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Chapter 7:
- Conference with the Generals after the battle -- order to pursue the enemy -- evidences of a thorough rout -- “Sweet to die for such a cause” -- movements of the next day -- what more it was practicable to do -- charge against the President of preventing the capture of Washington -- the failure to pursue -- reflection on the President -- General Beauregard's report -- endorsement upon it -- strength of the opposing forces -- extracts relating to the battle, from the narrative of General early -- resolutions of Congress -- efforts to increase the efficiency of the army.
At A late hour of the night I had a conference with Generals Johnston and Beauregard; the adjutant general of the latter, Colonel Jordan, was present, and sat opposite me at the table. When, after some preliminary conversation, I asked whether any troops had been sent in pursuit of the enemy, I was answered in the negative. Upon further inquiry as to what troops were in the best position for pursuit, and had been least fatigued during the day, General Bonham's brigade was named. I then suggested that he should be ordered in pursuit; a pause ensued, until Colonel Jordan asked me if I would dictate the order. I at once dictated an order for immediate pursuit. Some conversation followed, the result of which was a modification of the order by myself, so that, instead of immediate pursuit, it should be commenced at early dawn. Colonel Jordan spoke across the table to me, saying, “If you will send the order as you first dictated it, the enemy won't stop till he gets into the Potomac.” I believe I remember the words very nearly, and am quite sure that I do remember them substantially. On March 25, 1878, I wrote to General Beauregard as follows:
To this letter General Beauregard courteously replied that his order book was in New York, in the hands of a friend, to whom he would
