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.