James Longstreet to Robert H. Chilton, July 29, 1862

CoLONEL: In obedience to Confidential General Orders, No. 75,* and previously arranged plans, the divisions of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill and my own were put in march, the former at 2 the latter at 3 a. m. on the 26th for the Mechanicsville turnpike, to await the progress of the commands of Major-Generals Jackson and A. P. Hill. The two divisions were in position in front of Mechanicsville Bridge at 8 a. m., but some unavoidable delay in the movements of the troops on the other side of the Chickahominy kept us in waiting until about 3 p. m., when the advance of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s command was discovered. The divis- .

ions were put in readiness to cross at any moment, and at 6 o’clock the enemy had been turned and driven back far enough to enable the head of our column to pass the bridge.

Brigadier-General Hampton volunteered to give directions and positions to our heavy batteries opposite Mechanicsville, now become useless, and to follow the movements of our army down the river. The battery followed our movements and played upon the enemy’s lines with good effect. Ripley’s brigade, of D. H. Hill’s division, was thrown forward and soon became engaged in a sharp fight with the enemy at Beaver Dam Creek, a stream from 12 to 20 feet wide, with perpendicular banks from 6 to 8 feet high. The enemy being very strongly posted behind this creek, with the bridges destroyed, these gallant troops could accomplish but little before night. A very handsome effort was made by them, however, to take the enemy’s batteries. Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill’s report will give particulars of the conduct of his troops at this point.

Some time after dark the rear brigade of my own division succeeded in crossing the Chickahomiay, and Pryor’s’and Featherston’s brigades were ordered to Beaver Dam Creek to relieve the portion of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill’s division in position there, the balance of the division remnaining near the bridge in bivouac.

At early dawn on the 27th the battle was renewed with artillery and infantry. The brigade of General Wilcox and a battery was sent to the support of the brigades on Beaver Dam Creek, and were engaged principally with artillery until 7 o’clock, when the enemy abandoned

his trenches and retired. The columns were delayed about an hour

repairing the bridges, when the general advance was resumed. Three of my brigades (Wilcox’s, Pryor’s, and Featherston’s), under BrigadierGeneral Wilcox, were put in advance to move, when the ground would permit, in line of battle, supported.by Pickett’s brigade, the other two (Anderson’s and Kemper’s) some distance behind.

It was soon discovered that the enemy had fallen back rapidly from

his right, burning and otherwise destroying most of the property that.

he could not remove. The pursuit was steadily continued until 1 o’clock, when the enemy was discovered strongly posted behind Powhite

eee of the creek to feel the enemy, and ascertain as far as practicable his strength. It was soon found that he was in full force. A message to this effect was received from Brig. Gen. D. R. Jones a few moments previous. The troops were halted in position to await the arrival of the other divisions.

the Powhite Creek, and took position for the attack.

The columns under General Jackson, having a longer march, were not in position for some time after. Finally these columns were reported in position, and the commanding general directed my brigades to be put in position on the right to co-operate. In front of me the enemy occupied the wooded slope of Turkey Hill, the crest of which is 50 or 60 feet higher than the plain over which my troops must pass to make an attack. The plain is about a quarter of a mile wide; the farther side of it was occupied by sharpshooters. Above these and on the slope of the hill was a line of infantry behind trees, felled so as to form a good breastwork. The crest of the hill, some 40 feet above the last line, was strengthened by rifle trenches and occupied by infantry and artillery. In addition to this the plain was enfiladed by batteries on the other side of the Chickahominy. I was, in fact, in the position from which the enemy wished us to attack him.

The attack was begun by Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s division. My troops were drawn up in lines, massed behind the crest of a hill, and behind a small wood, three brigades in each position, and held in readiness as the reserve. We had not been in position long, however, before I received an urgent message from the commanding general to make a diversion in favor of the attacking columns. The three brigades under Wilcox were at once ordered forward against the enemy’s left flauk with this view. Pickett’s brigade, making a diversion on the left of these brigades, developed the strong position and force of the enemy in my front, and I found that [ must drive him by direct assault or abandon the idea of tnaking the diversion. Irom the urgent nature of the message from the commanding general and my own peculiar position I determined to change the feint into an attack, and orders for a general advance were issued. General R. U. Anderson’s brigade was divided, part supporting Pickett’s in the direct assault and the other portion guarding the right flank of the brigades under ‘Wilcox.

At this moment General Whiting arrived with his division, put it into position at once, and joined in the assault. The opportune arrival of this division occupied the entire field and enabled me to hold in reserve my rear brigade (Kemper’s). Our gallant officers and men were moved forward in the face of three lines of infantry fire, supported by batteries from both sides of the Chickahominy. ‘The troops, moving steadily on under this terrible fire, drove the enemy from his positions one after another, took his batteries, and finally drove him into the swamps of the Chickahominy.

No battle-field can boast of more gallantry and devotion. ‘The severest trials were encountered by Wilcox’s, Featherston’s, and Pryor’s brigades. These were skirmishing all, day, and under a most annoying fire of artillery a great part of the time. They were the first, too, to make the assault and receive the terrible fire of infantry from the enemy’s lines. The enemy’s left was forced, and his position was thus partially turned, several of his batteries and many prisoners and regimental standards falling into our hands. As our troops reached the crest but a moment before occupied by the enemy re-enforcements advanced and were engaged with our troops for a few moments. Soon discovering, however, that they must give way, they fell back in some confusion. leaving their dead to mark their line of battle. This was the last opposition encountered by our troops, further than a show of resistance as the enemy was pursued. The firing along other portions of the line was continued until dark.

General Whiting, having finished his work in our front with his own division, asked for a brigade of General Jackson’s command, which happened to be near me, and put it in position on our left, where he did other handsome work. After driving the enemy from his last position many of our men continued the pursuit beyond in a rather straggling condition. The enemy’s cavalry, covering his retreat, seeing this, attempted a charge, but our troops coolly awaited their approach, and drove them back after delivering a few rounds into theirranks. A little after dark the firing ceased, and the enemy left upon the field surrendered or straggled through the woods.

Up to the moment of gaining the enemy’s position our loss was greater than his, but the telling fire of our infantry upon his lines as he retired and returned again to attack thinned his ranks so rapidly – that his dead soon outnumbered ours.

There was more individual gallantry displayed upon this field than any I have ever seen. Conspicuous among those gallant officers and men were Brig. Gens. R. H. Anderson, W. H. C.] Whiting, [C. M.] Wilcox, and [George E.] Pickett (the latter severely wounded), Colonels Jenkins, Withers (severely wounded), Lieutenant-Colonels Hale (severely wounded), Slaughter (severely wounded), and Major Mullins (severely wounded). The gallant Colonel Woodward, of the Tenth Alabama Volunteers, fell at the head of his regiment in the assault on the enemy’s position.

My personal staff—Majors Sorrel, Manning, Fairfax, and Walton, Captain Goree, and Lieutenant Blackwell—displayed great gallantry, intelligence, and activity. They have my warmest thanks and deserve much credit of the Government.

Major Haskell, of General D. R. Jones’ staff, volunteered his services to me for the day. Upon his first field, his conduct would have done credit to any distinguished veteran. After gallantly bearing the colors of one of the regiments to the enemy’s breastworks and planting the standard upon them he lost his right arm by a cannon-shot.

The gallant Captain Ochiltree, of the Adjutant-General’s Department, volunteered his services, and was very active and energetic in the discharge of duties assigned him.

General Wigfall and Cols. P. T. Moore and W. Munford kindly offered their services, and were active and useful in transmitting orders, &e.

Early on the following day (Saturday) parties were sent forward to find the enemy. It was soon ascertained that he was not in force in my front and had destroyed the bridges across the Chickahominy immediately in front of me. It was supposed, however, that we would be able to draw him from his intrenchments by cutting his base. While other portions of the army were occupied at this work, my artillery was opened with such long-range guns as I could use against the enemy on

the other side of the river. The range was so great, however, that we.

could do but little more than annoy him. The fire of one of the batteries in front of General D. R. Jones, however, made him feel exceedingly uncomfortable.

The effort to draw the enemy out by cutting his base was entirely unsuccessful, and on Sunday morning it was ascertained that he had abandoned his fortifications and was in full retreat toward his gunboats on the James River. I was ordered, with my own division and that of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill, to march via New Bridge and the Darbytown road to intercept his retreat. After a forced march our troops reached a point that night within easy striking distance of the enemy.

The march was resumed on Monday morning. Soon after taking up the line of march I was joined by the commanding general. Our forces came upon the enemy at Frazier’s farm about noon, when the enemy’s skirmishers were reported as advancing. Colonel Jenkins, commanding the Second Brigade, was directed to ascertain the condition of the enemy. After driving in his pickets it was found that he was in force and position, ready for battle. My own division was put in position for attack or defense at once, and one of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s brigades (Branch’s) ordered forward to support my right flank, the rest of Hill’s division being left for the time on the road to secure the right or to move up to support the front.

About this time information was received that Major-General Magruder was in rear in easy supporting distance; but as information was also received that the enemy was in force in front of Major-General Holmes, it was deemed advisable to order Magruder’s forces to join Holmes, about 3 miles off to our right.

After getting into position artillery fire was opened about 3 p. m. upon the enemy, apparently from the Charles City road. Taking this for Huger’s attack, and thinking that his troops (rather fresh) would expect early co-operation, L ordered several batteries forward hurriedly in order to assure those troops that we were in position. The enemy’s batteries returned the fire immediately and with great rapidity. One battery was found to be so near our front line that I ordered Colonel Jenkins to silence it. The enemy was found to be in such force there, however, that the engagement was brought on at once (4 o’clock). Troops were thrown forward as rapidly as possible to the support of the attacking columns. Owing to the nature of the. ground that concert of action so essential to complete success could not obtain, particularly attacking such odds against us and in position. The enemy, however, was driven back slowly and steadily, contesting the ground inch by inch. He succeeded in getting some of his batteries off the field, and, by holding his last position until dark, in withdrawing his forces under cover of night.

The troops sustained their reputation for coolness, courage, determination, and devotion so well earned on many hotly contested fields.

Branch’s brigade, of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s division, did not render the prompt support to our right which was expected, and.it is believed that several of our officers and men were taken prisoners in consequence. The other brigades of this division were prompt, and advanced to the attack with an alacrity worthy of their gallant leader. They recovered and secured the captured batteries from some of which the troops of my division had been compelled to retire for want of prompt support. The odds against us on this field were probably greater than on any other. : x

_ new troops and the promptness and energy displayed in throwing his

forces forward at the proper time and to the proper points.

I would also mention, as distinguished among others for gallantry and skill, Brig. Gens. R. H. Anderson, Kemper, Wilcox, Pryor, and Featherston (the latter severely wounded), and Colonels Jenkins, Corse,

Strange, Patton, Perry (severely wounded), Lieutenant-Colonels Marye, Coppens, Royston, and Major Caldwell (both wounded); Captain Field, commanding Eleventh Alabama, and Captain King, commanding Ninth Alabama (both wounded); Captain Otey, commanding Eleventh Virginia, and Captain Kilpatrick, of the Palmetto Sharpshooters.

The country and the service mourns the loss of Lieut. Col. J. G. Taylor, of the Second Mississippi Battalion ; Lieut. Col. D. W. Baine, commanding Fourteenth Alabama Regiment; Lieut. Col. J. V. Scott, commanding Third Virginia Regiment, and Maj. William Anderson, of the Palmetto Sharpshooters. These brave and valuable officers fell at the head of their commands in a desperate charge on the enemy’s batteries.

Majors Sorrel, Manning, Fairfax, and Walton, Captain Goree, and Lieutenant Blackwell, of my personal staff, displayed their usual gallantry and alacrity. After five days of night and day work, they kept up with undiminished zeal and energy. My volunteer aide, General Wigfall, remained with me also, conspicuous for his courage, coolness, and intelligence.

Major Meade and Lieutenant Johnston, of the Engineer Corps, were assigned to duty at my headquarters at the beginning of the campaign, and were very energetic and untiring in their efforts to discover the various positions of the enemy.

I desire to render my thanks to the medical staff of my command, of which Surgeon Cullen is chief, for their humane and protracted efforts in the care of the wounded. The most untiring and unremitting attention was displayed by these officers, both after the actions of the 27th and 30th, and I refer to the report of Chief Surgeon Cullen for especial mention of the conduct of the subordinates.*

For the details of the operations of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s division I respectfully refer to his official report:

Early on the following day the troops of Major-General Jackson were reported approaching the late battle-field, also Armistead’s brigade, of Huger’s division. The entire force was concentrated around this field about 10 a. m., and Jackson’s command advanced by the commanding general on the route of the enemy’s retreat. It was soon ascertained that the enemy was in position and great force near Malvern Hill, at Crew’s farm. Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s and my own division, having been engaged the day before, were in reserve.

A littke after 3 p. m. I understood that we would not be able to attack the enemy that day, inasmuch as his position was too strong to admit of it.

About 5 o’clock, however, I heard the noise of battle, and soon received a message from Major-General Magruder calling for re-enforcements, and understood from his staff officer that the enemy was attacking his position. I ordered the division of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill to his immediate support, and put my own in position to secure his right flank, which was the only one that could be at all exposed.

One of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s brigades became engaged about night; no other portion of the two divisions.

On Wednesday those two divisions were thrown forward again to pursue the enemy, but after marching 2 miles through a very severe rain-storm they were halted for the night near Dr. Poindexter’s house.

On Thursday morning the pursuit was resumed, and the command of Major-General Jackson moved forward, but by a different road. Both commands arrived near the new position taken by the enemy before night.

On Friday morning I rode forward to examine the position of the enemy. He was found to be strongly posted under his gunboats. ~ Major-General Jackson placed his command in front of the enemy, drove back the enemy’s pickets, and made the necessary disposition of his troops. Some complaint was made that the troops were not in proper condition to attack the enemy under his gunboats. I ordered, therefore, that no advance should be made, and wrote to request that the commanding general would ride forward at his earliest convenience.

General Toombs, reported to me just before the arrival of the commanding general. These brigades were put in position on Jackson’s left, and Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill’s division on his right, at Crenshaw’s farm.

After consultation further offensive operations were not deemed expedient.

Some days were occupied in collecting the arms and other property thrown away and abandoned by the enemy, when our forces were withdrawn to their present positions near Richmond.

Respectfully submitted.