Richmond, June 29, 1862.
My Dear Mary:
For the last three days I have been a witness of the most
stirring events of modern times. On my arrival here, I found the government so
absorbed in the great battle pending, that I found it useless to talk of the
special business that brought me to this place. As soon as it is over, which
will probably be to-morrow, I think that I can easily accomplish all that I was
sent for. I have no doubt that we can procure another general and more forces,
etc.
The President and General Lee are inclined to listen to me,
and to do all they can for us. General Lee is vindicating the high opinion I
have ever expressed of him, and his plans and executions of the last great
fight will place him high in the roll of really great commanders.
The fight on Friday was the largest and fiercest of the
whole war. Some 60,000 or 70,000, with great preponderance on the side of the
enemy. Ground, numbers, armament, etc., were all in favor of the enemy. But our
men and generals were superior. The higher officers and men behaved with a
resolution and dashing heroism that have never been surpassed in any country or
in any age.
Our line was three times repulsed by superior numbers and
superior artillery impregnably posted. Then Lee, assembling all his generals to
the front, told them that victory depended on carrying the batteries and
defeating the army before them, ere night should fall. Should night come
without victory all was lost, and the work must be done by the bayonet. Our men
then made a rapid and irresistible charge, without powder, and carried
everything. The enemy melted before them, and ran with the utmost speed, though
of the regulars of the Federal army. The fight between the artillery of the
opposing forces was terrific and sublime. The field became one dense cloud of
smoke, so that nothing could be seen, but the incessant flash of fire. They
were within sixteen hundred yards of each other and it rained storms of grape
and canister. We took twenty-three pieces of their artillery, many small arms,
and small ammunition. They burned most of their stores, wagons, etc.
The victory of the second day was full and complete. Yesterday
there was little or no fighting, but some splendid maneuvering, which has
placed us completely around them. I think the end must be decisive in our
favor. We have lost many men and many officers; I hear Alex Haskell and young
McMahan are among them, as well as a son of Dr. Trezevant. Very sad, indeed. We
are fighting again today; will let you know the result as soon as possible.
Will be at home some time next week. No letter from you yet.
With devotion, yours,
James Chesnut.
SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin
and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 197-8
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