CAMP AT RAILROAD
CROSSING OF THE CHICKAHOMINY, June 14, 1862.
After writing my last letter, I was very busy employed in
loading up the vessels with my train of wagons and ambulances. We got off in
good time, and after a pleasant trip down the Rappahannock, we entered the York
River and ascended it and the Pamunky to the celebrated White House, the estate
of General Lee's son (Turnbull's old friend). We reached the White House this
morning and found great excitement existing, from the fact that the enemy had
the audacity to show themselves along the line of the railroad, and finding two
of our vessels in the Pamunky River, beyond the reach of any defense, they
seized them, murdered the crews and burned them. This foray was accomplished,
as far as I can ascertain, by some sixty or seventy mounted men, who made this
bold and audacious move, having pretty certain information that being so far to
the rear, we were perfectly secure and hence unguarded. The rascals were
completely successful in every particular, except their attempt to capture my
brigade train, which was on the road, guarded by a company of the Fourth
Regiment. The company formed a line and prepared to receive the gentlemen,
which caused them to hesitate and finally retire. What they did, however, made
a great rumpus, and was terribly magnified by the time it reached our steamer,
anchored some ten miles below the White House. As soon as I could find where my
command was, I started off with my staff and escort, and the escort of General
McCall, which he had left for me to bring on. I reached here about 3 P. M., and
found the brigade encamped just before crossing the Chickahominy. Last night it
was under orders to move forward, but the raid of the guerillas changed the
programme, and Reynolds was ordered back with part of his brigade to guard the
depot at the White House, and the railroad leading this way.
I have fortunately joined my command before they have been
called into action, which I was a little nervous about. McClellan's
headquarters are about four miles from here.
Kuhn saw Alexander Wilcox, who is here on the Sanitary
Commission, and is on board a fine steamer, where, as we passed this morning, I
saw numerous young ladies, in English hats, etc., very stylish, apparently
having a nice time with several men. I was told this was the sanitary ship, and
these were volunteer nurses. I thought at first it was a picnic.
It is all quiet in front at this hour, 6 P. M., but no one
can tell when the ball may be opened by either side. I think in a day or two we
shall go to the front, and then will commence the reality of war.
SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George
Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 273-4
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