[The Richmond Daily Dispatch, June 30, 1861]
The
great battle.
brilliant victory.
the enemy in full retreat
details of the fight
Storming of Mechanicsville.
capture of Ellyson's Mills?
battle of Beaver Dam Creek.
the fight at Gaines Mills!
&c. &c. &c.
brilliant victory.
the enemy in full retreat
details of the fight
Storming of Mechanicsville.
capture of Ellyson's Mills?
battle of Beaver Dam Creek.
the fight at Gaines Mills!
&c. &c. &c.
 |
| Maj. Gen. A.P. Hill |
When Gen. A. P. Hill had steadily driven the enemy from
Meadow Bridge, and had taken up the line of march towards Mechanicville and the
road, evening had far advanced, and it was supposed that a halt would take
place. Gen. Ripley, however, with the 44th and 48th Georgia, and 2d and 3d
North Carolina, made an attack upon the Yankee fortifications at Ellyson's
Mills, in which the 44th Georgia and 3d North Carolina suffered extremely, and
did not succeed in taking them, owing to the impracticable nature of the
ground. Operations were then suspended on our side, but the enemy kept up a
deafening roar of artillery till late in the night. Long street's forces had
meanwhile crossed, and marched parallel with the Chickahominy. The brigades of
Gens. Featherstone and Pryor were in advance, and proceeding some distance,
halted for the night. About midnight, Featherstone received orders to change
his position, and to occupy a skirt of woods near Beaver Dam Creek, and facing
the Federal batteries. He did so, and the men were scarcely asleep when,
twilight approaching, the enemy discovered the bivouac, and immediately
commenced to shell it vigorously. The men, thus unceremoniously aroused, seized
their muskets and fell in, and Gen. Featherstone, just arrived from headquarters,
led them to storm the position — mounting ten guns, and supported by two or
three brigades. Sharp fighting now commenced on all sides, when Gen. Pryor sent
for assistance, and Wilcox soon came upon the ground. To cover the infantry
attack, and draw off the artillery fire, the 3d Richmond Howitzers, some pieces
of the Donaldsonville and Thomas Artillery, moved up and played upon the
enemy's position magnificently.--Having engaged the enemy for a long time, and
finding it impossible to cross the creek without a bridge, one was constructed
by some of the 19th Mississippi and 14th Louisiana, under fire when the whole
force advanced, and closed up with the enemy, driving them in great confusion
from the field. The difficulties of attack at this position were such that it
is impossible to give a correct idea without maps — the battery being on a
height, flanked by rifle pits, a deep creek at the foot of the hill, and
covered with a thick hedge.
A daring attack.
The attack of our men on this position was impetuous and
daring, but the loss was great, for the foe were so screened by their position
it was impossible to get at them properly. Their loss was severe. Gen.
Featherstone's Adjutant General, Geo. P. Foote, was shot while riding far in
advance of the 12th Mississippi, and although hailed to return, he did not, and
was quickly singled out and mortally wounded. His body was shortly afterwards
found despoiled — watch, money, and swordsmen. The 12th Mississippi went out in
the morning with 397 men, lost in this engagement 12 killed, 68 wounded, and 9
missing; the regiment was commanded by Major W. H. Lilly. who was wounded
leading a charge,--the Colonel being absent and sick, and the Lieutenant
Colonel wounded. The 19th Mississippi went into action with 521--had 31 killed,
150 wounded. The 2nd Mississippi battalion, Col. Taylor, went into action with
234 men, and had 30 killed and wounded. The loss of Pryor's brigade we have not
learned; but hear that the 14th Louisiana and the remnant of St. Paul's
battalion suffered severely,--Wilcox, being in support, did not lose many. The
Generals speak in high terms of the execution of our field pieces in this
attack, the 3rd Richmond Howitzers, some of the Donaldsonville, and Thomas
artillery, having caused great destruction among the enemy, and with slight
loss to themselves. The rapidity of their fire quite astonished the Yankees,
and could be distinctly heard over all our city, long before dawn had fairly
broken.
Fight at Ellyson's
Mills.
While Featherstone, Pryor, and Wilcox were thus successfully
engaging the enemy on the right of our advance, Gen. Maxcy Gregg and his
brigade were also hard at work, and successfully stormed the strong position of
Ellyson's Mills, and took up the line of march on the left. They did not advance
on the Mills by the road, as had been done on Fridayevening by Ripley, but
simply made a feint in that direction, crossed the main body higher up the
creek, took the redoubts and rifle pits en flank carried them with the bayonet,
pushed through the camps, and followed the road towards Gaines's Mills, whither
the enemy were retiring.
At Gaine's Mills.
From prisoners captured at both positions — who proved to be
of the Valley Army — it was ascertained that we might expect stout resistance
at Gaines's Mills, since three or four whole divisions were strongly encamped
there, McClellan commanding in person, with Major Generals McCall, Porter,
Sedgewick, and others — their estimated force being not less than thirty-odd
thousand men. As our three columns moved by parallel lines, we followed and
conversed with prisoners, who informed us that their loss on Friday at Meadow
Bridge, Mechanicsville, and Ellsyson's Mills, had been fearful, and that the
whole night had been occupied in burial. The Federals carry off all their dead
and wounded, as fast as shot, and we only discover those who fall and are left
at the actual moment of retreat. This [ inforformation ] we
believe to be correct.
The heads of our three columns having reached Waller Hogan's
farm, north bank of the Chickahominy, about 9 miles northeast of Richmond, all
came to a halt, and Gens. Lee and Longstreet took up quarters in the house and
made dispositions for a further advance towards Gaines's Mills, distant about
one mile through the woods. Featherstone's brigade having suffered much in the
morning, Wilcox led, being followed by Pryor, and Featherstone in reserve. The
composition of Wilcox's command is mostly Alabamans; Pryor has the 14th
Louisiana, St. Paul's battalion, 3d Virginia, and one other regiment;
Featherstone has the 19th and 12th Mississippi, and 2d Mississippi battalion.
Character of the
ground.
Emerging from the woods, the road leads to the left and then
to the right round Gaines's house, when the whole country, for the area of some
two miles, is an open, unbroken succession of undulating hills. Standing at the
north door of Gaines's house, the whole country to the fight, for the distance
of one mile, is a gradual slope towards a creek, through which the main road
runs up an open hill and then winds to the right. In front, to the left, are
orchards and galleys, running gradually to a deep creek. Directly in front, for
the distance of a mile, the ground is almost table land, suddenly dipping to
the deep creek mentioned above, being faced by a timber-covered hill fronting
all the table land. Beyond this timber-covered hill, the country is again open,
and a perfect Plataean, a farm house and out houses occupying the centre, the main road mentioned winding
to the right and through all the Federal camps. To the left and rear of the
second mentioned farm, a road comes in upon the flat lands, joining the main
road mentioned. Thus, to recapitulate, except the deep creek and timber-covered
hill, beyond it, the whole country, as seen from the north door of Gaines's
house, is unbroken, open, undulating, and table land, the right forming a
descent to the wood- covered creek, the left being dips and gullies, with dense
timber still farther to the left; the front being for the most part table land.
These particulars of the position are as correct, perhaps, as can be mentioned;
but without a map it will always be difficult to understand the topography of
this hard fought and victorious field of Gaines's Mills.
But to the southeast of Gaines's house is a large tract of
timber, commanding all advances upon the main road, and in this McClellan and
McCall had posted a strong body of skirmishers, with artillery, to annoy our
flank and rear when advancing on their camps on the high grounds, if we did so
by the main road or over the table lands to the north.
 |
| Battle of Gaine's Mill (Battles & Leaders) |
Storming
entrenchments.
It now being 3 P. M., and the head of our column in view of
the Federal camps, Gen. Pryor was sent forward with his brigade to drive away
the heavy mass of skirmishers posted to our rear to annoy the advance. This
being accomplished with great success, and with little loss to us, Pryor
returned and awaited orders. Meanwhile the Federals, from their camps and
several positions on the high grounds, swept the whole face of the country with
their numerous artillery, which would have annihilated our entire force if not
screened in the dips of the land and in gullies to our left. Advancing
cautiously but rapidly in the skirt of woods and in the dips to the left,
Wilcox and Pryor deployed their men into line of battle — Featherstone being in
the rear — and suddenly appearing on the plateau facing the timber-covered
hill, rushed down into the wide gully crossed it, clambered over all the felled
timber, stormed the timber breastworks beyond it, and began the ascent of the
hill, under a terrific fire of sharpshooters and an incessant discharge of
grape and canister, from pieces posted on the brow of the hill, and from
batteries in their camps to the right on the high flat lands. Such a position
was never stormed before. In descending into the deep creek, the infantry and
artillery fire that assailed the three brigades was the most terrific on
record. Twenty-six pieces were thundering at them, and a perfect hailstorm of
lead fell thick and fast around them. One of Wilcox's regiments wavered,--down
the General rushed, furiously, sword in hand, and threatened to behead the
first man that hesitated. Pryor steadily advanced, but slowly; and by the time
that the three brigades had stormed the position, passed up the hill through
timber, and over felled trees, Featherstone was far in advance. Quickly the
Federals withdrew their pieces, and took up a fresh position to assail the
three brigades advancing in perfect line of battle from the woods and upon the
plateau. Officers had no horses, all were shot —
Brigadiers marched on foot,
sword in hand,--regiments were commanded by Captains, and companies by
Sergeants, yet onward they rushed, with yells and colors flying, and backward,
still backward fell the Federals, their men tumbling every moment in scores.
But what a sight met the eyes of these three gallant brigades! In front stood
Federal camps, stretching to the northeast for miles! Drawn up in line of
battle were more than three full divisions, commanded by McCall, Porter,
Sedgewick, &c.--banners darkened the air — artillery vomited forth
incessant volleys of grape, canister and shell — heavy masses were moving on
our left through the woods to flank us! Yet onward came Wilcox to the right,
Pryor to the left, and Featherstone in the centre--one grand, matchless line of
battle — almost consumed by exploits of the day — yet onward they advanced to
the heart of the Federal position, and when the enemy had fairly succeeded in
almost flanking us on the left, great commotion is heard in the woods!--volleys
upon volleys are heard in rapid succession, which are recognized and cheered by
our men--"It is Jackson!" they shout, "on their right and
rear!" Yes, two or three brigades of Jackson's army have flanked the
enemy, and are getting in the rear! Now, the fighting was bitter and terrific.
Worked up to madness, Wilcox, Featherstone and Pryor dash forward at a run, and
drive the enemy with irresistible fury — to our left emerge Hood's Texan
brigade, Whiting's comes after, and Pender follows! The line is now complete,
and "forward" rings from one end of the line to the other, and the
Yankees, over 30,000 strong, begin to retreat! Wheeling their artillery from
the front, the Federals turn part of it to break our left, and save their retreat.
The very earth shakes at the roar! Not one piece of ours has yet opened! all
has been done with bullet and bayonet, and onward press our troops through
camps upon camps, capturing guns, stores, arms, clothing, &c. Yet, like
bloodhounds on the trail, the six brigades sweep everything before them,
presenting an unbroken, solid front, and closing in upon the enemy, keep up an
incessant succession of volleys upon their confused masses, and unerringly
slaughtering them by hundreds and thousands!
 |
| Lt. Gen. T.J. "Stonewall" Jackson |
“Stonewall" at
work.
But "where is Jackson?" ask all.--He has traveled
fast, and is heading the retreating foe, and as night closes in, all is anxiety
for intelligence from him. Tis now about 7 P. M., and just as the rout of the
enemy is complete — just as the last volleys are sounding in the enemy's rear,
the distant and rapid discharges of cannon tell that Jackson has fallen upon
the retreating column, broken it, and captured 3,000 prisoners! Far in the
night, his insatiable troops hang upon the enemy, and for miles upon miles are
dead, wounded, prisoners, wagons, cannon, &c., scattered in inextricable
confusion upon the road! Thus, for four hours, did our inferior force, unaided
by a single piece of artillery, withstand over thirty thousand of the enemy,
assisted by twenty-six pieces of artillery!
In total, we captured many prisoners, and thirty [ peices ] of
artillery up to 5 P. M.Friday, and in the battle of Gaines's Mills, captured 26
field-[ peices, ] 15,000 stand of arms, 6 stand of colors, three
Generals, (Reynolds, Sanders and Rankin,) and over 4,000 prisoners, including
dozens of officers of every grade — from Colonel to Lieutenants of the line.
The Federal force.
Every arm of the service was well represented in the Federal
line — cavalry were there in force, and when our men emerged from the woods,
attempted to charge, but the three brigades on the right, and Jackson's three
brigades on the left, closed up ranks and poured such deadly volleys upon the
horsemen, that they left the ground in confusion and entirely for their
infantry to decide the day. McCall's, Porter's and Sedgewick's
"crack" divisions melted away before our advance, however; and had
the fight lasted one half hour longer, not one whole regiment would have
survived it. McClellan, prisoners say, repeatedly was present, and directed
movements, but when the three brigades to our left emerged from the woods, such
confusion and havoc ensued, that he gave orders to retreat, slipped off his
horse, and escaped as best he could. Some say that he was severely wounded, and
many officers (prisoners) believe the report that he was on the field is
undoubtedly true; for everything had been previously prepared for a grand fight
at Gaines's Mills, McClellan even promising to capture our whole force, should
we attempt to storm his camps. Results were different, and so the Fates reward
the greatest Liar of his age!
Charges and repulses.
Much has been said of repeated "charges" made, and
"repulses." Wild imaginations have concocted many such foolish
reports. There was but one. "charge," and from the moment the word of
command was given--"fix bayonets; forward!" our advance was never
stopped despite the awful reception which met it. It is true that one or two
regiments became confused in passing over the deep ditch, abattis, and timber
earthwork,--it is also true that several slipped from the ranks and ran to the
rear, but in many cases these were wounded men; but the total number of
"stragglers" would not amount to more than one hundred. This is
strictly true, and redounds to our immortal honor. These facts are true of
Wilcox's, Pryor's, and Featherstone's brigades, who formed our right, and we
are positive that from the composition of Whiting's, Hood's, and Pender's
brigades, who flanked the enemy and formed our left, they never could be made
to falter, for Whiting had the 11th 16th and 2nd Mississippi, and two other
regiments, unknown to us — Hood had four Texan and one Georgia regiment, and
the material of Pender's command was equally as good as any, and greatly distinguished
itself. These were the troops mostly engaged and that suffered most. It is
gross injustice in any to talk of our troops making "three
charges,""repulses," &c., &c. Our troops received the
command but once, and if Satan and all his host had confronted them, instead of
mortal Yankees, the result would have been the same. There were no repulses —
all arrangements worked like a charm; and we ought not only to do our soldiers
justice, but heartily thank Providence for his guiding hand and assistance, in the
immortal events of Thursday and Friday.
"Who took the
batteries?"
It is always a difficult matter to ascertain with any degree
of certainty who took this or that battery, for ever since the capture of
Sherman's at Manassas the question of conquered batteries has always been a
vexed one. The position of regiments changes so often in an engagement that
one, perhaps, who did but little, by some lucky chance, finds itself before a
feebly defended or deserted battery, and simply for the trouble of planting a
flag thereon has honor conferred on it for doing nothing! There were not less
than six batteries captured in the battles of "Gaines's Mill," yet
not one of any of our regiments can lay positive claim to any single one piece,
for all are contested property. Some of the 12th Mississippi claim the
beautiful brass pieces so much admired, and officers say that when they arrived
in front a young man named Cassidy jumped upon one of the horses, and wished to
drive them off or turn them on the enemy, but was not allowed. The 5th Texas,
after hard fighting, found itself before a battery and cleared it, but yet some
other regiment claimed it. A Georgia regiment of Hood's brigade claims one,
Wilcox's brigade claims another, and so it is — they all fight for them, yet none
can lay positive individual claim to any! Yet all enjoy the joke and laugh
right heartily over the dangers of capture, and chat around camp fires right
merrily, never counting the danger, but only desiring new occasions to
distinguish themselves.
Money was found quite abundantly among the slain. Some men, in interring the
dead, often searched the pockets, &c., one man finding not less than $150
in gold; another fished out of some old clothes not less than $500; another
$1,000 in Federal notes-Watches, both gold and silver, were found among the
spoils, one lucky individual having not less than six chronometers ticking in
his pocket at one time. As a general thing, more money was found upon the dead
on the field than on any other of which we have heard.
Clothing in abundance was scattered about, and immense piles
of new uniforms were found untouched. Our men seemed to take great delight in
assuming Federal officers' uniforms, and strutted about seriocomically, much to
the amusement of dusty powder begrimed youths, who sat lolling and smoking in
the shade. Every conceivable article of clothing was found in these Divisional
Camps, and came quite apropos to our needy soldiery, scores of whom took a cool
bath, and changed old for new underclothing, many articles being of costly
material and quite unique.
The amount of ammunition found was considerable, and proved
of very superior quality and manufacture. The exact amount captured we have not
yet ascertained, but from the immense piles of boxes scattered through the
camps, we conjecture that the enemy had laid in quite an unusual supply,
expecting to use it, doubtless, upon our devoted men, and so they would, did
our troops stand, as they do, at "long taw," and not come to
"close quarters."
The cannon and arms captured in this battle were numerous
and of very superior workmanship. The 26 pieces were the most beautiful we have
ever seen, while immense piles of guns could be seen on every hand — many
scarcely having the manufacturer's "finish" even tarnished. The enemy
seemed quite willing to throw them away on the slightest pretext, dozens being
found with loads still undischarged. The number of small arms captured, we
understand, was not less than 15,000, of every calibre and every make.
The Federal wounded were collected together, and formed a
very large field hospital. The court-yard of a farm house was selected, and scores
could be seen reclining on the grass, and expert surgeons operating with much
skill and zeal. By mutual agreement surgeons are not considered prisoners of
war, hence at the close of the late battle, many Federal surgeons remained
behind, and their services seemed very much appreciated by the men. As many as
could be were conveyed to town and attended to, good conveyance being
furnished, and much care manifested for their welfare.
 |
| Maj. C.R. Wheat, 1st Special Bn. La. Vols. |
The gallant
dead--Col. Wheat,
Among the many heroic spirits who sacrificed their lives on
the altar of our country in the dreadful, but glorious, struggle at
"Gaines's Mills" on Friday, June 27th, we would particularly mention
the name of the immortal Wheat, of Wheat's Battalion,--the master-spirit of
that heroic band, who, from the dawn of our struggle until the present, he
always been found in the van-guard battling manfully for our lives, liberties,
and homes. At Manassas, the name of Wheat became historical in our annals, for
as long as that victory shall remain known to fame, so long will the name of
Robert Wheat be coupled with it. Despising petty intrigue, Col. Wheat desired
nothing more than to secure his own beloved South, and to be in active service
was his chief delight Joining Jackson in the Valley, and winning imperishable
fame, this gallant man fought all through that arduous but all glorious
campaign, and while leading the small remnant of his once numerous battalion to
the charge, at Gaines's Mills, was mortally shot in the head. "Bury me on
the field, boys, " said he, and placidly expired. May he rest in peace.
Results.
It is impossible to get correct returns of the killed and
wounded. Our loss is probably not over 2,000, at the highest calculation. The
Federal loss is estimated at 20,000, killed, wounded, and prisoners, if not
more. The following items we have from Featherstone's brigade.
The casualties in the 12th regiment Mississippi volunteers,
Featherstone's brigade, Long street's division, commanded by Major W. H Lilly,
are as follows. Major W. H. Lilly, wounded early in the morning's action, while leading the
regiment in the first charge. In the morning engagement this regiment lost 12
killed, 68 wounded, and 9 missing. Number taken into the field, officers,
non-commissioned officers, and privates, 397. In the evening engagement, (Capt.
S. B. Thomas commanding regiment,) the loss was 6 killed, 38 wounded, and 18
missing. Number of officers and prisoner taken into battle, 308. The regiment
lost 153 killed, wounded, and missing, during the day, out of 397 men.
The above is as near correct as it is possible to be
certain, as several reported missing have been found killed, and others
wounded.
The 19th Mississippi volunteers lost 31 killed and 150
wounded, out of 521 that went into action in the morning.
The 2d Mississippi battalion lost 106 killed and wounded,
out of 234 taken into action in the morning.
The following is a list of casualties in the Purcell
Battery, in the battle of Thursdayevening last:
Killed--Lieut. Wm. A. Allen; Corporal Murphy, Privates Boyd
and Stillman.
Wounded--Lieut. H. M. Fitzhugh; Serg't Crow, McGruder,
Temple, Ball, Messier; Corporals Eddins, Beck; Privates Beckham, Cheatham,
Thos. Berry, Donahoe, Geo. Dockerty, Davis, Daniel, Ege, Flemming, Finnell,
Mott, Grigsby, Herring, Holland, Heart, Harrow, Geo. W. Johnston, E. P. Jones,
W. T. Flint, James, Kimball, Mitchell, Mahoney, McLeod, Morton, O Brien, F. S.
Price, Ritchie, Rose, Sacrey, T. H. Thompson, B. M. Temple, Partington, W. T.
Smith, T. T. Yager.
This list proves the desperate bravery exhibited by the
command in the bloody strife.--We learn that Mr. Dawson, a young English man,
who came over in the Nashville, volunteered for the engagement, and received a
wound while acting most gallantly.
The Crenshaw Battery, of this city, (attached to Gregg's
brigade,) acted with distinguished gallantry in Friday's battle. The casualties
are: Serg't S. Strother and Private Robt Hines, killed; Corporal Wm. B. Allen,
Marion Knowles, Geo. Young, Benton Graves, Daniel Lancaster, Thos. Mallory, and
Thomas Ryder, wounded. The company lost fully one third of their horses, and
had three of their guns disabled. All the pieces were brought off the field,
however, though, owing to a lack of horses, some had to be dragged away by hand
Casualties in Co. E., 44th Ga. Regiment, engaged before
Ellyson's Mills, Thursdayevening: Killed--Privates A. Bagwell, J. Lee, E.
Davis, R. M. Dawson, J. H. Digby. Missing — W. J Reeves. M. P. Swinney.
Wounded--Capt. J. W. Adams, slightly in arm; Lieut. J H. Connally, slightly in
chest; Lieut. S. A Scott, slightly in shoulder and knee; Lieut Manly, in hand
and knee; Corp'l A C Cald well, badly; Corp'l T. L. Hatcher; Corp'l Madden,
slightly; Privates J. M. Davis, W. S. Brown, J. W. Perkins, slightly; E. G.
Curbow, badly; Daniel Curbow, slightly; Wm Bagwell, J. A. Collins, Joseph
Beall, Robert Norris, J. Norris, F. J. Weldon, Green Allison, W. S. Futral, N.
T. Gibson, H. H. Gibson, Wm. Jester, T. T. Bishop.
Engagement at Coal
Harbor.
In the fight on Friday, Johnson's Battery, of this city,
occupied an exposed position on the Coal Harbor road, about one mile from Coal
Harbor, and was subjected to a fire remarkable for its accuracy, which (as an
eye witness informs us) the command encountered without flinching Capt. Johnson
was conspicuous for his bravery throughout the period in which his battery was
engaged, and our informant says that not an inch of ground would have been
yielded while a man remained to serve the guns, had not Gen. Lee, observing the
deadly effect of the enemy's fire, ordered them to withdraw from the contest.
The casualties, both in men and horses, were heavy.
Among the sad incidents of the battle may be mentioned the
death of Lieut. W. Eugene Webster, of Maryland, chief executive officer of the
Arsenal, who was acting as Aid to Gen. Rodes. He fell in the thickest of the
fight, while gallantly cheering on a regiment His body was brought to the city
on Saturday. Lieut. W. was a relative of Gen. Lee.
We regret to learn that Major T. S. Skinner, 1st N. C., was
killed in the engagement on Thursday evening, in the attack on the Federal
entrenchments.
At Garnett's farm.
About eleven o'clock Saturday, Capt. Monday's battery opened
fire upon the entrenchments of the enemy located just beyond Garnett's farm.
The battery fired some ten or fifteen minutes, and meanwhile a body of
infantry, consisting of the 7th and 8th Georgia regiments, moved up under cover
of the fire from the field pieces. The 8th, in advance, charged across a ravine
and up a hill, beyond which the Yankee entrenchments lay. They gained the first
line of works and took possession of them, but, it is proper to state, this was
unoccupied at the time by the Yankees. --The fire of the enemy was murderous,
and as soon as our men reached the brow of the hill, rapid volleys of grape,
canister, and musketry were poured into them. It was found almost impossible to
proceed farther, but the attempt would have been made, had not orders been
received to fall back, which was done in good order, still under fire.
The loss in the 7th is reported at seventy-odd men killed,
wounded, and missing. In the 8th, upwards of eighty. Col. Lamar, of the 8th,
was severely wounded in the groin, and fell into the hands of the enemy. Lieut.
Col. Towers was captured, but uninjured. The Yankees were completely hidden
behind their works, and did not suffer much apparently. We took a captain, lieutenant,
and some five or six privates, the Yankee picket force at the point. Later a
flag of truce was granted to take away our dead and wounded, but a conference
with Col. Lamar was refused. The Federal surgeons, however, did not think his
wound a fatal one, and, therefore, would not allow him to be taken away.
Gen. Toombs's
brigade.
On Friday General Toombs was ordered to "feel" the
enemy entrenched to the East and front of Garnett's farm. After receiving
written orders to advance, Gen. Toombs sent forward the 2d, 15th and 17th
Georgia. The enemy had near three brigades in a skirt of woods behind an
abattis of felled timber and brushwood. The Georgians advanced spiritedly upon
the Yankees and drove them back, not, however, until they had fought desperately
for the ground. Finding it unfavorable to flank our force, the Yankees withdrew
and left us in possession of the field. It was maintained until orders were
sent for Gen. Toombs to retire.
Our total loss may be summed up as follows Killed 24;
wounded 160, and 4 missing, up to the time the reports came in Col. McIntosh of
the 15th, lost his leg, Capt. Birch was killed' Capt. Tilley dangerously
wounded, and Lt. Edwards slightly wounded. This engagement was a spirited and
creditable affair, General Toombs obeying strictly his written orders.
Gen. Lee pushed his advance until 10 o'clock last night,
(Saturday,) and at 11 was in occupancy of the York River Railroad, the enemy's
principal line of communication. This in effect pierces the enemy's centre, and
separates their forces on the northside of the Chickahominy from those on the
southside. Brig. Gen. Riker is among the prisoners brought to the city
yesterday morning.
Miscellaneous.
Among the wounded may be mentioned Maj. John M. Daniel,
editor of the Richmond Examiner, and late of Gen. Floyd's staff, but now acting
with Gen. Hill. His arm was shattered.
Capt. Wm. Randall, company K, 1st Louisiana, was not killed
as at first reported. He received a severe wound in the right arm at the elbow
joint.
Maj. Edward Savage,
N. C. State troops, was among the wounded.
Among the well known citizens of Richmond who met soldiers
deaths were Clarence War wick, son of Abram Warwick Bradfute Warwick, son of
Corbin Warwick and Samuel D. Mitchell, son of the late Wm. Mitchell, jr They
were all young men.
Col. J. G. Seymond,
of the 6th Louisiana was killed Saturday.
Among the killed in the desperate fight of Friday afternoon,
was Col. J. W. Allen of the 2d regiment Virginia volunteers. He was shot through
the head and expired almost instantly. At the time he received the fatal shot,
he was acting Brigadier-General of Jackson's celebrated "Stonewall
Brigade." His body was brought to this city yesterday morning, and during
the day deposited in Holly wood Cemetery. Maj. Frank B. Jones, of the same
regiment, is thought to be mortally wounded, having lost a leg. His condition
is at least, exceeding critical.
Capt. Wood McDonald, son of Col. Angus W. McDonald, of
Winchester, and aid to Gen. Elzey, was killed in the same engagement.
Major P. J. Sinclair, of the 5th North Carolina regiment,
received a painful wound in the thigh, and was brought to the city yesterday
afternoon by Dr. Coffin, by whom his wound was dressed. He is now at the
American Hotel.
Private Charles Lucas, of the "Wise Artillery,"
from Martinsburg, was killed on Fridayafternoon. His brother, Serg't Benj.
Lucas, of the same company, was seriously wounded.
In the engagement near "Fair Oaks," yesterday
afternoon, Brigadier General Griffith had one of his legs broken, and apprehensions
are felt that amputation may be necessary.
A Federal Lieutenant, who was captured yesterday morning and
brought to the head quarters of Gen. Lee, reports that two entire regiments had
deserted during the morning.
The Confederate forces yesterday afternoon occupied the
enemy's position at the White House, on the Pamunkey, but all the stores of the
enemy at that point were destroyed by them in their retreat.
An official Dispatch.
The following dispatch was received by President Davis at a
late hour on Fridaynight. It relates to the operations of Friday
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 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 stand 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 respectably,
(signed)R. E. Lee,
General
