May 6, 1862

March 13, 2012

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Page 120:
~~May~~
April 1862
6
Yorktown, Va.
This morning we
hear conflicting rumors of the
engagement of yesterday. McClellan
commanded in person. Kearney
is said not to have handled
his division with much skill, and
on the whole the battle was a
drawn one. I have no doubt the
enemy will magnify it into a
“repulse of the enemy” and appear
much elated. But as sure as the
sun shines Richmond must fall.
Our division steams up to West
Point day where we shall land and
entrench ourselves. Thus we begin
the investment of the rebel capitol.
Meanwhile McDowell is safe and
will hurry up to join us in the
grand strike. Banks is coming down
and will join us.

Page 121:

The steamers that have come
up to serve as hospitals are
fast filling up. I should not
be surprised if we had a
thousand wounded.
A week since the Rebel
congress were beginning to leave
the capital in terror. The papers
ridiculed them for cowardice.
But when news came of the
evacuation of Yorktown it must
have startled the inhabitants.
Many suppose that they are beginning
to leave Richmond now, and
that the opposition yesterday
at Williamsburg was only to
gain time. This may be true.
Some predict that we shall
be in Richmond by a week’s
time.