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The Seven days.
On the 25th of June, a forward movement of the picket-line of the left was ordered, preparatory to a general and final advance.
The orders were successfully carried out, and about a mile of ground was gained, with small loss.
The advantage thus secured was important, as by it both the corps of
Heintzelman and
Sumner were placed in a better position for supporting the main attack, which it was intended
General Franklin should commence the following day. During this day, June 25, information came that the enemy had received reinforcements from
Beauregard's army, and that
Jackson was near Hanover Court-House with a large body of troops.
On the next day, Thursday, the 26th,
General McClellan had intended to make a final attack; but he was anticipated by the enemy, and assailed on his right by a strong force which crossed the
Chickahominy at
Meadow bridge and near
Mechanicsville.
It appears that on the 25th a council of the
Confederate generals was held at
Richmond, and it was determined that while
Jackson was moving upon the right flank of the
Federal army a general and simultaneous attack should be made upon the whole line.
When the approach of the enemy was discovered on our right, our pickets were called in, and the regiment and battery at
Mechanicsville were withdrawn.
A strong position was taken by our troops so as to resist the threatened attack.
It extended along the left bank of
Beaver Dam Creek,
