very anxious to make such efforts in the future. One ill-advised despatch, one piece of gross injustice, has wounded the spirit and chilled the ardor of thousands of men as brave and as jealous of their honor as any that ever fought the battles of their country. And their affection for and confidence in the man that did them this wrong are gone forever.

Let justice be done to us, and then give us more men to fill up our skeleton regiments, and try us in the advance again; or else let justice be done and the whole brigade mustered out of the service, which since this disgrace, has no charm for it. I am, dear sir, very truly yours, D. CAMP NEAR BOTTOM'S BRIDGE, BEFORE RICHMOND, Va., VA., &

June 7, 1862.

MCCLELLAN AND CASEY'S DIVISION.

street, unless he found in his front force enough to occupy the division. Gen. Smith was to march to the junction of the New-Bridge road and the Nine-mile road, to be in readiness either to fall on Keyes's right flank, or to cover Longstreet's left. They were to move at daybreak. Heavy and protracted rains during the afternoon and night, by swelling the stream of the Chickahominy, increased the probability of our having to deal with no other troops than those of Keyes. The same cause prevented the prompt and punctual movement of the troops. Those of Smith, Hill and Longstreet were in position early enough, however, to commence operations by eight A.M.

Major-General Longstreet, unwilling to make a partial attack, instead of the combined movement which had been planned, waited from hour to hour for Gen. Huger's division. At length, at two o'clock P.M., he determined to attack without these troops. He accordingly commenced his adGen. Casey, Bottom's Bridge: The following vance at that hour, opening the engagement with despatch has just been transmitted:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 5, 1862-11 P.M.

artillery and skirmishers. By three o'clock it became close and heavy.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 5. Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War: In the mean time, I had placed myself on the SIR: My despatch of the first inst., stating that left of the force employed in this attack, with the Gen. Casey's division, which was in the first line, division of Gen. Smith, that I might be on a part gave way unaccountably and discreditably, was of the field where I could observe, and be ready based upon official statements made to me before to meet any counter movement which the encI arrived upon the field of battle, and while I was my's General might make against our centre or there, by several commanders. From statements left. Owing to some peculiar condition of the atmade to me subsequently by Gens. Casey and mosphere, the sound of the musketry did not Naglee, I am induced to believe that portions of reach us. I consequently deferred giving the sigthe division behaved well, and made a most gal-nal for Gen. Smith's advance till four o'clock, at lant stand against superior numbers; but at present the accounts are too conflicting to enable me to discriminate with certainty. When the facts are clearly ascertained, the exceptional good conduct will be properly acknowledged.

G. B. MCCLELLAN,

Major-General Commanding.

REBEL REPORTS AND NARRATIVES.

GEN. JOHNSTON'S REPORT.

RICHMOND, June 24, 1862. Gen. S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector-General: SIR: Before the thirtieth of May I had ascertained from trusty scouts that Keyes's corps was encamped on this side of the Chickahominy, near the Williamsburgh road. On that day MajorGen. D. H. Hill reported a strong body immediately in his front. On receiving this report, I determined to attack them next morning, hoping to be able to defeat Keyes's corps completely in its more advanced position before it could be reënforced. Written orders were despatched to MajorGens. Hill, Huger and G. W. Smith. Gen. Longstreet, being near my headquarters, received verbal instructions. The receipt of the orders was acknowledged.

which time Major Jasper Whiting, of Gen. Smith's staff, whom I had sent to learn the state of affairs with Gen. Longstreet's column, returned, reporting that it was pressing on with vigor. Smith's troops were at once moved forward.

The principal attack was made by Major-Gen. Longstreet, with his own and Major-Gen. D. H. Hill's divisions-the latter mostly in advance. Hill's brave troops, admirably commanded and gallantly led, forced their way through the abattis, which formed the enemy's external defences, and stormed their intrenchments by a determined and irresistible rush. Such was the manner in which the enemy's first line was carried. The operation was repeated with the same gallantry and success as our troops pursued their victorious career through the enemy's successive camps and intrenchments. At each new position they encountered fresh troops belonging to it, and reenforcements brought on from the rear. Thus they had to repel repeated efforts to retake works which they had carried. But their advance was never successfully resisted.

Their onward movement was only stayed by the coming of night. By nightfall they had forced their way to the "Seven Pines," having driven Gen. Hill, supported by the division of Gen. the enemy back more than two miles, through Longstreet, (who had the direction of operations their own camps, and from a series of intrenchon the right,) was to advance by the Williams- ments, and repelled every attempt to recapture burgh road, to attack the enemy in front; Gen. them with great slaughter. The skill, vigor, and Huger, with his division, was to move down the decision, with which these operations were conCharles City road, in order to attack in flank the ducted by Gen. Longstreet, are worthy of the troops who might be engaged with Hill and Long-highest praise. He was worthily seconded by

Major-Gen. Hill, of whose conduct and courage he speaks in the highest terms.

into action even at four o'clock, the victory would have been much more complete.

Major-Generals Smith and Longstreet speak in high terms of the conduct of their superior and staff-officers.

I beg leave to ask the attention of the govern

Major-Gen. Smith's division moved forward at four o'clock, Whiting's three brigades leading. Their progress was impeded by the enemy's skirmishers, which, with their supports, were driven back to the railroad. At this point Whit-ment especially to the manner in which Brig.. ing's own and Pettigrew's brigades engaged a Generals Whiting and R. H. Anderson, and superior force of the enemy. Hood's, by my or- Colonels Jenkins, and Kemper, and Hampton, der, moved on to coöperate with Longstreet. Gen. exercising commands above their grades, and Smith was desired to hasten up with all the troops Brig.-Gen. Rhodes, are mentioned. within reach. He brought up Hampton's and Hatton's brigades in a few minutes.

The strength of the enemy's position, however, enabled him to hold it until dark.

About sunset, being struck from my horse, severely wounded by a fragment of a shell, I was carried from the field, and Major-General G. W. Smith succeeded to the command.

This, and the captured colors, will be delivered by Major A. H. Cole, of my staff.

I have been prevented by feebleness from making this report sooner, and am still too weak to make any but a very imperfect one.

Several hundred prisoners were taken, but I have received no report of the number. Your obedient servant,

J. E. JOHNSTON,

JEFFERSON DAVIS'S ADDRESS.

General.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, June 2, 1862.

He was prevented from resuming his attack on the enemy's position next morning, by the discovery of strong intrenchments not seen on the previous evening. His division bivouacked, on the night of the thirty-first, within musket-shot To the Army of Richmond: of the intrenchments which they were attacking when darkness staid the conflict. The skill, energy and resolution with which Major-General Smith directed the attack would have secured success if it could have been made an hour ear

lier.

The troops of Longstreet and Hill passed the night of the thirty-first on the ground which they had won. The enemy were strongly reenforced from the north side of the Chickahominy on the evening and night of the thirty-first. The troops engaged by Gen. Smith were, undoubtedly, from

the other side of the river.

On the morning of the first of June, the enemy attacked the brigade of Gen. Pickett, which was supported by that of General Pryor. The attack was vigorously repelled by these two brigades, the brunt of the fight falling on General Pickett. This was the last demonstration made by the enemy.

Our troops employed the residue of the day in securing and bearing off the captured artillery, small arms, and other property, and in the evening quietly returned to their own camps.

We took ten pieces of artillery, six thousand (6000) muskets, one garrison flag and four regimental colors, besides a large quantity of tents and camp equipage.

Major-Gen. Longstreet reports the loss in his command as
being about..
Major-Gen. Smith reports his loss at..

Total,.

.8000

.1233
.4236

That of the enemy is stated in their own newspapers to have exceeded ten thousand-an estimate which is, no doubt, short of the truth.

Had Major-Gen. Huger's division been in position, and ready for action, when those of Smith, Longstreet, and Hill moved, I am satisfied that Keyes's corps would have been destroyed, instead of being merely defeated. Had it gone VOL. V.-Doc. 7

I render to you my grateful acknowledgments for the gallantry and good conduct you displayed in the battles of the thirty-first of May, and first inst., and with pride and pleasure recognise the steadiness and intrepidity with which you attacked the enemy in position, captured his advanced intrenchments, several batteries of artillery and many standards, and everywhere drove them from the open field.

At a part of your operations it was my fortune to be present. On no other occasion have I witnessed more of calmness and good order than of death, and nothing could exceed the prowess exhibited while advancing into the very jaws with which you closed upon the enemy when a sheet of fire was blazing in your faces!

you

In the renewed struggles in which you are on the eve of engaging, I ask and can desire but a continuance of the same conduct which now attracts the admiration and pride of the loved ones you have left at home.

You are fighting for all that is dearest to men; and, though opposed to a foe who disregards many of the usages of civilized war, your huthe fit and crowning glory to your valor. manity to the wounded and the prisoners was

Defenders of a just cause, may God have you in his holy keeping! JEFFERSON DAVIS. The general will cause the above to be read to the troops under his command.

RICHMOND "DISPATCH" ACCOUNT.

RICHMOND, June 2. The terrific thunder-storm of last Friday night led many to suppose that military operations on our lines would be retarded for several days, and particularly with those who were considered to be au fait with the topographical nature of the country on which our noble army was stationed. With a volatile stream and swamp in front, (the Chickahominy,) it was

thought that an attack was impossible, or at least impracticable, either from friend or foe, owing to the flood of rain which fell; but on Saturday morning early, our scouts reported that during the previous night the enemy had conveyed very heavy bodies of men across, or in the swamp, and that their retreat or extraction was almost a matter of impossibility. Towards nine A.M., on Saturday, we observed large bodies of troops of Longstreet's division moving towards and on the Williamsburgh road, with bands in full blast, colors flying, and men hilarious with delight, supposing, as was the case, that the enemy were to retreat or surrender.

north-east; particularly so to those of ours stationed on the Mechanicsville road.

Having arrived in open ground, our forces commenced to howl in a fearful manner, terrifying the enemy with their indescribable sounds. The Fourth North-Carolina, regardless of consequences, shut their eyes to the chances, and attacked the work in gallant style, being supported by other regiments to the right and left. They gained their object, but it is said were unable to retain it, for the enemy's large brass howitzers dealt destruction among them, and it is reported they fell back in admirable order, until fresh troops could be brought to bear upon the hordes Hastily proceeding down the road indicated, of Pennsylvania, who, in thousands, were pourwe found it almost impossible to pass, owing to ing volleys upon them. At about this time (one the immense bodies of water lying along the P.M.) some other reënforcements of Longstreet's route, together with an unlimited supply of mud. corps arriving, turned the tide of battle for a From Magruder's farm, and several miles further time, but not permanently. Among others, St. upon the turnpike, all seemed to be an impassable Paul's (Louisiana) battalion, (three companies) swamp. How regiment after regiment traversed appeared upon the scene, and looking to where the ground seems even now almost a problem. the fire was hottest, dashed into the enemy in Yet onward, onward passed Longstreet's division French style with the bayonet, and with their toward the point of attack; and although every-watchword, "Butler," upon their lips, drove thing appeared unusually quiet, there was a pe- everything before them, attacking odds in every culiar stir and rumbling in the woods and on the instance, and not satisfying their vengeance until road, (some six miles, and in the woods fronting almost decimated. Barker's plantation,) which denoted that the enemy were unusually active, and anticipated our advance.

Between nine and ten A.M. a part of Hill's division was deployed as skirmishers on the right and left of the road, which was soon replaced by the arrival of Longstreet's veterans. Between eleven and twelve A.M. the Twenty-eighth Georgia and Second Mississippi were employed as skirmishers fronting the woods, and began the advance without much opposition; but as they proceeded along the turnpike, and in the woods, the enemy, concealed behind a fence and in force, opened a furious rifle fire, which, for a moment, caused our brave boys to wink and stagger. Yet, recovering themselves in an instant, they delivered a murderous volley in reply, and, with hearty cheers, dashed through the woods after their discomfited and frightened foe, driving them helter-skelter before them, and making many bite the cold, wet, and muddy ground.

Our artillery at this juncture came into play, and although the mud baffled human industry, patience and perseverance, some pieces of the Lynchburgh (Latham's we believe) battery got into position, at the entrance to Barker's farm, and played such havoc that the foe deserted their four large brass howitzers, unable to reply. But as the enemy's whole brigade camp (tents and all) were yet standing-as Barker's house, outhouse, etc., lay parallel to the road- and as a very large wood-pile was at right angles with it, the enemy, reënforced, crowded their breastworks, and from all these points kept up such a terrific fire that our men, appearing from the wood and on the road, were cut down as fast as discovered. Nothing daunted at the immense show and numbers of the foe, notwithstanding our artillery, from the nature of the roads and ground, was incapable of advancing, our infantry appeared upon their flanks, regiment after regiment, drove them from their hiding-places, capturing their guns, fortifications, and entire camp, with great supplies, and drove the foe two miles from their encampment of the morning.

Observing the strength of the enemy's line in front, our commander ordered up the Fourth North-Carolina, who, advancing in force, broke through the Second Mississippi battalion, in The greatest and hottest fire was about four their hurried progress, and divided the latter P.M., when Latham's and Carter's batteries got corps in such a manner that, subsequently, their into action, supported by the Fourth and Fifth whole force could not be again collected. Bril- South-Carolina, First Virginia, Twelfth Mississipliant in conception and execution, the finely pi, and other regiments. Having many valuables drilled North-Carolinians flanked the enemy's in camp, and it being well provided with tents, dense line of skirmishers, and did such sad havoc by their flanking fire that the enemy precipitately fell back upon their unfinished breastwork in, and commanding the entrance to, the grounds of Barker's farm. This breastwork, however, is one of a chain of similar earthworks, which the invaders have erected this side of the Chickahominy stream, and, running parallel with it, are nearer to our forces from the north-west than

provisions, (including one hundred barrels of whisky,) they made a terrific effort to retrieve the day, and Gen. Casey, their commander, moved up every available man to support or cover his flying columns. Tents, provisions, guns, ambulances, wagons, spare horses, and, in fact, everything stationed on the Williamsburgh road, fell into our hands, and regiment after regiment of the enemy retreated to the Chickahominy faster

than ever witnessed before by old campaigners, leaving a large number of killed and wounded to the fortunes of war. Beaten and driven in disgrace from their camps and earthworks on the Williamsburgh road, the enemy made a bold attempt to regain the lost ground by a vigorous flank movement down the York River Railroad, thinking thus to retrieve the fortunes of the day and place things as they were in the morning.

Presently there appears a long line of "bluejackets," conducted by a few of the Fifth SouthCarolina volunteers-really, we beg pardon, we should have said “Col. Jenkins's First regiment South-Carolina sharp-shooters!" and let us add, en passant, that no regiment did better service than this corps, while the Fourth suffered severely. Our wounded truly were very numerous, but they trudged along quite philosophically. But we must confess that among the whole num ber we did not see half so much complaint as was witnessed with a small squad of Yankees, who pitched, and tossed, and howled in an outrageous manner, even intimidating those of the ambulance corps, who hurried to their relief. "All right, fellows," said one of our boys, coming from the front desperately wounded, and laughing withal

"Go in, boys, and finish-we have driven them as far as legs would carry us. We got one hundred barrels of whisky, so hurrah for us!"

But while in the hurry and confusion incident to an engagement of this nature, we must confess that the arrangements and plans of our Generals for repelling the foe were of the most admirable nature, and elicited hearty applause from all who observed; but then, we know they had troops, the finest in the whole world, and men, indeed, who knew not what danger was. To particularize, we cannot for want of space and time-sufficient to say, that Saturday's operations ended in another "Federal victory (!)"

Heavy firing consequently commenced between five and six P.M., to the left of the Williamsburgh road, near the seven-mile post, on the York River Railroad, but Oddaway's battery and a brigade in waiting received their advance with such ardor that, without any preliminary, the Tennesseeans and others threw themselves upon the Federals, drove in their skirmishers, attacked the main force, and, up to the middle in water, assailed the battery before them, and took it with the bayonet. The fighting in this direction was not of long duration, but of great intensity and noise, Imboden's (or Oddaway's) field-pieces being worked with remarkable precision and celerity, expediting the enemy's retreat within a short time. The enthusiasm of the men on the left of the Williamsburgh road could not be restrained. Shout after shout rent the air, and it did not even subside when actually engaged themselves late in the evening; for, although not personally with them, we could well mark their successful advance by the dying sounds of their wild shouts in the woods. Thus, then, when darkness had fairly Expecting a resumption of hostilities on Sunset in upon the scene, the enemy's attempt upon day, every preparation was made therefor, and our lines at two points had disastrously failed, at an early hour, the enemy commenced to adand the foe driven three miles beyond their orig-vance down York River Railroad; but General inal position of the morning, with a total loss of Mahone's brigade (Huger's command) met them twelve or fifteen guns, thousands of killed and and gallantly drove them backwards again, alwounded, and immense stores of every description. though manfully attempting to regain the posiYet what pen can describe the scene presented tion lost the evening before. We are sorry to on every side? Friend and foe scattered far and add that in this engagement the Third Alabama wide, in death, or in last agonies. Here and there lost Col. Lomax and Adjt. Johnson, while the are deserted camps- dead and dying fill the Twelfth Virginia, and Richmond Grays particutents-horses wounded and lame rush to and fro larly, lost many valuable men. The Ninth Vir-here are artillerymen, some Federals, some ginia did not act so well. The enemy were parconfederate, wounded or dead, within a few feet ticularly active with artillery, and accurately of each other-every wound known to the human shelled the ambulance train on the York River body is seen in ghastly reality. All crave water, road. Operations along the line yesterday were and crawling through mud, lap the blood-stained not of a very important nature, the enemy being and slimy flood. Some curse, some moan and intent upon preparing for their main attack toturn their eyes toward heaven sadly. Rebels day, Monday. hand around water to their late foes, and eyes We are sorry to say that our officers suffered glisten in thankfulness. Squads of prisoners are severely in the two days' operations, and among seen issuing from the woods in divers places, and others we would add Gen. Garland had three scowl upon their captors ominously, while others horses shot under him, and was severely hurt whistle and joke along the road as if infinitely before relinquishing his command in the field. gratified at being captured. Here comes a stal- Gen. Pettigrew was killed, Col. Lomax, Sixth wart Alabamian, left hand shattered and in a Alabama, Col. Hatton, Seventh Tennessee, and sling, carrying off triumphantly the colors of the others, and as to the number of subordinate offiFifth Pennsylvania volunteers, keeping a watch-cers, the list is a long and fearful one. Time ful eye on the standard-bearer at his side, who and space preclude the possibility of further descowls, hangs low his head and ignominiously tails-to-day is big with fate! may Providence drags his slow length along. "I wouldn't have aid us in our cause, and may historians yet chronsurrendered my colors," said he, with the air of a icle a second Marathon. poltroon, "but I was assisting a wounded officer, and was surrounded by three regiments." A very probable story, say all the soldiers.

Later in the evening the enemy appeared in force near the battle-field of the morning, then held by our inen. Gen. Mahone's brigade still

get more correctly the details of the battles of Saturday and Sunday. It is not surprising that the account given by our reporter yesterday morning should contain some errors. Depending principally upon the statements of those engaged, the first accounts generally give the movements of particular bodies of troops rather than the disposition of all. It is almost impossible for one man to trace the acts of the different divisions, much more to detail the engagements of brigades and regiments. One by one, as the accounts come in, we make corrections, and endeavor to make the description as accurate and comprehensive as possible.

occupied the advance, and were drawn up in line June 3.-As farther information comes in, we of battle, preparing to meet the foe, notwithstanding the severe loss it had sustained in the morning. Many of our dead and wounded still remained upon the field, among which was the body of the lamented Col. Lomax. An omnibus was sent out to get as many as possible, but this was captured by the enemy. The Yankees advanced to the edge of a piece of woods, within about two hundred yards of our line, where they halted and remained at dusk. Gen. Mahone's brigade was soon reënforced by several brigades which were drawn up a short distance in its rear, while a large force was placed near by in reserve. President Davis, Gens. Lee, Smith, Longstreet, Stuart, and other commanding generals were upon the ground at this point, showing that it was an important position in the affairs of the day. Thus matters stood at sundown. As no further attack was anticipated during the night, our troops prepared to bivouac on the field, in readiness for the events of to-day.

The fact that the enemy crossed the Chickahominy in large numbers is already known. Coming up on the Williamsburgh road, they threw up intrenchments near Barker's farm, and posted themselves behind fallen trees, clumps of bushes, and breastworks. Saturday morning it was determined to attack them, and two divisions were

Of course it is impossible at this time to chron-sent down the Williamsburgh road. Gen. Hill's icle but a small portion of the casualties and incidents. We give such as we have been able to obtain. The Twelfth Virginia and the Third Alabama behaved nobly. Both regiments were cut up badly. The Richmond Grays lost two killed and five wounded and missing. Probably no regiment suffered more than the Third Alabama, Besides Col. Lomax, Adjt. Johnson, Capt. Mays, Capt. Phelan, and Lieut. James Brown were killed, and Capt. Ready, Capt. Robinson, Lieut. Witherspoon, Lieut. Gardner, Lieut. Patridge were wounded. The casualties were among the officers alone. The slaughter among the privates was terrific.

The Lynchburgh artillery, formerly known as Latham's battery, now commanded by Captain James Dearing, did good service in the fight. The men fought bravely and laid many a Yankee upon the ground. Capt. Dearing entered with thirty-four cannoneers, and had nineteen wounded. He also had between thirty and forty horses disabled. The First Lieutenant, James L. Dickenson, had his leg broken. Capt. Dearing is a brave and efficient young officer, and won his spurs on this occasion.

division led the advance, supported by General Longstreet. As soon as the enemy's position was reached, Gen. Hill prepared for a vigorous attack. Featherstone's brigade led the advance. It was commanded on the occasion by Col. Anderson, the General being ill in the city. Garland's brigade commenced the attack on the left, and in a few minutes the engagement became general. After two hours' fighting our men drove the enemy from his camps. This brigade then, in pursuance of the original plan, deployed right and left of the enemy's works. Our artillery then commenced to play on them. In the Fourth North-Carolina, out of twenty-eight officers, four were killed instantly and nineteen wounded.

Capt. Baker, of the Twenty-seventh Georgia, while acting as aid to Col. Anderson, was killed. Among the distinguished acts of daring on Saturday was the capture, by Capt. Thos. Walton, of Mississippi, of the colors of a Federal regiment. He was acting on General Longstreet's staff, and while Col. Giles's regiment was charging he galloped ahead of it, and dashing into the Yankee regiment, seized their colors and bore them off. He then rode up to Giles's regiment and presentOne of the batteries captured was the "Em-ed the flag to them. The act was rewarded by pire Battery," of New-York, Capt. Miller. The guns were new brass field-pieces, known as the Napoleon gun, made by the American Manufacturing Company. The horses were all killed, but the pieces have been turned over to Captain Miller, of the Washington artillery.

Col. D. G. Goodwin, of the Ninth Virginia, was severely wounded. The Petersburgh corps was badly used up. The Twelfth Virginia and the Third Alabama charged a battery and drove the Yankees from it. The Twelfth and Sixth Alabama took a battery of ten pieces. The First Virginia and the Fourth North-Carolina charged a battery and drove the enemy out. The Eighth Virginia also suffered much. The Colonel of the Eleventh Alabama is reported killed.

three hearty cheers from our men. The gallant Captain was shot in the head later in the day, but refused to leave the field before the fighting was over.

Later in the day, General Longstreet's division came up and rushed eagerly into the battle. About four o'clock our artillery came into play, and did excellent service, as has been already said. Although heavily reënforced, the enemy were charged by Longstreet's and Hill's men and driven off the field, our men taking possession of their camps and fortifications. The Yankees very closely contested the ground as they fell back, while our forces steadily pushed upon their lines.

This battle occurred upon the Williamsburgh road, or near it, close by the railroad. Making quite a detour to the left, the Nine-mile road runs