Today in History:

252 Series I Volume XI-III Serial 14 - Peninsular Campaign Part III

Page 252 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. Chapter XXIII.

that could be desired. The affair was probably decided by two guns that Captain De Russy brought gallantly into action under very difficult circumstances. The enemy driven from his camps in front of this and all now quiet.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,

Major-General.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 25, 1862-5.20 p.m.

General FITZ JOHN PORTER:

General McClellan says tell Porter that the work is done. Secesh driven from his camps. Success complete.

I think we have occupied a new and advantageous line for our pickets. Stop firing unless you have some particular object.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 25, 1862-5.25 p.m.

General S. P. HEINTZELMAN:

The general commanding desires you to regard your new line in front as merely a picket line, and your entrenchments as your true field of battle. If your pickets should be hard pressed they should fall back to the entrenchments slowly.

He also wishes you to cut out as much of the timber in the front of your works as possible to-night, so as to increase the range for the artillery.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.


HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 25, 1862- 5.25 p.m.

General SUMNER:

The general commanding desires you to regard your new line in front as merely a picket line, and your entrenchments as your true field of battle. If your pickets should be hard pressed they will fall back slowly to the entrenchments, firing as they retire.

He also wishes you to cut away as much of the timber as possible in front of your works, so as to give you a more open space on your front.

R. B. MARCY,

Chief of Staff.

GENERAL McCLELLAN'S HEADQUARTERS,

June 25, 1862-7 p.m.

Major General AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE,

New Berne, N. C.:

Reports from contrabands and deserters to-day make it probable that Jackson's forces are coming to Richmond and that a part of Beauregard's force have arrived at Richmond. You will please advance on Goldsborough with all your available forces at the earliest practicable


Page 252 THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VA. Chapter XXIII.