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 and Lieutenant Church, of Company E, was killed while
encouraging his men by words and deeds.
The above is respectfully submitted.
Your most obedient servant,
R. F. Taylor,
Colonel Commanding Thirty-third N. Y. S. V.

General Davidson, in his report of the affair, said:

“The Thirty-third N. Y. Volunteers, Colonel Taylor, of my Brigade,
then on picket, in conjunction with the Forty-ninth Pa. (two
companies), Colonel Irwin, had the honor of repulsing the enemy
most handsomely. The conduct of the Thirty-third N. Y., Forty-ninth
Pa., and Seventh Maine, under this terrible, concentrated fire, which
took us completely by surprise, was all that could be desired.”
 CHAPTER XIV.
The Retreat Commenced.—The Thirty-third one of the last Regiments to Leave.
—Savage’s Station.—Destruction of Property.—General Davidson Sun-
struck.

Our army was now in full retreat, the right wing following the left,
and both sweeping away to the James. The rebel capital beleagured,
pressed, girt round about by a living wall, and just within our grasp,
once more breathes freely. The siege is raised, the tide of war rolled
back from her gates, and the black flag of rebellion waves in triumph.
It was a sad and humiliating day for our brave boys, when
gathering up effects and shouldering muskets, they turned their
backs on the city. For weeks they had regarded it as their prize.
Their young Chief had told them it should be theirs, and in him they
firmly placed their trust. Bitter were the anathemas heaped upon the
Washington authorities, through whose mismanagement they
believed victory was being turned into defeat. Whatever may have
been the truth of the case, they and they alone were held
responsible that we were now marching away from instead of
towards Richmond. The route of the right wing lay along the west
bank of the Chickahominy to Savage’s Station, White Oak Swamp,
and thence to Harrison’s Bar. General Smith’s command did not
begin to move until the troops, crossed from the other side of the
river, had passed by.
Saturday night, June 28th, the right wing of the Thirty-third was
again detailed for picket duty, the third night the men had been
without sleep. In obedience to orders from Gen. Davidson, Captain
McNair, taking a squad of men, destroyed the camp equipage of the
entire Brigade. Before morning the destruction of everything of value
was completed. Cos. C, D and I remained on picket until 1 o’clock A.
M., when they were relieved by A and F. The line stretched away to
the left for half a mile, connecting on with General Gorman’s. The
reader can imagine what were the feelings of these men, who were
left to deceive and hold in check the enemy while the remainder of
the troops withdrew. Regiment after Regiment disappeared in the
distance, until they alone remained. Moments lengthened into hours,
but their eyes were greeted with no signal to retire. Through the gray
mist of the early morn, the rebel pickets could be seen, their line
advanced already to within speaking distance, and their forces in the
rear preparing to throw themselves headlong on our retreating
columns; still no orders for withdrawal came.
It is a brave and noble thing when a soldier, burning with love of
country and cheered on by the presence and sympathy of comrades
in arms, rushes into the conflict, and at the cannon’s mouth breasts
the storm of death; but braver and nobler far, when the picket guard,
knowing that each moment lengthens the distance between him and
friends, and makes more certain his slaughter or capture by an
insolent and cruel foe, stands calmly waiting his fate, rather than
betray his trust and compromise the safety of an army. Gen. Smith
had said to them before going out, “It is the duty of the few to
sacrifice themselves for the safety of the many,” and they murmured
not at the decision which had made them the victims.
After all hope of being withdrawn had gone, they were, to their
great joy, signalled to return, which they did rapidly, under cover of a
dense fog, and soon joined the Regiment.
The Division marched two miles Sunday morning, keeping on the
high lands which skirt the Chickahominy, in order to protect the right
of the army. On arriving at Trent House, they were massed for a
short time, during which Gen. McClellan rode by.
Again resuming the march along the river, they halted about one
mile to the right of Savage’s Station, and, after remaining in line of
battle a few moments, fell back to the Station, a large clearing in the
forest, of two thousand acres or more. The pioneers of the Thirty-
third were detailed to assist in the destruction of the immense war
material which had accumulated here. Of all the pyrotechnic displays
which our military authorities have gotten up during the war, this was
the most costly and magnificent, if such a melancholy spectacle can
be styled magnificent.
Scattered over a large surface of ground were heavy supplies of
provisions and ammunition burning and bursting, filling the air with
smoke and embers, and adding to the already oppressive heat of the
day. As the flames reached fresh piles of commissary stores, they
would burst forth anew, lighting up the country for miles, and
imparting a terrible grandeur to the scene. The forage, which had
been sent from the North, and collected from the surrounding
country, burned rapidly, creating dense volumes of smoke, which
slowly drifted along to the westward. Great numbers of torpedoes,
prepared for signal purposes, were shooting in every direction,
displaying through the murky atmosphere the red, white and blue
colors. Occasionally a box of cartridges would explode, sending the
balls whizzing among the tree tops, to the great annoyance of some
of the men, who did not care to be picked off in this style. A large
number of agricultural implements sent down from Washington to aid
in harvesting the crops of the Peninsula, were thrown together in a
promiscuous heap. The torch applied, nothing soon remained of
them but a mass of blackened shafts and wheels. Though burning so
fiercely, the flames were found inadequate to complete the
destruction. A long train of cars was accordingly run up, and after
being loaded with material, and set on fire, was started towards the
Chickahominy, the engineer swinging off after having “let on full
steam.” Along it sped at a fearful rate, until reaching the river, when
the engine exploded, as it careened over the bank, and the cars
were precipitated into the water below, lying piled one upon another,
a mass of ruins. The explosion of the engine, which was heard for a
long distance, caused the rebels to hastily decamp from the opposite
side of the river, where they were drawn up to prevent our retreat in
that direction.
A General Hospital was located at the Station, and contained, in
addition to thousands of sick, the wounded from the late battles, who
had been sent here after the retreat was decided upon, presenting
an indescribable scene of suffering and woe. To add to the gloom
and unhappiness of their condition, they were now informed that all
who could not join in the march would be left behind, no ambulances
or transportation being furnished. A large number of the poor fellows,
determined not to fall into the hands of the enemy, started bravely
out, and through all the retreat, their weak and emaciated forms
could be seen struggling along the weary way, with limbs just
amputated, or undressed wounds bleeding at every step. But with
spirits all unconquered, and hope yet whispering words of
encouragement, many of these unfortunates reached Harrison’s Bar,
and have since recovered to recount experiences of suffering and
brave endurance, rarely fallen to the lot of human beings.
Of this number was Philip Smith, of the Thirty-third, whose case
presents a striking instance of that fortitude which brought many sick
and wounded through that long retreat, while many strong men were
compelled to succumb to the fatigue and become prisoners. He was
wounded through the elbow at the battle of Golden’s Farm. The
wound was severe, and such as would ordinarily require amputation.
He was immediately conveyed to Savage’s Station, where the
surgeons determined to remove the arm. Smith resisted, but was
forced upon the operating table. It became necessary for the
surgeons to leave the subject for a moment, when he sprang from
the table and hurried away from the Hospital. He followed the
moving army from day to day, much of the time unable to obtain
food, his arm frightfully swollen, and every moment becoming more
painful. After four days he arrived at Harrison’s Landing, and found
his way on board of one of the transports, his wound still undressed.
He was carried to Baltimore, and placed in the General Hospital
there. Here, too, the surgeon in charge, determined upon
amputation, and declared he could not live ten days in that condition.
“Then,” said Smith, “I will die with two arms.” For several days the
surgeon refused to dress the wound at all, and at length was about
to force the operation, when the Chief Surgeon, after a careful
examination, remarked, that as the young man appeared to have an
excellent constitution he might bear up under the excruciating pain,
and perhaps recover without losing the limb. The wound was now
dressed for the first time, and although months of pain and sickness
followed, Smith finally recovered his health, with the consolation that
his obstinate endurance had saved his right arm.
After remaining two hours in the woods round Savage’s Station,
Davidson’s Brigade marched two miles further to the rear, when a
halt was ordered. Several large boxes of Quartermaster’s stores
were found here, having been left for want of transportation. The
men helped themselves freely to clothing, doffing their old garments
for entire new suits. After resting for a few moments, the Brigade was
ordered back again to the Station, to support Gen. Brooks, who had
become engaged with the enemy. Proceeding back at a double
quick, Brooks was found driving the enemy in fine style with his
Vermont Brigade, after having punished them severely. The battle
lasted until an hour after sunset, when a brilliant cavalry charge
totally routed and put to flight the rebels. Gen. Brooks was, however,
wounded. The Vermont troops fought nobly, sustaining the reputation
which they had previously won at Lee’s Mills and in other
engagements. While the conflict was raging fiercely, a member of the
Forty-ninth Pennsylvania stepped out in front of the line of battle,
and, unmindful of the bullets which were whistling around him,
delivered a very solemn prayer. The effect was most impressive on
the hearers.
Parties, including one often men from the Thirty-third, detailed to
bury the dead, were nearly all taken prisoners. The Brigade
remained until ten o’clock in the evening, the men falling asleep in
their tracks, when it again moved to the rear, on the road previously
taken, towards White Oak Swamp. Gen Davidson, who had been
sun-struck during the afternoon, was borne along for some distance
on a litter by members of the band. On being temporarily left by the
road-side, the General stepped into a house close by, and a
straggler happening along took his place. The men returning, took up
the litter, and carried the straggler nearly a mile before discovering
their mistake. They were very much chagrined over the “sell,” but
thought it too good a joke to keep.
 CHAPTER XV.
A Tedious Night March.—White Oak Swamp.—Sudden Attack by the Enemy.—
Narrow Escape of General Smith.—A Cowardly Colonel.

Col. Taylor succeeded to the command of the Brigade. The

distance to the bridge was represented as being inconsiderable, and
the troops plodded wearily along, congratulating themselves that
they should soon reach a resting place; but hour after hour of the
long night passed, and no bridge appeared. Owing to the darkness
and confusion, the commands became mingled together, Regiments
losing their Brigades, and soldiers their Regiments.
It was now the fourth night the men had been without sleep, which,
together with the fearful excitement through which they had passed,
exhausted their strength, and one after another sank down by the
road side, knowing that the enemy would soon be along.
An hour before day the Brigade reached the bridge which crossed
White Oak Swamp, when a scene ensued which baffles description.
The structure was very narrow, and each Regiment pushed ahead
pell-mell, in order to get over first. A Maj. General stood on the
bridge and kept repeating: “For God’s sake hurry up men.” The
enemy were pressing closely behind, and might make their
appearance at any moment, rendering escape impossible. Already
guards stood, with torch in hand, waiting the first signal of their
approach to fire the structure, and thereby save those who had
already crossed.
After anxiously waiting an hour, the Thirty-third succeeded in
effecting a crossing, but many were found to be missing. A placard
was posted up by the road-side directing such men as might
afterwards come up, to the spot where the Regiment was located.
General Smith temporarily established his headquarters under a fruit
tree, and sent out aids to hunt up his various Regiments. Those of
Colonel Taylor’s Brigade being got together, moved up, about six
o’clock, on their way from the swamp, taking the road to Harrison’s
Landing. They proceeded, however, only a short distance, over the
crest of a hill, and halting, formed in line of battle.
No signs of the enemy being visible, arms were stacked, and the
men scattered in various directions—some to pitch tents, others to
bring water or bathe themselves. Nearly all the stragglers had now
got over, and about eleven o’clock the bridge was in flames. When
the Thirty-third were receiving rations they were suddenly startled by
the roar of fifty cannon and the appearance in their midst of shot and
shell. Under cover of the dense wood on the opposite side of the
swamp the enemy had planted their batteries, in close proximity to
us, and obtained perfect range of our forces. So accurate was their
aim that the first shell burst in the dwelling occupied by General
Smith, cutting the gray-haired owner in two just as he was leaving
the house. The same shell disabled Lieutenant Long, knocked down
Lucius Beach of Company C, and killed a Southern laborer who was
standing close by. General Smith was changing his clothes at the
time, and lost his watch. He coolly walked away from the house, but
one of his aids, darting away from him, ran bareheaded through the
Regiment like mad, and getting behind a tree, hugged it closely
during the rest of the cannonade. A momentary panic followed this
sudden attack of the enemy, and it required the most strenuous
exertions on the part of officers to restore order in the ranks. Those
who fled to the rear were brought back at the point of the bayonet. A
Regiment stationed in front of Col. Taylor’s was thrown into the
greatest confusion, and, following the example of their leader, rushed
back headlong, sweeping down those who impeded their course.
Exasperated at this conduct, the officers of the Thirty-third
threatened to shoot down the entire Regiment if they did not return.
Their Colonel, who so ignobly deserted them, came and sat down
among the privates of the Thirty-third, when one of them said to him,
“Don’t your Regiment need you? we have got all the officers we want
here.” Upon this he picked himself up and hastened to a hospital
near by. He was afterwards compelled to resign. The Regiment did
some splendid fighting at Antietam, under a new leader. The soldiers
all fell flat on the ground, thereby escaping the shells, which
ploughed through the top of the crest, or, clearing it, struck in the
marsh beyond. Occasionally one would burst directly over their
heads, causing some loss of life. After remaining under this fire for
half an hour, Colonel Taylor withdrew his Brigade to the edge of the
woods, and formed them in line of battle. Maj. Platner, who was now
in command of the Regiment, was ordered to report to General
Hancock, who stationed him on the extreme right of the line,
remarking as he did so, “Major, you have the post of honor; hold the
position at all hazards, and add new laurels to those already won by
the Thirty-third.” The firing still continued very heavy, the enemy
making several attempts to cross the swamp, but they were repulsed
each time. The bridge had been burned before their arrival. Several
cavalrymen, however, succeeded in getting over. Lieutenant Hills,
who had been sent to the top of the crest to watch the movements of
the enemy, observed one of these horsemen capture five Union
soldiers. They were lying behind a fence, and when he rode up and
ordered them to surrender the cowards yielded, though having guns
in their hands. The daring trooper likewise rode fearlessly towards
Lieutenant Hills, and shouted to him to surrender. Let the scoundrel
come on if he wants to, said Captain Cole, who had come up, which
remark intimidated him, and he galloped rapidly away. The
cannonading continued until after night had enveloped friend and foe
in darkness. General Smith appeared frequently riding along the line,
regardless of the shells which were bursting all around him, and
exhibiting as much nonchalance as if the occasion were nothing
more than a militia training. Halting at one time in front of the Thirty-
third, he said to them, “You are doing nobly; stay where you are until
you get different orders.” He afterwards remarked that the Regiment
had “sustained its former reputation.” While the battle was
progressing a fierce engagement was also going on at Charles City
Cross-Roads. The cheering of friend and foe could be easily
distinguished as either side gained any advantage.
About half-past eight o’clock in the evening the enemy’s fire
slackened, and preparations were made to resume the march. The
Division stealthily withdrew, and were massed in a large field. The
men were not permitted to return to the hillside and secure their
knapsacks, which contained letters, likenesses, &c., but were
speedily and quietly hurried away.
 A picket line was left to deceive the enemy by making them think
that we still remained. In half an hour’s time all preparations were
completed, and the troops commenced marching. It was a most
solemn and impressive scene as the long column moved away,
winding over hill and through dale. The officers delivered their
commands in a whisper, and the men were not permitted to speak.
The artillery was drawn away by hand; one single Napoleon being
left to fire upon the crossing, kept booming, booming all night long.
The woods adjoining the swamp were set on fire at our departure,
casting a lurid flame over woodland and plain, and lighting up the
country for miles around. An attack was expected every moment,
and the snapping of a twig or cry of a night bird was sufficient to
create an alarm. But no enemy appeared, and the solemn, noiseless
march was continued. Colonel Taylor, in his report of this
engagement at White Oak Swamp, said: “Major John S. Platner, and
Captain Cole, of Company C, and Captain McNair, of Company F,
rendered themselves conspicuous in their efforts to get the men into
line of battle and under arms, where they nobly stood until relieved
by the order to fall back.” The following is an extract from a report
subsequently made by General Davidson: “In compliance with
special order No. 42, from 6th Army Corps, to forward any
recommendations for promotion, and the names of the officers and
men deserving reward for distinguished services, I have the honor to
report as follows: Major John S. Platner, Captain James McNair,
Company F, and Captain C. H. Cole, Company C, for gallant conduct
at White Oak Swamp. Owing particularly to the efforts of these
officers, the men were formed in perfect order, and enabled to hold
their position under the terrific fire of the enemy.”
 CHAPTER XVI.
The Enemy Out-generaled.—Arrival at Malvern Hills.—The Thirty-third assigned
to Picket Duty.—Battle of Malvern.—Arrival at Harrison’s Landing.—General
McClellan’s Address.—Building a Fort.—Slashing Timber.

So successfully had the pickets, who were left to cover the

withdrawal, performed their part, that it was not discovered by the
enemy in time to pursue. Before morning, however, a fresh danger
encountered the Division, which now constituted the rear of the
army. Another portion of the enemy, under Huger, had gained
possession of the road ahead of us, thereby cutting off the retreat.
Some, nearly exhausted by the arduous labors of the four days
previous, were well nigh discouraged on receipt of this intelligence.
But General Smith was equal to the emergency, and instead of
pressing forward, as some of his officers advised, and attempting to
cut his way through to the river, seven miles distant, he turned off,
and making a circuit of twenty-two miles, completely eluded the foe.
In a conversation which occurred a few days afterwards, at Liberty
Hall, between General Jackson and Surgeon Dickinson, of the
Thirty-third, who had remained with his sick and wounded, Stonewall
remarked, that “Huger ought to be court-martialled for permitting
Smith to escape, and Magruder shot for his drunkenness and
mismanagement at Malvern.” They were both subsequently shelved.
Jackson added, further, that Gen. McClellan had out-generaled
them, escaping with his army when it was just within their grasp.
After debouching from the main thoroughfare a halt was ordered,
and the men, sinking down by the road-side, were soon fast asleep.
But they were immediately roused from their slumbers, and springing
to their feet, prepared to resist the enemy’s cavalry, who were
reported to be advancing on a charge. The alarm, however, proved
to be groundless, having been occasioned by some horses, which
had got away from their sleepy riders, dashing through the ranks.
When the panic created by this circumstance had subsided, the
Division again moved forward rapidly, many of the soldiers being so
exhausted as to fall asleep, and mechanically move along, until a
halt in the line would throw them headlong against their comrades in
front. The memories of that fearful night march can never be effaced
from the brain of those who participated in it. An hour after daylight
the head of the column reached Malvern, when the boys, mistaking
some dead pines ahead for ship masts, gave vent to the wildest
demonstrations of joy, supposing that the river had been reached. It
was, however, but a short way off. Moving on a little distance further,
the troops were massed by Regiments in a large clearing, and
permitted an hour’s sleep. At the expiration of that time the Thirty-
third was ordered on picket in the woods at the right of Malvern Hills,
where a portion of the army was drawn up to receive an attack.
Major Platner, still in command of the Regiment, deployed all the
Companies as skirmishers, every other man being permitted to
sleep.
Directly in the rear, the Vermont Brigade were employed in
slashing timber, and constructing a formidable abatis, behind which a
line of battle was formed, No openings were left, or other provisions
made for the escape of the Thirty-third, should the enemy appear,
but they were told to fire off their guns, and make their way back
through the slashing as best they could. The night was intensely
dark, and the men, unable to see or converse with each other, had a
decidedly dreary time of it. About three o’clock in the morning
(Wednesday) an Aid appeared and ordered them in. Owing to the
darkness and obstacles some did not get back for several hours.
The fierce battle of Malvern Hills was, in the meantime, being
fought. The line of battle was formed about eight o’clock in the
morning (Tuesday), General Franklin having the right, Generals
Keyes and Heintzelman the centre, and General Porter the left.
General Sumner’s Corps was held as a reserve. Our batteries were
planted on the hills in commanding positions. About nine o’clock the
pursuing enemy made their appearance and immediately opened a
heavy artillery fire, which was replied to by our guns, the gunboats
Galena and Jacob Bell assisting. The artillery duel was kept up until
three o’clock in the afternoon, when the enemy charged in solid
column upon our batteries, but were repulsed with terrible slaughter.
Again and again they renewed the charge, but were as often beaten
back. Despairing of dislodging us with shot and shell, or of storming
our guns, they now advanced their infantry, who opened a musketry
fire, and the engagement became general along the whole line. For
three long hours the battle raged fiercely, neither side gaining any
material advantage. But at the end of this time reinforcements
arrived to the number of four Brigades, and decided the fortunes of
the day. The enemy were everywhere beaten back and put to flight,
many of them not stopping until they reached their defences. Some
were at the time, and have since been, of the opinion that our
victorious forces could have followed them into their capital. But
when we consider the distance intervening, the condition of our own
troops, and that this was only one wing of the rebel army that had
met with defeat, it is scarcely reasonable to conclude that the
success could have been followed up by the capture of Richmond.
This terminated the series of engagements connected with the
retreat. Like Massena fleeing before Wellington, General McClellan
had again and again turned upon Lee, and as often checked him in
the pursuit.
After being ordered in from the picket line, the Thirty-third was
permitted a few hours’ rest, and then sent to the front to support
Ayers’ battery. The men had hardly taken their position behind the
guns, before they were ordered to move on, which they did in a
furious storm. Reaching a large wheat field, a portion of the army
was found drawn up, in a hollow square, with the trains in the centre,
expecting an attack. The troops were marched and counter-
marched, and arranged to meet the enemy, but they did not make
their appearance. The Regiment here joined the others of the
Brigade under Colonel Taylor, and proceeded on towards Harrison’s
Landing. The water was in many places from six to eight inches
deep, the streams very much swollen, and various other
circumstances conspired to make the marching slow and tedious.
The Thirty-third, however, reached the landing about two o’clock in
the afternoon, which was on the old Harrison estate, and reminded
the men very much of White House Landing.
 HARRISONS LANDING

The river was full of gunboats and transports of every description.

Many of the boys were so famished that they did not wait for the
commissary, but swam out to the boats, and, clambering up the
sides, procured something to eat. Others were so exhausted that,
without delaying for food or shelter, they sank down in the mud, and
were soon fast asleep. Notwithstanding the excessive heat and
innumerable number of bugs and flies of every description, they
found no difficulty in wooing Morpheus after the severe and terrible
exposures and hardships of the seven days previous. On the next
day, which was the 4th, General McClellan issued the following
address to the troops:

Headquarters Army of the Potomac, Camp near

Harrison’s Landing, July 4th, 1862.
Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac:
 Your achievements of the last ten days have illustrated the
valor and endurance of the American soldier. Attacked by
superior forces, and without hope of reinforcements, you have
succeeded in changing your base of operations by a flank
movement, always regarded as the most hazardous of
military expedients. You have saved all your material, all your
trains, and all your guns, except a few lost in battle, taking in
return, guns and colors from the enemy. Upon your march
you were assailed, day after day, with desperate fury, by men
of the same race and nation, skilfully massed and led. Under
every disadvantage of number, and necessarily of position
also, you have, in every conflict, beaten back your foes with
enormous slaughter. Your conduct ranks you among the
celebrated armies of history. No one will now question that
each of you may always with pride say, “I belong to the Army
of the Potomac.”
You have reached the new base, complete in organization
and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may, at any time, attack
you. We are prepared to meet them. I have personally
established your lines. Let them come, and we will convert
their repulse into a final defeat.
Your government is strengthening you with the resources of
a great people. On this, our Nation’s birthday, we declare to
our foes, who are rebels against the best interests of
mankind, that this army shall enter the capital of the so-called
Confederacy; that our National constitution shall prevail; and
that the Union, which can alone insure internal peace and
external security to each State, “must and shall be
preserved,” cost what it may in time, treasure, and blood.
GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

This stirring address was received with immense enthusiasm by

the army. During the day a national salute was fired at the
headquarters of each Army Corps, and immediately after the bands
played various national airs. General McClellan likewise visited all
the troops in the afternoon, and they paraded before him.
The position here was one of great beauty, the country being
open, rolling, and skirted with large and variegated forests. Beautiful
country residences, belonging to aristocratic owners, were seen in
every direction.
Saturday morning, 5th, Smith’s Division was sent back on the
Charles City Cross-roads, two and a half miles, to the support of
General Shields’ forces, which had been attacked by Texan cavalry.
The rebels were repulsed, and fled, leaving one gun in our
possession. The Brigade remained here, and pitched their tents in a
very commanding though unhealthy position. The water was
frequently so stagnant that fish could not live in it, floating lifeless to
the top. The men immediately commenced earthworks on the
highlands in the vicinity of the Landing. The Thirty-third assisted in
the construction of an extensive fort, mounting several 32-pounders.
When completed, it presented a very formidable appearance. An
immense amount of slashing was also performed. It was a fine sight
to see a whole forest rapidly disappear before the sturdy blows of a
thousand choppers. While one Regiment used the axes, another
was posted in front to prevent the enemy’s sharpshooters from firing
upon them.
The men learned, with much satisfaction, soon after reaching the
Landing, of the capture of their old acquaintance, the Teaser, which
surrendered to the Union gunboat Mantanzas.
Much sickness prevailed among the camps, owing to the
unhealthy surroundings and impure water. Many died, and many
more were taken North, not, however, before the seeds of death had
been implanted in their constitutions. Each Company of the Thirty-
third provided itself with a well, and afterwards enjoyed the luxury of
pure water. Everything pertaining to a soldier’s living was furnished
in abundance, after affairs became settled, sweet bread, in addition
to many other things, being added to the bill of fare. While here,
General Smith was confirmed as a Brigadier General of Volunteers.
He was likewise nominated for a Major Generalship. General
Davidson, recovering from the effects of the sunstroke, resumed
command of the Brigade, and Colonel Taylor returned to his
Regiment. One reconnoissance was made by him in the direction of
Richmond.
 CHAPTER XVII.
Arrival of Reinforcements.—Visit of President Lincoln.—Attack by the Enemy.—
Reconnoissance to Malvern Hills.—A Deserter drummed out of Camp.—A
change of base decided upon.—Return March to Fortress Monroe.—Scenes
by the way.

Reinforcements began to come up the river, so that in a few days

the army numbered one hundred and twenty thousand men.
On the morning of the 8th President Lincoln arrived unexpectedly
from Fortress Monroe, and was welcomed with a salute of thirty-two
guns. After spending a few hours at Headquarters, he proceeded to
review the various commands, accompanied by General McClellan.
As he rode along the lines, and observed the thinned ranks and torn
and tattered flags, he exhibited much emotion. The review was not
completed until 9 o’clock, the moon shining brightly, and a cool, fresh
breeze blowing from off the water. General Halleck likewise made his
appearance on the 24th, and inspected the army.
The enemy soon began to show themselves on the opposite and
higher bank of the river, and in the course of a few days increased to
the number of several thousand. About midnight, on the 31st, they
opened a vigorous fire from three batteries on our shipping and
camps. Many of the shells struck in the vicinity of the Thirty-third.
Our gunboats returned the fire, and, with the assistance of the siege-
guns, drove them away, at the end of two hours. Only two men were
killed, and twelve wounded, by this night attack.
On the following morning eight hundred troops crossed the river in
boats, and burned all the buildings, and cut down the trees in the
vicinity.
Monday, August 4th, a force consisting of infantry, cavalry and
artillery, under General Hooker, proceeded back to Malvern Hills,
and after a brief engagement re-occupied them, the enemy
retreating. They remained here until Wednesday, and then returned
to camp. On the following Friday, great rejoicing was occasioned in
General Hooker’s Division, on the reception of the news that he had
been promoted to a Major Generalship. The troops assembled en-
masse at his headquarters, and cheered vociferously for “Fighting
Joe,” while various bands discoursed national airs. Several hundred
lighted candles were fixed in the surrounding trees, imparting a
beautiful effect to the scene. The same day Colonel Taylor left for the
north on recruiting service, taking with him Lieutenant Corning and a
Sergeant from each Company. Gen. Davidson also departed, having
been ordered to the Department of Missouri. Lieutenant-Colonel
Corning, being now senior officer of the Brigade, assumed command
of it.
A soldier who had run away from the Golden’s Farm fight, was
paraded before the Division with his head half-shaved, and a placard
marked “Coward,” suspended upon his back. He was also sentenced
to forfeit all back pay, and spend the remainder of his time of
enlistment at the Tortugas. All the Regiments were drawn up in line
of battle, and the culprit marched back and forth before them, while a
band played “the rogue’s march.”
Owing to the movements of the enemy in front of General Pope,
unhealthy location of the army at Harrison’s Landing, and because
they had come to regard the Peninsula route to Richmond
impracticable, and lost confidence in General McClellan’s capacity,
the military authorities at Washington decided, early in the month of
August, to recall the army from the Peninsula. General McClellan
was strongly opposed to this, declaring to them that if fifty thousand
reinforcements were furnished him, he would yet enter the rebel
capital. His wishes, however, were not complied with, and
preparations for a “change of base” were commenced. Smith’s
Division received orders to be in readiness to march at daylight,
Thursday, August 14th. It did not move, however, until the following
Saturday. All the necessary preparations were conducted with
secrecy and dispatch; wooden guns were planted on the fort which
the Thirty-third had assisted in building, and sentinels of straw were
posted a few feet apart on the ramparts. All day Thursday and
Friday, other portions of the army marched by, the artillery and
wagon trains proceeding at night. Generals Porter’s, Keyes’, and
Sumner’s Corps proceeded by the Charles City Court House, and
General Heintzelman’s by the Cole’s Ford route. The object of the
previous movement to Malvern was now explained, it having been
made to mislead the enemy, and cause them to think that another
advance was intended.
About four o’clock Saturday afternoon, Smith’s Division took up
the line of march. As the troops moved away, the enemy who,
apparently for the first time, had discovered the movement, drew
near and fired for some time at the sham pickets or sentinels,
occasioning many humorous remarks from the soldiers, such as,
“They won’t drive them,” “Why don’t you drop him, Mr. Rebel.” “How
are you, sharp-shooter,” &c., &c. The column was forty miles in
length, General Porter, who was at the head, having then reached
Williamsburg. The Thirty-third proceeded by the river road, and
marching five miles the first night, encamped on a deserted
plantation. While halting by the way, General McClellan appeared,
and after addressing the men a few encouraging words, urged the
necessity of marching as rapidly as possible. The moon shone
brightly, but the air was chilly, and many who had thrown away their
blankets suffered from the cold and heavy dew. The following day,
Sunday, the march was resumed at six o’clock, and continued until
three in the afternoon. The Regiment marched seventeen miles,
crossing the Chickahominy near its mouth on a pontoon bridge—the
longest ever constructed in this country—consisting of ninety-six
boats, anchored about twenty feet apart.
Among other craft lying here was the steamer Matamora, which
had conveyed a portion of the Thirty-third from Alexandria to
Fortress Monroe. The troops encamped in a wheat-field on an
elevated spot about one-fourth of a mile back from the river. All
danger of an attack from the enemy was now past, and they slept
soundly after their long and wearisome march. The country for miles
back in the interior was very flat, almost on a level with the river’s
bank, and abounded in swamps and marshes. Evidences of ruin and
decay were seen all along the route. The orchards had frequently
been so neglected that a second growth of trees had sprung up and