Thursday, August 8, 2013

Dispatches from McClellan to Stanton

WILLIAMSBURG, May 6.

I have the pleasure to announce the occupation of this place as the result of a hard fought action yesterday.

Hancock’s brigade engagement had the effect to turn the left of the enemy’s line of works.  The enemy abandoned their entire line during the night, leaving all their sick and wounded in our hands.  His loss yesterday was very severe.  We have some 300 men wounded, and more than 1,000 wounded and prisoners.  Our victory is complete.  I have sent cavalry in pursuit.

The conduct of our men was excellent, with scarcely an exception.  The enemy’s works were extensive, and exceedingly strong.  Our loss in Hooker’s division is heavy, but very little in other parts of the field.  Hancock’s success was gained with a loss of not over 20 killed and wounded. – We have other battles to fight before we reach Richmond.


Gen. McClellan telegraphs from Johnston’s headquarters as follows:

The weather is good to-day, but there is great difficulty in getting up food, on account of the roads.  Very few wagons have yet come up.  Am I authorized to follow the examples of other Generals, and direct the names of battle to be placed on the colors of regiments?

Signed,
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major Gen’l. Comd’g.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

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