Page 136

bridges across the Chickahominy, which connected the Union right and left wings and were indispensable should a further retreat become necessary. Porter received this word at about two o’clock in the morning and at daylight began the movement, which was executed without serious molestation and in perfect order. He sent word by Barnard, the chief engineer of the army, who had conducted him to the new position, that he needed additional troops. This request, although of the utmost importance, as matters turned out, never reached McClellan. Barnard came to headquarters about nine or ten in the morning “and being informed that the commanding general was reposing” made no attempt to see him. 1 Different from the habit of most generals when a morning battle is imminent, McClellan was not stirring at an early hour; nevertheless it is remarkable that Barnard, having apparently no special duty elsewhere, did not await his general’s convenience to impart Porter’s reasonable request. Conditions were different on the Confederate side. Jackson had neither rest nor sleep but, reviewing his preparations, “paced his chamber in anxious thought, wrestling with God” in prayer. 2 84 On this Friday, June 27, was fought the battle of Gaines’s Mill. 3 Porter, who had under him at the commencement of the battle but 25,000 men contended against Jackson, Longstreet and the two Hills whose combined forces amounted to 57,000. 4 Lee was in immediate command. In their first onset the Confederates met with a stubborn resistance

Note 1. O. R., XI, Pt. I, 118. “To sleep all night through beseemeth not one … to whom peoples are entrusted and so many cares belong.” Iliad II. On this same day, however, McClellan telegraphed to his wife that he had had “no sleep for two nights.”—McClellan, 442. [back]

Note 2. Dabney, 439, 440. Jackson was 38, McClellan 36. [back]

Note 3. Or the Chickahominy. [back]

Note 4. T. L. Livermore, 82. I reckon Slocum’s division as 9000. [back]

Contents -SUBJECT INDEX -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD