Everybody is upon the tip-toe of expectation. It has been
announced (in the streets!) that a battle would take place this day, and
hundreds of men, women, and children repaired to the hills to listen, and
possibly to see, the firing. The great storm day before yesterday, it is
supposed, has so swollen the Chickahominy as to prevent McClellan's left wing
from retreating, and reinforcements from being sent to its relief. The time is
well chosen by Gen. Johnston for the attack, but it was bad policy to let it be
known where and when it would be made; for, no doubt, McClellan was advised of our
plans an hour or so after they were promulged in the streets. Whose fault is
this? Johnston could hardly be responsible for it, because he is very reticent,
and appreciates the importance of keeping his purposes concealed from the
enemy. Surely none of his subordinates divulged the secret, for none but
generals of division knew it. It must have been found out and proclaimed by some
one in the tobacco interest. It is true, Mr. Randolph told Mr. Jacques a
great battle would begin at 8 A.M., to-day; but he would not propagate such
news as that!
But the battle did not occur at the time specified. Gen.
Huger's division was not at the allotted place of attack at the time fixed
upon. His excuse is that there was a stream to cross, and understanding Gen.
Longstreet was his senior in command (which is not the fact, however), he
permitted his division to have precedence. All the divisions were on the
ground in time but Huger's, but still no battle. Thousands of impatient
spectators are venting their criticisms and anathemas, like an audience at a theater
when some accident or disarrangement behind the scenes prevents the curtain
from rising.
At last, toward noon, a few guns are heard; but it was not
till 4 P.M. that Huger's division came upon the field. Nevertheless, the battle
began in earnest before that hour; and we could hear distinctly not only the
cannon but the musketry.
The hearts of our soldiers have been inspired with heroic
resolution, and their arms nerved with invincible power to overcome the
difficulties known to be in the way. Every one is aware that the camp of the
enemy, on this side of the Chickahominy, is almost impregnably intrenched; and
in front of the works trees have been cut down and the limbs sharpened, so as
to interpose every obstacle to our advance.
Ever and anon after rapid firing of cannon, and a tremendous
rattle of musketry, a pause would ensue; and we knew what this meant! A battery
had been taken at the point of the bayonet, and we cheered accordingly. One
after another, we could in this manner perceive the strongholds of the enemy
fall into our hands.
Toward sundown it was apparent that the intrenched camp had
been taken; and as the deep booming of cannon became more distant, and the rattle
of musketry less distinct, we felt certain that the foe was flying, and that
our men were pursuing them. But we knew that our men would take
everything they were ordered to take. They care not for wounds and
death. This is their only country. But the enemy have a country to run to, and
they hope to live, even if defeated here. If they kill all our young men, the
old men and women, and even our children, will seize their arms and continue
the conflict.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the
Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 129-30
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