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have been wished, it must be remembered to what a terrible ordeal they were subjected; still, those that behaved discreditably were exceptional cases. It is true that the division, after being nearly surrounded by the enemy, and losing one-third of the number actually engaged, retreated to the second line; they would all have been prisoners of war had they delayed their retreat a few minutes longer."

the loved ones you have left at home. You are fighting for all that is dearest to men, and though opposed to a foe who disregards many of the usages of civilized warfare, your humanity to the wounded and the prisoners was the fit and crowning glory to your valor. Defenders of a just cause, may God have you in his holy keeping!"

The address of General McClellan to his troops from his camp near New On the 2d of June, the day after this Bridge ran thus: "Soldiers of the army conflict, two important bulletins were is- of the Potomac : I have fulfilled at least sued, one addressed by President Jeffer- a part of my promise to you. You are son Davis to" the army of Richmond," the now face to face with the rebels, who are other by Gen. McClellan to "the army of held at bay in front of the capital. The the Potomac." The former had most to final and decisive battle is at hand. Unsay of the present; both looked to the less you belie your past history the result continuance of the contest in battles as se- cannot be for a moment doubtful. If the vere in the future. "I render to you troops who labored so faithfully, and my grateful acknowledgments," said Jef- fought so gallantly, at Yorktown, and ferson Davis, "for the gallantry and who so bravely won the hard fights at good conduct you displayed in the battles Williamsburg, West Point, Hanover of the 31st May and 1st inst., and with Court House, and Fair Oaks, now prove pride and pleasure recognize the steadi-worthy of their antecedents, the victory ness and intrepidity with which you at tacked the enemy in position, captured his advanced entrenchments, several batteries of artillery, and many standards, and everywhere drove them from the open field. At a part of your operations it was my fortune to be present. On no other occasion have I witnessed more of calmness and good order than you exhibited while advancing into the very jaws of death, and nothing could exceed the prowess with which you closed upon the enemy when a sheet of fire was blazing in your faces. In the renewed struggle in which you are on the eve of engaging, I ask, and can desire, but a continuance of the same conduct which now attracts the admiration and pride of

is surely ours. The events of every day prove your superiority. Wherever you have met the enemy you have beaten him. Wherever you have used the bayonet he has given way in panic and disorder. I ask of you now one last crowning effort. The enemy has staked his all on the issue of the coming battle. Let us meet him and crush him here, in the very centre of the rebellion. Soldiers, I will be with you in this battle, and share. its dangers with you. Our confidence in each other is now founded upon the past. Let us strike the blow which is to restore peace and union to this distracted land. Upon your valor, discipline, and mutua' confidence the result depends."

CHAPTER LXXI.

THE SEVEN DAYS BATTLES BEFORE RICHMOND AND RETREAT FROM THE PENINSULA, JUNE-AUGUST, 1862.

FROM the glowing address to his army with which the last chapter concludes, and from the tenor of a letter written by him the same day-that following the battle of Fair Oaks-to the Secretary of War, it would appear that General McClellan meditated an immediate movement upon the enemy. "I only wait," he wrote, "for the river to fall, to cross with the rest of the force, and make a general attack. Should I find them holding firm in a very strong position, I may wait for what troops I can bring up from Fortress Monroe. But the morale of my troops is now such that I can venture much. I do not fear for odds against me. The victory is complete, and all credit is due to the gallantry of our officers and men." The condition of the ground, however, and the state of water in the Chickahominy, remained such, as in the judgment of the commander, to render the projected forward movement, for the time, impossible, and the month of June was mainly passed in preparations for an advance, which, at the close, by the superiority of the enemy, was suddenly changed into a precipitate retreat. This was emphatically the season of trial to the army of the Potomac. The victory of Fair Oaks left the several corps on the right bank of the Chickahominy, in possession of the battle field, with their pickets, as before, within five miles of Richmond; and the natural difficulties of the position remained the same. The ground was impassable for artillery, the slender communications with the right wing had to be repaired and increased in the building of bridges; encampments and entrenchments had to be formed in the swampy

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woods, which were flooded by frequent rains, while the midsummer sun-never more severe than at times in this region-inflamed the pestilent influences of crowded camps and noxious marshes into active and virulent diseases. Thousands of strong men, during these operations of the "siege of Richmond," slowly sickened of fever, and died in the swamps of the Chickahominy, a name which grew to the country a terrible word of fear, synonymous with suffering in its most aggravated forms. The enemy, meanwhile, encouraged by the brilliant successes of Jackson in his dash through the valley, and by the heroism of their divisions at Seven Pines, were greatly strengthening their forces in and about Richmond, under the skillful leadership of General Robert E. Lee, who had succeeded General Johnston in command of the Confederate army.

By an order of the War Department on the 2d of June, the Department of Virginia extended to include that part of the State south of the Rappahannock and east of the railroad from Fredericksburg to Richmond, Petersburg, and Weldon, was assigned to General McClellan. This brought Fortress Monroe under his authority, and a change of officers at that point, General Dix succeeding to General Wool, who was appointed to the command of the Middle Department, with his headquarters at Baltimore. General McClellan had thus an additional force of several thousand troops immediately at his disposal, and was still further strengthened, in the following fortnight, by the arrival of General McCall's division, about 11,000 in number, detached from the command of General McDowell,

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Washington being again relieved of its fears of capture by the retreat up the valley of "Stonewall" Jackson.

It was about this time that the army on the Peninsula was startled by a brilliant cavalry raid of the enemy, which, in a three days' adventure, from the 13th to the 15th of June, swept the whole circuit of the Union lines in the rear of the camps, from the outposts of the right wing, toward Hanover Court House, across the railway, and by the lower course of the Chickahominy back to Richmond, inflicting considerable damage in the destruction of stores, and in several encounters laying bare the weakness of the communications of McClellan's army with its base at York river. As this was, up to this time, one of the most daring exploits of the war, and became the model of others of equal and greater temerity and success, undertaken on both sides, the reader may be interested in the particular narrative of the affair presented in the official report of General J. E. B. Stuart, the eminent cavalry officer to whom the conduct of the expedition was assigned by General Lee.

"In compliance," he writes to General Lee, "with your written instructions, I undertook an expedition to the vicinity of the enemy's lines on the Pamunkey, with about twelve hundred cavalry and a section of the Stuart horse artillery. The cavalry was composed of portions of the 1st, 4th, and 9th Virginia cavalry, the second named having no field officer present, was, for the time being, divided between the first and last mentioned, commanded, respectively, by Colonel Fitz. Lee and Colonel W. H. Fitzhugh Lee, also two squadrons of the Jeff. Davis Legion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel W. T. Martin; the section of artillery being commanded by First Lieutenant James Breathed. Although the expedition was prosecuted further than was at first contemplated in your instructions, I feel assured that the considerations which actuated me will convince

you that I did not depart from their spirit, and that the boldness developed in the subsequent direction of the march. was the quintessence of prudence. The destination of the expedition was kept a profound secret (so essential to success), and was known to my command only as the actual march developed it.

"The force was quietly concentrated beyond the Chickahominy, near Kirby's Station, on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac railroad, and moved thence parallel to and to the left of that road. Scouts were kept far to the right to ascertain the enemy's whereabouts, and advanced guard flankers, and rear guard, to secure our column against surprise. I purposely directed my first day's march (Thursday, June 12), so as to favor the idea of reinforcing Jackson, and camped just opposite Hanover Court House, near Southana bridge (R., F. and P. railroad), twenty-two miles from Richmond. Our noiseless bivouac was broken early next morning, and without flag or bugle sound we resumed our march, none but one knew whither. I, however, immediately took occasion to make known my instructions and plans confidently to the regimental commanders, so as to secure an intelligent action and coöperation in whatever might occur. Scouts had returned, indicating no serious obstacles to my march from that to Old Church, directly in rear of, and on the overland avenue of communication to New Bridge and vicinity. I proceeded, therefore, via Hanover Court House, upon the route to Old Church. Upon reaching the vicinity of Hanover Court House, I found it in possession of the enemy; but very little could be ascertained about the strength and nature of his force. I, therefore, sent Colonel Fitz. Lee's regiment, 1st Virginia cavalry, to make a detour to the right, and reach the enemy's route behind him, to ascertain his force here, and crush it, if possible; but the enemy proving afterward to be one hundred and fifty cavalry, did

STUART'S CAVALRY RAID ON THE PENINSULA.

491

not tarry long, but left-my column fol- who brings on the field the last cavalry lowing slowly down, expecting every reserve wins the day. The next squadmoment to hurl him upon Lee; but, ow- ron, therefore, moved to the front under ing to a bad marsh, Colonel Lee did not the lamented Captain Latane, making a reach the intersection of roads in time, most brilliant and successful charge, with and the cavalry (the regular 6th) passed drawn sabres, upon the picket guard, on in the direction of Mechanicsville. and after a hotly-contested hand-to-hand This course deviating too much from our conflict, put him to flight; but not till direction, after the capture of a sergeant the gallant captain had sealed his devothey were allowed to proceed on their tion to his native soil with his blood. way. Our march led thence by Talia- The enemy's rout (two squadrons by one ferro's mill and Edon church to Haw's of ours), was complete; they dispersed shop; here we encountered the first in terror and confusion, leaving many pickets, surprised and caught several dead on the field, and blood in quantities videttes, and pushed boldly forward, in their tracks. Their commander, Capkeeping advanced guard well to the front. tain Royall, was reported mortally The regiment in front was the 9th Vir- wounded. Several officers, and a numginia cavalry, Colonel W. H. F. Lee, ber of privates, were taken in this conwhose advance guard, intrusted to the flict, and a number of horses, arms, and command of Adjutant Lieutenant Rodins, equipment, together with five guidons. did admirable service-Lieutenant Ro- The woods and fields were full of the dins handling it in the most skillful man-scattered and disorganized foe, straggling ner, managing to clear the way for the to and fro, and but for the delay, and the march with little delay, and infusing, by a sudden dash at a picket, such a wholesome terror, that it never paused to take a second look. Between Haws' shop and Old Church the advanced guard reported the enemy's cavalry in force in front. It proved to be the 5th regular cavalry (formerly the 2d, commanded by yourself). The leading squadron was ordered forward at a brisk gait, the main body following closely, and gave chase to the enemy for a mile or two, but did not come up to him. We crossed the Tolopotomy, a strong position of defence which the enemy failed to hold, confessing a weakness. In such places half a squadron was deployed afoot as skirmishers till the point of danger was passed. On, on dashed Rodins, here skirting a field, there leaping a fence or ditch, and cleaning the woods beyond, when, not far from Old Church, the enemy made a stand, having been reinforced. The only mode of attack being in column of fours along the road, I still preferred to oppose the enemy with one squadron at a time, remembering that he

great incumbrance which they would
have been to our march, many more
could and would have been captured.
Colonel Fitz. Lee, burning with impa-
tience to cross sabres with his old regi-
ment, galloped to the front, and begged
to be allowed to participate with his regi-
ment, the 1st Virginia cavalry, in the
discomfiture of his old comrades-a re-
quest I readily granted-and his leading
squadron pushed gallantly down the road
to Old Church; but the fragments of
Royall's command could not be rallied
again, and Colonel Lee's leading squad-
ron charged, without resistance, into the
enemy's camp (five companies), and took
possession of a number of horses, a quan-
tity of arms and stores of every kind,
and several officers and privates. The
stores, as well as the tents, in which
everything had been left, were speedily
burned, and the
the march resumed-
whither?

"Here was the turning point in the expedition. Two routes were before me : the one to return by Hanover Court House, the other to pass around through

New Kent, taking the chances of having head steadily toward Tunstall's Station. to swim the Chickahominy, and make a There was something sublime in the imbold effort to cut the enemy's lines of plicit confidence and unquestioning trust communication. The Chickahominy was of the rank and file in a leader guiding believed by my guides to be fordable them straight, apparently, into the very near Forge Bridge. I was fourteen miles jaws of the enemy; every step appearfrom Hanover Court House, which I ing to them to diminish the faintest hope would have to pass if I returned; the of extrication. Reports of the enemy's enemy had a much shorter distance to strength at Garlick's and Tunstall's were pass to intercept me there; besides, the conflicting, but generally indicated a South Anna river was impassable, which small number. Prisoners were captured still further narrowed the chances of es- at every step, and included officers, solcape in that direction; the enemy, too, diers, and negroes. The rear now bewould naturally expect me to take that came of as much interest and importance route. These circumstances led me to as the front, but the duties of rear guard look with more favor to my favorite devolving upon the Jeff. Davis Legion, scheme, disclosed to you before starting, with the howitzer attached, its conduct of passing around. It was only nine was intrusted to its commander, Lieutenmiles to Tunstall's Station, on the York ant-Colonel Martin, in whose judgment river railroad, and that point once and skill I had entire confidence. He passed, I felt little apprehension; be- was not attacked, but at one time the enyond, the route was one, of all others, emy appeared in his rear, bearing a flag which I felt sure the enemy would never of truce, and the party, twenty-five in expect me to take. On that side of the number, bearing it, actually surrendered Chickahominy infantry could not reach to his rear guard, so great was the conme before crossing, and I felt able to sternation produced by our march. An whip any cavalry force that could be assistant-surgeon was also taken; he was brought against me. Once on the Charles en route, and not in charge of the sick. City side, I knew you would, when Upon arriving opposite Garlick's I oraware of my position, if necessary, order dered a squadron from the 9th Virginia a diversion in my favor on the Charles cavalry to destroy whatever could be City road, to prevent a move to inter- found at the landing on the Pamunkey. cept me from the direction of White Oak Two transports, loaded with stores, and Swamp. Beside this, the hope of strik- a large number of wagon, were here ing a serious blow at a boastful and inso- burnt, and the squadron rejoined the lent foe, which would make him tremble column with a number of prisoners, in his shoes, made more agreeable the horses, and mules. A squadron of the alternative I chose. In a brief and frank 1st Virginia cavalry (Hammond's) asinterview with some of my officers, I dis-sisted in this destruction. A few picked closed my views, but while none accorded a full assent, all assured me a hearty support in whatever I did. With an abiding trust in God, and with such guarantees of success as the two Lees and Martin, and their devoted followers, this enterprise I regarded as most promising. Taking care, therefore, more particularly after this resolve, to inquire of the citizens the distance and the route to Hanover Court House, I kept my horse's

men, including my aids, Burke, Farley, and Mosley, were pushed forward rapidly to Tunstall's, to cut the wires and secure the depot. Five companies of cavalry, escorting large wagon trains, were in sight, and seemed at first disposed to dispute our progress, but the sight of our column, led by Lee, of the 9th, boldly advancing to the combat was enough. Content with a distant view, they fled, leaving their train in our hands. The

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