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June 16 -
McClellan's,
June 16, 1862 - 11.30 a.m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War:
The following just received
Headquarters,
Suffolk, Sunday Evening.
Major-General McClellan:
A deserter came into this post from
Richmond. He left after the battle of Fair Oaks. He says they
have sent the public records and a large amount of ammunition to
Danville. Mrs. Jefferson Davis has moved into North Carolina. He
says Richmond is strongly fortified, and they mean to fight to the
last, and have about 130,000 men, but are on half rations, and the
rank and file, many of them, anxious to get away. An Englishman who
came in from there recently thinks they have 150,000 men.
Mansfield,
Brigadier-General.
This corresponds with the accounts I have received from various sources. Please let me know when and in which direction McDowell's command will come.
Geo. B. McClellan,
Major-General, Commanding.
Headquarters, June 16, 1862.
General D. H. Hill,
Commanding Division:
General: I have just ordered a North Carolina regiment to your
division. This will enable you to form a North Carolina brigade of
four regiments. Please make that arrangement of the State brigade
at once.
I would suggest that in making your trenches you have
them run with regard to protecting the men from the fire of the
enemy's long-range guns. I don't think we have as much to apprehend
in the way of an attack as the long guns.
Very respectfully,
James Longstreet,
Major-General, Commanding.
June 17 -
McClellan's,
June 17, 1862 - 4 p.m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War:
We will not need the wagon bodies you allude to. Our cavalry
yesterday repaid the enemy for his raid of Friday night by surprising
him at Ashland. Among other things retaken, a Bull Run wagon.
Weather splendid. Heard this morning heavy and long-continued firing
of heavy guns in direction of Fort Darling. Expect to know more
about it soon.
Geo. B. McClellan,
Major-General, Commanding.
June 18 -
McClellan's, June 18, 1862.
The President:
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your
dispatch of to-day. Our army is well over the Chickahominy, except
the very considerable forces necessary to protect our flanks and
communications. Our whole line of pickets in front runs within 6 miles
of Richmond. The rebel line runs within musket-range of ours. Each
has heavy support at hand. A general engagement may take place any
hour. An advance by us involves a battle more or less decisive. The
enemy exhibit at every point a readiness to meet us. They certainly
have great numbers and extensive works. If 10,000 or 15,000 men have
left Richmond to re-enforce Jackson it illustrates their strength
and confidence. After to-morrow we shall fight the rebel army as
soon as Providence will permit. We shall await only a favorable
condition of the earth and sky and the completion of some necessary
preliminaries.
Geo. B. McClellan,
Major-General.
Headquarters,
Dabb's House, June 18, 1862.
Maj. Gen. T. H. Holmes,
Commanding, &c., Goldsborough, N. C.:
General: By information received direct from Norfolk it is ascertained
that a "council of war" held at Fort Monroe a short time since,
General McClellan expressed an inability to take Richmond without the
co-operation of General Burnside, and that the force of the latter
should advance by way of James River, landing and taking the
batteries at Drewry's Bluff in rear, the gunboats being unable to
reduce them. It is also ascertained that General Burnside has
re-enforced McClellan with 14,000 men....In event of Burnside's
ascending James River it will be necessary for you to oppose him with
your whole force, and it was with this view that I desired you to
concentrate at or near Petersburg, so as to have your command
available to move speedily to the threatened point.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee,
General.
June 19 -
Washington, June 19, 1862.
Major-General McClellan:
Yours of last night received and for which I thank you.
If large re-enforcements are going from Richmond to Jackson it proves
one of two things, either that they are very strong at Richmond or do
not mean to defend the place desperately.
On reflection, I do not see how re-enforcements from Richmond to
Jackson could be in Gordonsville, as reported by the Frenchman and
your deserters. Have not all been sent to deceive?
A. Lincoln.
Headquarters, June 19, 1862.
The Hon. Secretary of War:
Sir: I have directed General Blanchard's release from duty and
recommended General Huger's orders to be issued from the Adjutant and
Inspector General's Office. I think it probable that the 60,000 men
are intended for McClellan, and will be drawn from Halleck. Bragg
ought immediately to advance. General E. K. Smith writes that
Halleck is sending re-enforcements to East Tennessee.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee,
General.
June 20 -
Washington City, June 20, 1862.
Major-General McClellan:
We have this morning sent you a dispatch of General Sigel corroborative
of the proposition that Jackson is being re-enforced from Richmond.
This may be reality and yet may only be contrivance for deception,
and to determine which is perplexing. If we knew it was not true we
could send you some more force, but as the case stands we do not
think we safely can. Still, we will watch the signs and do so if
possible...
A. Lincoln.
June 21 -
Headquarters, June 21, 1862.
Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill,
Commanding Division:
General: Your note is received. Wilcox's
position is, as you say, the strong position on the C.C. road, and ought to
be fixed; but I have not the means to work with at present. General
Huger has charge of the front line, and the suggestions that you make
have been made to him repeatedly, and his promise to arrange his right has
been made.
Skirmishing is going on in front at this time - the
enemy trying to get a new position to fortify. Be ready in case you
hear anything brisk in front or if you get a message from Huger, who
is in front, and give me timely notice of any move. Relieve Ripley
with another brigade whenever you think proper, but order the men
not to load their guns until it is necessary.
Most respectfully,
James Longstreet,
Major-General, Commanding.
June 22 -
McClellan's Headquarters,
June 22, 1862 - 1.30 p.m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War:
Some sharp attempts of the enemy last evening and night to drive in
Hooker's pickets. They certainly failed and were driven back, with
what loss we cannot tell. Our loss 1 killed and 4 wounded. Nothing
else of interest. Intercepted letters state that Beauregard was
expected in Richmond a few days since.
Geo. B. McClellan,
Major-General, Commanding.
Frederick's Hall, June 22, 1862.
General R. S. Ewell:
Move all your command to-morrow morning to Beaver Dam, with
Cunningham's, if cars enough. Your baggage train must reach Beaver
Dam to-morrow night.
Acknowledge receipt at once.
By order:
R. L. Dabney, Assistant Adjutant-General.
June 23 -
June 23, 1862 - 8.45 p.m.
Capt. Chauncey McKeever:
I am of the impression that the enemy in front is weak to-day. From
both of my lookouts we have not been able to see to exceed five
regiments. The rebel camps are all standing. We could see no troops
in them or occupying their earthworks. Not a piece of artillery was
fired on us nor was a piece seen by any one. Please forward this to
General Marcy at once.
Joseph Hooker,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.
June 24 -
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
June 24, 1862 - 1 a.m.
Generals Sumner, Heintzelman, Keyes, Smith:
There are some
indications of the enemy's intending to cross the Chickahominy near
Meadow Bridge to-night. You will please have your command under arms
at daybreak this morning, and be ready to move if called upon.
R. B. Marcy,
Chief of Staff.
June 25 -
Porter's Headquarters, June 25, 1862 - 10.40 p.m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War:
The information I
received on this side tends to confirm impression that Jackson will
soon attack our right and rear. Every possible precaution is being
taken. If I had another good division I could laugh at Jackson. The
task is difficult, but this army will do its best, and will never
disgrace the country. Nothing but overwhelming forces can defeat us.
Indications are of attack on our front to-morrow. Have made all
possible arrangements.
Geo. B. McClellan,
Major-General.
June 26 -
HDQRS. Department of Northern Virginia,
June 26, 1862.
Hon. George W. Randolph,
Secretary of War:
Sir: The
headquarters of the commanding general will be on the Mechanicsville
turnpike.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. H. Chilton,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Thursday Morning,
General Branch:
Wait for Jackson's
notification before you move unless I send other orders.
Yours,
A. P. Hill,
Major-General.
Merry Oaks, June 26, 1862 - 9 a.m.
Brigadier-General Branch:
General: The head of my column is
crossing the Central Railroad.
Your most obedient servant,
T. J. Jackson,
Major-General.
McClellan's, June 26, 1862 - 10.20 a.m.
General John A. Dix:
There are good reasons to believe that
Jackson has come down to the vicinity of Hanover Court-House, and has
been joined by forces from Richmond for the purpose of attacking our
communications. It would be well to have Van Alen and Colonel
Campbell on their guard.
Geo. B. McClellan,
Major-General, Commanding.
June 27 -
McClellan's Headquarters,
June 27, 1862 - 8 p.m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War:
Have had a terrible
contest. Attacked by greatly superior numbers in all directions on
this side; we still hold our own, though a very heavy fire is still
kept up on the left bank of the Chickahominy. The odds have been
immense. We hold our own very nearly. I may be forced to give up my
position during the night, but will not if it is possible to avoid it.
Had I 20,000 fresh and good troops we would be sure of a splendid
victory to-morrow.
My men have fought magnificently.
Geo. B. McClellan,
Major-General.
Headquarters, June 27, 1862.
His Excellency President Davis:
Mr. President: Profoundly grateful to Almighty God for the signal
victory granted to us, it is my pleasing task to announce to you the
success achieved by this army to-day. The enemy was this morning
driven from a strong position behind Beaver Dam Creek and pursued to
that behind Powhite Creek, and finally, after a severe contest of five
hours, entirely repulsed from the field. Night put an end to the
contest. I grieve to state that our loss in officers and men is great.
We sleep on the field, and shall renew the contest in the morning.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
R. E. Lee,
General.
June 28 -
War Department,
Washington, D. C., June 28, 1862.
General Dix:
Communication with McClellan by White House is cut
off. Strain every nerve to open communication with him by James River,
or any other way you can. Report to me.
A. Lincoln.
Petersburg, Va.,
June 28, 1862 - 9 a.m.
Hon. Secretary of War:
The enemy have suddenly and unexpectedly
left the Appomattox. Just received the following dispatch by signals
from Cobb's Station, below Port Walthall, viz:
The gunboats opposite our station aground set on fire and abandoned
by the enemy. Monitor has gone; all the gunboats are following toward
City Point.
Your obedient servant,
J. F. Milligan,
Captain and Signal Officer.
June 29 -
Fort Monroe, June 29, 1862 - 4.15 p.m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Secretary of War:
I arrived here this
morning, the enemy having driven our army from the left to the right
bank of the Chickahominy, and having in force cut the railroad at
Dispatch Station. The evacuating of White House Station became last
evening a military necessity, and agreeably to orders from the
Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac I evacuated. Every man was
saved, and all public property that could not be saved was destroyed.
Silas Casey,
Brigadier-General Volunteers.
Headquarters First Division,
June 29, 1862.
Major-General Magruder:
Sir: My line is formed to the left and
somewhat to the front of General Cobb. The enemy seem to be in large
force in front of my right, and are or have moved a little to their
right. I do not think it prudent for mr to attack him with my small
force unless there be a simultaneous attack all along our lines. I
will keep a good lookout on my left. I had hoped that Jackson would
have co-operated with me on my left, but he sends me word that he
cannot, as he has other important duty to perform.
Respectfully, &c.,
D. R. Jones,
Brigadier-General.
June 30 -
War Department,
Washington City, June 30, 1862.
Major-General Wool:
McClellan has moved his whole force across
the Chickahominy and rests on the James River, being supported by our
gunboats. The position is favorable and looks more like taking
Richmond than any time before.
Edwin M. Stanton,
Secretary of War.
Richmond, Va., June 30, 1862.
Maj. Gen. J. C. Pemberton,
Charleston, S. C.:
Announce to your forces that after two days'
fighting the enemy have abandoned their camp and are in full retreat,
closely pursued by our army under General Lee. They attempted to
destroy their stores, but left their tents standing and large
quantities of them. Prisoners are rapidly coming in.
G. W. Randolph,
Secretary of War.
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