whole seven days were estimated together.

Although we were finally forced from our first line, after the enemy had been repeatedly driven back, yet the objects sought for had been attained. The enemy was held at bay, our seige guns and materiel were saved, and the right wing had now joined the main body of the army.

The number of guns captured by the enemy at this battle was 22, three of which were lost by being run run off the bridge during the final withdrawal.

Great credit is due for the efficiency and bravery with which this arm of the service (the artillery) was fought, and it was not until the last successful charge of the enemy, that the cannoneers were driven from their pieces, or struck down, and the guns captured. Diedrich's, Knieriem's, and Grimmis's batteries took position, during the engagement, in the front of General Smith's line, on the right bank of the ́stream, and with a battery of seige guns, served by the first Connecticut artillery, helped to drive back the enemy in front of General

Porter.

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We are replying with artillery and infantry.
Sharp musketry firing in front of Burns.
The man on the look-out reports some troops

drawn up in line of battle about opposite my
right and Smith's left; the number cannot be

made out."

So threatening were the movements of the en-drawn
emy, on both banks of the Chickahominy, that
it was impossible to decide, until the afternoon,
where the real attack would be made. Large
forces of infantry were seen during the day,
near the old tavern, on Franklin's right, and
threatening demonstrations were frequently
made along the entire line, on this side of the
river, which rendered it necessary to hold a
considerable force in position to meet them.
On the 26th a circular was sent to the corps
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commanders on the right bank of the river, ask-
ing the bow many of their troops could be
spared to reinforce General Porter, after retain-
ing sufficient to hold their positions for twenty-
four hours.

To this the following replies were received:
HEADQUARTERS, 3D CORPS,
6 June 26-4 p. m.
"Ink I can hold the intrenchments with
des for twenty-four hours.

four would on the 80 ti

be in

of an

Tais 25th # in lar Kranke

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That two brigades disposable for service side of the river. but the men are worn out that I fear they would not ition to fight after making a march

auce.

"S. P. HEINTZELMAN,
Brigadier General.

R. B. MARCY.”
from General Heintzelman on the
24h had indicated that the enemy was
ce in front of Generals Hooker and

In accordance with orders given on the night of the 26th, General Slocum's division commenced crossing the river to support General Porter, soon after daybreak on the morning of the 27th; but, as the firing in front of General Porter ceased, the movement was suspended. At 2 P. M., General Porter called for reinforceI ordered them at once, and at 3.25 ments. P. M., sent him the following:

"Slocum is now crossing Alexander's bridge with his whole command. Enemy has commenced an infantry attack on Smith's left. I have ordered down Sumner's and Heintzelman's reserves, and you can count on the whole of Slocum's. Go on as you have begun.”

During the day the following despeches were received, which will show the coudition of affairs on the right back of the Chickaliominy :

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“June 27, 1862. "General Smith thinks the enemy a massing heavy columns in the clearings to the right of James Garnett's house, and on the other side of the river opposite it. Three reported to be moving from Sumperto Saith's front. The arrangements are very gond--inade • W. B. FRANKLIN, Brindy General.

the Charles City road (Longstreet, by Smith. Hager, and General Heintzelman expressedl the opinion on the night of the 25th that he e uld not bold his advanced position ¡“ Colonel A. V. COLBUEN, without renforcements.

* Assistant Adintan Gem val

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