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and he knows that, if an army is lost, it cannot be replaced. No! there may be some persons whose good opinion of me will make them attach some weight to my views; and if you ever hear that said of General Lee, I beg you will contradict it in my name. I have known General Lee for five-and-twenty years; he is cautious; he ought to be. But he is not slow.' Lee is a phenomenon. He is the only man whom I would follow blindfold!"

Such was the man who now took command of the Confederate forces, and prepared to play the great game against McClellan. To assail the Federal forces to advantage, it was obviously the best policy to strike at one of their flanks, and crush that wing before the other could cross the Chickahominy and come to its support. General Stuart suggested an attack upon the Federal left flank, which, in the event of his defeat, would have prevented his retreat to his gunboats on James River; but General Lee decided, finally, upon assailing his right wing, beyond the Chickahominy, and outflanking his right at the same moment, if the fortifications in that direction were such as to encourage the latter movement.

To ascertain the character of these defences on the enemy's right flank, and obtain information as to his strength and position, General J. E. B. Stuart was directed to make a reconnoissance with cavalry in that direction, and proceed, if possible, as far as Old Church, when his further movements would be regulated by circumstances. This officer, whom we have met with in the Valley, had now been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and had become the chief cavalry leader of the war. His operations in front of the enemy, toward Arlington Heights, and afterwards in covering the rear of the Army of the Potomac as General Johnston fell back from Centreville, had gained for him a high reputation, and this had been increased by operations in the Peninsula. His regiment had grown into a brigade, with such accomplished regimental commanders as Colonel Fitz Lee, Colonel Martin, Colonel W. H. F. Lee, and others; and with

about 1,500 men, General Stuart set out about the middle of June on his reconnoissance.

TheRide around McClellan" was long remembered, not only by those who took part in it, but by the entire people, who were delighted with its audacity and pleased with the annoyance which it caused the enemy. Stuart passed through Hanover Court-House, driving away a picket force; charged and routed a squadron under Captain Royal, near Old Church, burned their camp and several transports on the Pamunkey, destroyed large wagon-trains, captured many 'prisoners, and, having marched entirely around General McClellan's army, built a bridge over the swollen current of the Chickahominy, far below, and safely crossed into Charles City, just as the Federal cavalry and artillery thundered down upon his rear. This expedition at a moment so important, excited general attention, and the Emperor Napoleon is said to have traced out Stuart's route upon the map with deep interest, but the information obtained was more important than the applause of citizens or soldiers. Stuart had completely succeeded in his object. The discovery had been made that the Tottapotamoi, a stream running across the Federal right flank, was wholly undefended, a movement in that direction entirely practicable, and a blow at General McClellan's rear, from the quarter of Cold Harbor, almost certain to prove fatal, if accompanied by an assault in front.

The result of this reconnoissance decided General Lee, if his resolution was not already taken; and General Jackson was promptly directed to move his corps to the Chickahominy, for an attack on the enemy in flank and reverse near Cold Harbor.

We have seen how he came at the summons, and on the 25th of June reached Ashland, about sixteen miles from Richmond.

CHAPTER III.

COLD HARBOR.

ON the morning of the 26th of June, the great drama commenced. For seven long days and nights its tragic scenes were to be unfolded on the banks of the Chickahominy. For weeks, the sluggish waters had stolen away between the rush-clad margins, and no sound but the melancholy cry of the whip-poor-will, or the hum of the Federal camps, had disturbed the sultry nights of June. Now the dreary silence had given way to the uproar of battle. In the midst of dust, and smoke, and blood, the cries of the wounded, and the groans of the dying, with the thunder and lightning of artillery and small-arms, mingled in one great diabolical solo, the days were to dawn, reach their noon, and sink into the black and woeful night, in whose sombre depths were buried so many hopeless moans of anguish and despair.

When the movement of General Lee commenced, the divisions of Magruder and Huger, supported by those of Longstreet and D. H. Hill, were in front of the powerful Federal works on the York River Railroad and Williamsburg road, directly east of the city. The division of A. P. Hill extended from Magruder's left, up the southern bank of the Chickahominy, Branch's brigade occupying the point where the Brooke turnpike intersects the stream. Jackson, with his own, Ewell's, and Whiting's divisions, was on the march from Ashland, steadily sweeping down to his appointed work.

General Lee's plan possessed the simplicity of genius. Before any movement could be made against the Federal forces beyond the Chickahominy, it was necessary to carry their powerful advanced positions at Mechanicsville, and on Beaver-Dam Creek just below, so as to uncover the Mechanicsville bridge. These works Lee determined to turn with the column of Jackson, while A. P. Hill assailed them in front. Hill was ac

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