than a retreat, as I had no other data than the telegrams just given, from which to form an opinion as to the intentions of the government. The following telegram strengthened me in that belief: 'General Pope again telegraphs that the enemy is reported to be evacuating Richmond, and falling back on Danville and Lynchburg. "Maj. Gen. G. B. MCCLELLAN." "H. W. HALLECK, "Major General. In occupying Coggin's point, as already described, I was influenced by the necessity of possessing a secure debouche on the south of the James, in order to enable me to move on the communications of Richmond in that direction, as well as to prevent a repetition of midnight cannonades. To carry out General Halleck's first order, of July 30, it was necessary first to gain possession of Malvern hill, which was occupied by the enemy, apparently in some little force, and controlled the direct approach to Richmond. Its temporary occupation, at least, was equally necessary in the event of a movement upon Petersburg, or even the abandonment of the Peninsula. General Hooker, with his own division, and Pleasonton's cavalry, was therefore directed to gain possession of Malvern hill on the night of the 2d of August. He failed to do so, as the following despatch recites: "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 66 p. m. "The movement undertaken up the river last night failed on account of the incompetency of guides. "The proper steps have been taken to-day to remedy this evil, and I hope to be ready to-morrow night to carry out your suggestions as to pressing, at least to accomplish the first indispensable step. On the 4th General Hooker was re-enforced by General Sedgwick's division, and having obtained a knowledge of the roads, he succeeded in turning Malvern hill, and driving the enemy back towards Richmond. The following is my report of this affair at the time: 66 MALVERN HILL, August 5, 1862—1 p. m. "General Hooker, at 5.30 this morning, attacked a very considerable force of infantry and artillery stationed at this place, and carried it handsomely, driving the enemy towards Newmarket, which is four miles distant, and where it is said they have a large force. We have captured 100 prisoners, killed and wounded several, with a loss on our part of only three killed and eleven wounded; among the latter, two officers. "I shall probably remain here to-night, ready to act as circumstances may require, after the return of my cavalry reconnoissances. 66 "The mass of the enemy escaped under the cover of a dense fog; but our cavalry are still in pursuit, and I trust may succeed in capturing many more. This is a very advantageous position to cover an advance on Richmond, and only 14 miles distant; and I feel confident that with re-enforcements I would march this army there in five days. 66 I this instant learn that several brigades of the enemy are four miles from here on the Quaker road, and I have taken steps to prepare to meet them. "General Hooker's dispositions were admirable, and his officers and men displayed their usual gallantry. "Major General H. W. HALLECK, 66 GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, "Major General, Commanding. "Commanding United States Army." 66 MALVERN HILL, August 5, 1862–8 p. m. "Since my last despatch Colonel Averill has returned from a reconnoissance, in the direction of Savage's station, towards Richmond. He encountered the 18th Virginia cavalry near White Oak swamp bridge, charged and drove them some distance towards Richmond, capturing 28 men and horses, killing and wounding several. "Our troops have advanced (12) twelve miles in one direction, and (17) seventeen in another, towards Richmond to-day. "We have secured a strong position at Coggin's point, opposite our quartermaster's depot, which will effectually prevent the rebels from using artillery hereafter against our camps. I learn this evening that there is a force of 20,000 men about six miles back from this point, on the south bank of the river. What their object is I do not know, but will keep a sharp lookout on their movements. "I am sending off sick as rapidly as our transports will take them. I am also doing everything in my power to carry out your orders, to push reconnoissances towards the rebel capital, and hope soon to find out whether the reports regarding the abandonment of that place are true. To the despatch of 1 p. m., August 5, the following answer was received: "You will immediately send a regiment of cavalry and several batteries of artillery to Burnside's command at Aquia ereek. It is reported that Jackson is moving north with a very large force. 66 Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." 66 'H. W. HALLECK, On the 4th I had received General Halleck's order of the 3d, (which appears below,) directing me to withdraw the army to Aquia, and on the same day sent an earnest protest against it. A few hours before this, General Hooker had informed me that his cavalry pickets reported large bodies of the enemy advancing and driving them in, and that he would probably be attacked at daybreak. Under these circumstances I had determined to support him; but as I could not get the whole army in position until the next afternoon, I concluded, upon the receipt of the above telegram from the general-in-chief, to withdraw General Hooker, that there might be the least possible delay in conforming to General Halleck's orders. I therefore sent to General Hooker the following letter: "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "MY DEAR GENERAL: I find it will not be possible to get the whole army into position before some time to-morrow afternoon, which will be too late to support you, and hold the entire position, should the enemy attack in large force at daybreak, which there is strong reasons to suppose he intends doing. "Should we fight a general battle at Malvern, it will be necessary to abandon the whole of our works here, and run the risk of getting back here. "Under advices I have received from Washington, I think it necessary for you to abandon the position to night, getting everything away before daylight. "Please leave cavalry pickets at Malvern, with orders to destroy the Turkey creek bridge when they are forced back. "The roads leading into Haxall's from the right should be strongly watched, and Haxall's at least held by strong cavalry force and some light batteries as long as possible. 66 I leave the manner of the withdrawal entirely to your discretion. "Please signal to the fleet when the withdrawal is about completed. "Report frequently to these headquarters. "General Sumner was ordered up to support you, but will halt where this passes him, and will inform you where he is. "General J. HOOKER, "GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, "Commanding at Malvern Hill." And the following reply was sent to General Halleck : 66 "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "Berkeley, August 6, 1862-11.30 p. m. "Despatch of to-day received. I have not quite (4,000) four thousand cavalry for duty in cavalry division, so that I cannot possibly spare any more. I really need many more than I now have to carry out your instructions. "The enemy are moving a large force on Malvern hill. In view of your despatches, and the fact that I cannot place the whole army in position before daybreak, I have ordered Hooker to withdraw during the night if it is possible; if he cannot do so, I must support him. "Until this matter is developed I cannot send any batteries; I hope I can do so to-morrow if transportation is on hand. "I will obey the order as soon as circumstances permit. My artillery is none too numerous now. I have only been able to send off some (1,200) twelve hundred sick. No transportation. There shall be no delay that I can avoid. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Major General, Commanding. 66 Commanding U. S. Army." 66 Five batteries, with their horses and equipments complete, were embarked on the 7th and 8th, simultaneously with General Hooker's operations upon Mal vern. I despatched a calvary force under Colonel Averill towards Savage's station, to ascertain if the enemy were making any movements towards our right flank. He found a rebel cavalry regiment near the White Oak swamp bridge, and completely routed it, pursuing well towards Savage's station. These important preliminary operations assisted my preparations for the removal of the army to Aquia creek; and the sending off our sick and supplies was pushed both day and night as rapidly as the means of transportation permitted. On the subject of the withdrawal of the army from Harrison's landing, the following correspondence passed between the general-in-chief and myself, while the reconnoissances towards Richmond were in progress. On the 2d of August I received the following: "WASHINGTON, August 2, 1862—3.45 p. m. "You have not answered my telegram of July 30, 8 p. m., about the removal of your sick. Remove them as rapidly as possible, and telegraph me when they will be out of your way. The President wishes an answer as early as possible. "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "Your telegram of (2) second is received. 30) was sent this morning. "We have about (12,500) twelve thousand five hundred sick, of whom perhaps (4,000) four thousand might make easy marches. We have here the means to transport (1,200) twelve hundred, and will embark to-morrow that number of the worst cases, with all the means at the disposal of the medical director; the remainder could be shipped in from (7) seven to (10) ten days. 'It is impossible for me to decide what cases to send off, unless I know what s to be done with this army. "Were the disastrous measures of a retreat adopted, all the sick who cannot march and fight should be despatched by water. "Should the army advance, many of the sick could be of service at the depots. If it is to remain here any length of time, the question assumes still a different phase. "Until I am informed what is to be done, I cannot act understandingly or for the good of the service. If I am kept longer in ignorance of what is to be effected, I cannot be expected to accomplish the object in view. "In the mean time I will do all in my power to carry out what I conceive to be your wishes. "Major General H. W. HALLeck, 66 "GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, "Major General, Commanding. Commanding United States Army, Washington, D. C." The moment I received the instructions for removing the sick, I at once gave the necessary directions for carrying them out. With the small amount of transportation at hand, the removal of the severe cases alone would necessarily take several days, and, in the mean time, I desired information to determine what I should do with the others. The order required me to send them away as quickly as possible, and to notify the general-in-chief when they were removed. Previous to the receipt of the despatch of the 2d of August, not having been advised of what the army under my command was expected to do, or which it was to move, if it moved at all, I sent the following despatch: way "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "I hear of sea steamers at Fort Monroe; are they for removing my sick? If so, to what extent am I required to go in sending them off? There are not many who need go. "As I am not in any way informed of the intentions of the government in regard to this army, I am unable to judge what proportion of the sick should leave here, and must ask for specific orders. If the army was to retreat to Fort Monroe, it was important that it should be unencumbered with any sick, wounded, or other men who might at all interfere with its mobility; but if the object was to operate directly on Richmond, from the position we then occupied, there were many cases of slight sickness which would speedily be cured, and the patients returned to duty. As the service of every man would be important in the event of a forward offensive movement, I considered it to be of the utmost consequence that I should know what was to be done. It was to ascertain this that I sent the despatch of 11 p. m. on the 3d, before receiving the following telegram: 66 WASHINGTON, August 3, 1862—7.45 p. m. I have waited most anxiously to learn the result of your forced reconnoissance towards Richmond, and also whether all your sick have been sent away, and I can get no answer to my telegram. 66 'It is determined to withdraw your army from the Peninsula to Aquia creek. You will take immediate measures to effect this, covering the movement the best you can. Its real object and withdrawal should be concealed even from your own officers. "Your material and transportation should be removed first. You will assume control of all the means of transportation within your reach, and apply to the naval forces for all the assistance they can render you. You will consult freely with the commander of these forces. The entire execution of the movement is left to your discretion and judgment. "You will leave such forces as you may deem proper at Fort Monroe, Norfolk, and other places, which we must occupy. 46 "H. W. HALLECK, “Major General, Commanding United States Army. 'Major General GEO. B. MCCLellan." I proceeded to obey this order with all possible rapidity, firmly impressed, however, with the conviction that the withdrawal of the army of the Potomac from Harrison's landing, where its communications had by the co-operation of the gunboats been rendered perfectly secure, would, at that time, have the most disastrous effect upon our cause. I did not, as the commander of that army, allow the occasion to pass without distinctly setting forth my views upon the subject to the authorities in the folowing telegram : |