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U. S. CIVIL WAR
PHOTOGRAPHS
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REPORTS OF GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE
(PAGE 2 OF 5)
Source: O.R.-- Series I--Volume XI/2 (With Editing - Ed)
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BATTLE OF THE CHICKAHOMINY.
After repairing the bridges over Beaver Dam the several columns resumed their
march as nearly as possible as prescribed in the order; Jackson, with whom
D. H. Hill had united, bore to the left, in order to cut off re-enforcements to
the enemy or intercept his retreat in that direction. Longstreet and A. P. Hill
moved nearer the Chickahominy. Many prisoners were taken in their progress, and
the conflagration of wagons and stores marked the way of the retreating army.
Longstreet and Hill reached the vicinity of New Bridge about noon. It
was ascertained that the enemy had taken a position behind Powhite Creek,
prepared to dispute our progress. He occupied a range of hills, with his right
resting in the vicinity of McGehee's house and his left near that of Dr. Gaines,
on a wooded bluff, which rose abruptly from a deep ravine. The ravine was filled
with sharpshooters, to whom its banks gave protection. A second line of infantry
was stationed on the side of the hill behind a breastwork of trees above the first;
a third occupied the crest, strengthened with rifle trenches and crowned with
artillery. The approach to this position was over an open plain, about a quarter
of a mile wide, commanded by this triple line of fire and swept by the heavy
batteries south of the Chickahominy. In front of his center and right the ground
was generally open, bounded on the side of our approach by a wood, with dense
and tangled undergrowth, and traversed by a sluggish stream, which converted the
soil into a deep morass. The woods on the farther side of the swamp were occupied
by sharpshooters, and trees had been felled to increase the difficulty of its
passage and detain our advancing columns under the fire of infantry massed on
the slopes of the opposite hills and of the batteries on their crests. Pressing
on toward the York River Railroad, A. P. Hill, who was in advance, reached the
vicinity of New Cold Harbor about 2 p.m., where he encountered the enemy. He
immediately formed his line nearly parallel to the road leading from that place
toward McGehee's house, and soon became hotly engaged. The arrival of Jackson
on our left was momentarily expected, and it was supposed that his approach
would cause the extension of the enemy's line in that direction. Under this
impression Longstreet was held back until this movement should commence. The
principal part of the Federal Army was now on the north side of the Chickahominy.
Hill's single division met this large force with the impetuous courage for which
that officer and his troops are distinguished. They drove the enemy back and
assailed him in his strong position on the ridge. The battle raged fiercely and
with varying fortune more than two hours. Three regiments pierced the enemy's
line and forced their way to the crest of the hill on his left, but were compelled
to fall back before overwhelming numbers. The superior force of the enemy, assisted
by the fire of his batteries south of the Chickahominy, which played incessantly
on our columns as they pressed through the difficulties that obstructed their way,
caused them to recoil. Though most of the men had never been under fire until the
day before, they were rallied and in turn repelled the advance of the enemy. Some
brigades were broken, others stubbornly maintained their positional but it became
apparent that the enemy was gradually gaining ground.
The attack on our left being delayed by the length of Jackson's march and the
obstacles he encountered, Longstreet was ordered to make a diversion in Hill's
favor by a feint on the enemy's left. In making this demonstration the great
strength of the position already described was discovered, and General Longstreet
perceived that to render the diversion effectual the feint must be converted
into an attack. He resolved with characteristic promptness to carry the heights
by assault. His column was quickly formed near the open ground, and as his
preparations were completed Jackson arrived, and his right division, that of
Whiting, took position on the left of Longstreet. At the same time D. H. Hill
formed on our extreme left, and after a short but bloody conflict forced his way
through the morass and obstructions and drove the enemy from the woods on the
opposite side. Ewell advanced on Hill's right and engaged the enemy
furiously. The First and Fourth Brigades of Jackson's own division filled the
interval between Ewell and A. P. Hill. The Second and Third were sent to the
right. The arrival of these fresh troops enabled A. P. Hill to withdraw some of
his brigades, wearied and reduced by their long and arduous conflict. The line
being now complete, a general advance from right to left was ordered. On the right
the troops moved forward with steadiness, unchecked by the terrible fire from the
triple lines of infantry on the hill, and the cannon on both sides of the river,
which burst upon them as they emerged upon the plain. The dead and wounded marked
the way of their intrepid advance, the brave Texans leading, closely followed by
their no less daring comrades. The enemy were driven from the ravine to the first
line of breastworks, over which our impetuous column dashed up to the intrenchments
on the crest. These were quickly stormed, fourteen pieces of artillery captured,
and the enemy driven into the field beyond. Fresh troops came to his support and
he endeavored repeatedly to rally, but in vain. He was forced back with great
slaughter until he reached the woods on the banks of the Chickahominy, and night
put an end to the pursuit. Long lines of dead and wounded marked each stand made
by the enemy in his stubborn resistance, and the field over which he retreated
was strewn with the slain.
On the left the attack was no less vigorous and successful. D.H. Hill charged
across the open ground in his front, one of his regiments having first bravely
carried a battery whose fire enfiladed his advance. Gallantly supported by the
troops on his right, who pressed forward with unfaltering resolution, he reached
the crest of the ridge, and after a sanguinary struggle broke the enemy's line,
captured several of his batteries, and drove him in confusion toward the
Chickahominy until darkness rendered farther pursuit impossible.
Our troops remained in undisturbed possession of the field, covered with the
Federal dead and wounded, and their broken forces fled to the river or wandered
through the woods.
Owing to the nature of the country the cavalry was unable to participate in the
general engagement. It rendered valuable service in guarding Jackson's flank and
took a large number of prisoners.
On the morning of the 28th it was ascertained that none of the enemy remained in
our front north of the Chickahominy. As he might yet intend to give battle to
preserve his communications, the Ninth Cavalry, supported by Ewell's division,
was ordered to seize the York River Railroad, and General Stuart, with his main
body, to co-operate. When the cavalry reached Dispatch Station the enemy retreated
to the south bank of the river and burned the railroad bridge. Ewell, coming up
shortly afterward, destroyed a portion of the track.
During the forenoon columns of dust south of the Chickahominy showed that the
Federal Army was in motion. The abandonment of the railroad and destruction of
the bridge proved that no further attempt would be made to hold that line; but
from the position it occupied the roads which led toward James River would also
enable it to reach the lower bridges over the Chickahominy and retreat down the
peninsula. In the latter event it was necessary that our troops should continue
on the north bank of the river, and until the intention of General McClellan was
discovered it was deemed injudicious to change their disposition. Ewell was
therefore ordered to proceed to Bottom's Bridge to guard that point, and the
cavalry to watch the bridges below. No certain indications of a retreat to James
River were discovered by our forces on the south side of the Chickahominy, and
late in the afternoon the enemy's works were reported to be fully
manned. The strength of these fortifications prevented Generals Huger and Magruder
from discovering what was passing in their front. Below the enemy's works the
country was densely wooded and intersected by impassable swamps, at once concealing
his movements and precluding reconnaiasances except by the regular roads, all of
which were strongly guarded. The bridges over the Chickahominy in rear of the enemy
were destroyed, and their reconstruction impracticable in the presence of his whole
army and powerful batteries. We were therefore compelled to wait until his purpose
should be developed.
Generals Huger and Magruder were again directed to use the utmost vigilance and
pursue the enemy vigorously should they discover that be was retreating. During
the afternoon and night of the 28th the signs of a general movement were apparent,
and no indications of his approach to the lower bridges of the Chickahominy having
been discovered by the pickets in observation at those points, it became manifest
that General McClellan was retreating to the James River.
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