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other part free to cross the
Chickahominy and operate on the north bank.
By sweeping down the river on that side, and threatening his communications with
York River, it was thought that the enemy would be compelled to retreat or give battle out of his intrenchments.
The plan was submitted to his
Excellency the
President.
who was repeatedly on the field in the course of its execution.
While preparations were in progress, a cavalry expedition, under
General Stuart, was made around the rear of the
Federal army, to ascertain its position and movements.
This was executed with great address and daring by that accomplished officer.
As soon as the defensive works were sufficiently advanced,
General Jackson was directed to move rapidly and secretly from the valley, so as to arrive in the vicinity of
Ashland by the twenty-fourth of June.
The enemy appeared to be unaware of our purpose, and on the twenty-sixth attacked
General Huger, on the
Williamsburgh road, with the intention, as appeared by a despatch from
General McClellan, of securing his advance toward
Richmond.
The effort was successfully resisted and our line maintained.
Battle of Mechanicsville.
According to the
general order of battle, a copy of which is annexed,
General Jackson was to march from
Ashland on the twenty-fifth, in the direction of Slash Church, encamping for the night west of the Central Railroad, and to advance at three A. M. on the twenty-sixth, and turn
Beaver Dam.
A. P. Hill was to cross the
Chickahominy at
Meadow Bridge, when
Jackson's advance beyond that point should be known, and move directly upon
Mechanicsville.
As soon as the
Mechanicsville bridge should be uncovered,
Longstreet and
D. H. Hill were to cross, the latter to proceed to the support of
Jackson, and the former to that of
A. P. Hill.
The four commands were directed to sweep down the north side of the
Chickahominy, toward the York River Railroad,
Jackson on the left and in advance,
Longstreet nearest the river and in the rear.
Huger and
Magruder were ordered to hold their positions against any assault of the enemy, to observe his movements, and follow him closely should he retreat.
General Stuart, with the cavalry, was thrown out on
Jackson's left, to guard his flank, and give notice of the enemy's movements.
Brigadier-General Pendleton was directed to employ the reserve artillery so as to resist any approach of the enemy toward
Richmond, to superintend that portion of it posted to aid in the operations on the north bank, and hold the remainder ready for use when it might be required.
In consequence of unavoidable delays, the whole of
General Jackson's command did not arrive at
Ashland in time to enable him to reach the point designated on the twenty-fifth.
His march on the twenty-sixth was consequently longer than had been anticipated, and his progress being also retarded by the enemy,
A. P. Hill did not begin his movement until three P. M., when he crossed the river and advanced upon
Mechanicsville.
After a sharp conflict, he drove the enemy from his intrenchments, and forced him to take refuge in his works, on the left bank of
Beaver Dam, about a mile distant.
This position was a strong one, the banks of the creek in front being high and almost perpendicular, and the approach to it over open fields, commanded by the fire of artillery and infantry intrenched on the opposite side.
The difficulty of crossing the stream had been increased by felling the woods on its banks and destroying the bridges.
Jackson being expected to pass
Beaver Dam above, and turn the enemy's right, a direct attack was not made by
General Hill. One of his regiments on the left of his line crossed the creek to communicate with
Jackson, and remained until after dark, when it was withdrawn.
Longstreet and
D. H. Hill crossed the
Mechanicsville bridge as soon as it was uncovered and could be repaired; but it was late before they reached the north bank of the
Chickahominy.
D. H. Hill's leading brigade, under
Ripley, advanced to the support of the troops engaged, and at a late hour united with
Pender's brigade, of
A. P. Hill's division, in an effort to turn the enemy's left; but the troops were unable, in the growing darkness, to overcome the obstructions, and after sustaining a destructive fire of musketry and artillery at short-range, were withdrawn.
The fire was continued until about nine P. M., when the engagement ceased.
Our troops retained the ground on the right bank, from which the enemy had been driven.
Ripley was relieved at three P. M. on the twenty-seventh by two of
Longstreet's brigades, which were subsequently reenforced.
In expectation of
Jackson's arrival on the enemy's right, the battle was renewed at dawn, and continued with animation for about two hours, during which the passage of the creek was attempted, and our troops forced their way to its banks, where their progress was arrested by the nature of the stream.
They maintained their position, while preparations were being made to cross at another point nearer the
Chickahominy.
Before they were completed,
Jackson crossed
Beaver Dam above, and the enemy abandoned his intrenchments and retired rapidly down the river, destroying a great deal of property, but leaving much in his deserted camps.
Battle of the Chickahominy.
After repairing the bridges over
Beaver Dam, the several columns resumed their march, as nearly as possible, as prescribed in the order.
Jackson, with whom
D. H. Hill had united, bore to the left in order to cut off reenforcements to the enemy, or intercept his retreat in that direction.
Longstreet and
A. P. Hill moved nearer the
Chickahominy.
Many prisoners were taken in their progress, and the conflagrations of wagons and stores marked the way of the retreating army.
Longstreet and
Hill reached the vicinity of
New-Bridge about noon.
It was ascertained that the enemy had taken a position behind
Powhite Creek, prepared to dispute our progress.
He occupied
