150-YEARS-AGO -- THE GRAND CONFLICT

The Richmond Daily Dispatch

June 28, 1862

General Robert E. Lee began receiving
recognition for his military genius in the
Seven Days Battles, 150-years-ago.

           The reader was informed yesterday morning of the beginning of that great struggle which will have a more decisive effect upon events to come than any and probably all the battles that have yet occurred. The armies opposed were the largest ever brought in conflict on this continent. Ours made the attack. It was in the highest degree gratifying to our citizens to know with what spirit and success on our side this momentous conflict begun. It was continued yesterday, with what result we are out fully informed when we write; but we are confident that victory crowned the gallant deeds of our brave soldiers. Our news column will give the reader the fullest details possible to obtain.
           The great battle was conducted and, we suppose, planned, by General Lee, and we anticipate it will win for that distinguished officer lasting honor and fame. He had the co-operation of some of some of our very best Generals, who, too, will have their honors and their place in the nation's gratitude.
           Never was battle inaugurated more auspiciously — never was attack made with more irresistible ardor and bravery. Some of the charges upon the enemy's powerful batteries on their right wing would have gilded the brightest pages of military history. There could be nothing in war more intrepid and dauntless. The enemy was compelled to abandon his strong positions and leave them to the possession of our heroic volunteers. The enemy's right was fortified on chosen positions, approached only from gradually ascending and wide plains. These our soldiers traversed at a double-quick in the face of a hail storm of death, and reaching the breast works, passed over them in pursuit of the fleeing enemy, in many cases turning their own guns upon them with effect. The charge upon the powerful and extensive battery at Ellerson's Mill, in Hanover, which look place yesterday morning, must be one of the most brilliant achievements of the conflict for the capital. It is noticed in the news column.
           We cannot now go fully into a reference to the plan of the grand attack; but we are confident it will end in the defeat of the powerful army brought to take this city. If this confident belief — justified by the success thus far, and the completeness of the plan of our operations — should be realized, a great change will take place in the relations of the Confederacy to the world — a great change must be wrought upon the extravagant calculations and preparations of the unscrupulous and relentless despotism of the North. But let us await the issue before speculating further, and let us pray to the God of Battles for His protection and favor to our brave troops in their grand struggle for honor and right.