[24] Smith’s War Papers.
[25] Ibid.
[26] Letter from General McLaws.
[27] Rebellion Record, vol. xii. part iii. p. 910.
[28] Of interest in this connection is a letter to the author from General D. H. Hill:
“Fayetteville, Ark., February 4, 1879.
“General James Longstreet:
“My dear General,—I never heard of the proposed abandonment of Richmond at the time General Lee took command. I had charge of one of the four divisions with which the retreat from Yorktown was effected, and was called several times into General Lee’s most important councils. I never heard any officer suggest such a course in these councils or in private conversations.
“I feel sure that General Johnston always intended to fight the invading force, and so far as I know no officer of rank entertained any other view.
“I remember very well that some days before the council on the Nine Miles road (when yourself, A. P. Hill, and myself were present) that you suggested the plan of attacking McClellan’s right flank, and that I expressed my preference for an attack on the other flank. This shows that there was no thought of retreat.