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[231] against our troops north of the Chickahominy, similar to that which the Confederates made a month later, but military reasons caused him to change his purpose. After his reconnoissance of the 30th he was ready to strike on the south bank. The Chickahominy, during the fearful succession of storm bursts, had risen and spread rapidly over all the low ground till the stream had become a broad river. What could be more favorable to his plan? True, the Confederate artillery might be hindered by the water and soft soil, but seemingly Keyes's corps of the Union army was now isolated and Johnston had in hand five strong divisions. McClellan could reenforce but slowly from the north of the river, for already some of the bridges had been carried away and the others would not long be safe to cross. The Confederate order of attack was: Hill to concentrate on the Williamsburg road and suddenly, vigorously assail with his division Keyes in front; Hill to be supported by Longstreet, who was to have the direction of all operations from the Williamsburg road to the Confederate right, and whose own division was to follow Hill; Huger's division, starting early, was to move rapidly by the Charles City road, which was southward nearer the James River, and come up in rear of Keyes's position. G. W. Smith with his own and McLane's divisions was intrusted with a double duty to serve as a general reserve and be ready to reenforce Longstreet down thenine-mile road, and also to watch the New Bridge and all other approaches of our corps from the Chickahominy. Longstreet, despairing of Huger's cooperation, about 12.30 P. M. ordered D. H. Hill to commence the
Baker and Taylor. 1908.
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