Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-07-09

l
beaten, SO that it was painfully apparent, befor
our brave fellows gave way, that they mus
finally break before that eYer-surging tide On
other error was peTceptible. Our officers SCENE,
to fight not so much to win victory as to displa.
the courage and endurance of our soldiers. In
stead of standing fast in secure cover of forests
that the enemy might be compelled to fight OF
our terms, they advanced into the open Geld
and were cut down By scores by the more crafty
foe. But we were beaten. It was a melancholy
satisfaction to know that we occupied the fielC
of battle after the conflict was ended. We haC
about 10000 men engaged, perhaps $4,000
The enemy had four divisions employed, besides
JackSon's admirable army of 10000 or 80, 5,00(
disciplined troops.
We had fourteen batteries-84 pieces-in the
field, and often not half could be used to adYan
tage. Martins, Tidbalrs and Weeden's were
most seTyicesble. Tidball's was on the extreme
right and, to the enemy, was an object of spe-
cial attention. Lieut.. Col Dennison, son of ex-
Governor D., had charge of one section of the
battery, and his captain eomplimented him for
his conduct. The conduct of the entire force
that day was admirable. The regulars who had
previously complained of restraint, had full
scope, and they fully reestablished their ancient
fame.
Duryea's ZOuaYes, clad in crimson breeches
and red scul caps, emulated their regular com
raGes, winning the admiration of the army.
! p. they suffered terribly, their conspicuous
uniforms drawing upon them an awful fire where
ever they appeared in the field. But volunteers
and regulars alike won glory on that bloody
| field
BATTLE IN FRONT.
Meantime, while tumult ragged over in the for
est excitement was scarcely less thrilling in
front. Battle was imminent on the entire line
:, q
on the picket lines and no respite for any. Men
stood in line of battle at the breast works from
day break-well they haze been under arms and
under fire e0er since, as they had been during
the twenty-seven preceding days and nights.
The world never before witnessed more devoted
courage.
Smiths division at Gouldin's, on the edge of
Chickahominy valley, and Sedgwick's on his
left, occupied the most sensitive points on the
whole line, since Fair Oaks. They threatened
the key of the rebel position before Richmond
Hancock's and Burns brigades held the most
exposed lines. The former had taken a critical
position in front of his iatrenchments with
strong battery. 1t was altogether probable the
enemy would attempt to drive him back The
afternoon was wearing away wearily without
serious demonstrations, and we had begun to
suspect the enemy of some sinister design in re-
naming so undemonstrative 1t was probably
four or five o'clock, however, when, without
premoniion a strong force pressed strongly
upon Gen Burns picket line. He sent word
instantly to Hancock to prepare for action. The
latter was vigilant, but he had hardly received
the message, before rebel battery Of heavy
guns opened furious storm Of shell upon him.
A moment later a strong brigade pounced upon
his pickets, pressed them in irresistbly, and
dashed at his battery. Burns was also at work.
His pickets had fallen back to their strong sup
ports, and warm battle was in progress in the
woods. The bullets ratified briskly among our
camps, but the combatants generally remained
invisible from the main line of battle. The
scene was now exciting in the highest degree.
Burns was working dozen NapoleOns and Par
rots Smiths batteries were burling shells fast
and furious, and the rebel guns were bowling
away as merrilY. The air was filled with burst
ing shells and suffused with sulphurOus smoke,
while the forests were ObscuTe1 with musket mist.
Our picket reserves, however, held their ground
maufully, and the enemy was briskly driven
back, our lads yelling at them triumphantly.
Hancock was victorious after bitter fight, in
which two Georgia regiments were almost cut to
pieces. Our loss, though not half SO great as
that of the enemy, was one OF the smartest and
most mschieYous of Southern politicians Col.
j. O. C. Lamar, of the lst Georgia regiment,
once member of Congress. His lieutenant-eolo-
rel was alec captured
But apprehensions about Porter's battle had
distressed officers all along. Itseemed apparent
that if the enemy defeated him, ruin threatened
rs from the rear. An attack ia front indicated
a disposition on the part of the rebels to force
the issue we now deprecated. 1t was grateful
relief to drive them back in front so easily. All
our supports had been sent to Porter. We had
no more than men enough to hold the front. 1t
would have been madness to have contended
IL lima in rTr1f
and rear There would have been no alterna-
tive but hasty retreat at the sacrifice of most of
our equipage and siege train, with the butchery
of thousands of our troops.
By this time, sunset, tidings Of a gloomy
character had been received from Porter. Not
much later the extent Of our misfortunes was
partially comprehended by officers. For the
first time we heard whisper of serious de-
termination on the part of Gen. Mcclellan to
" change his base Of operations % to James
river" 1t was considered most critical move
ment-especially under compulsion. You have
already heard some, and you will hear many
more explanations Of this calamitous but neees-
sitous plan, but l sincerely believe it never
would have been attempted but for the attack on
our right wing. This question, however, will
be the subject of controversy; l shall, there
fore, withhold consideration OF it in detail until
more favorable conditions offer.
= Il PREPARATIONS FOR RETREAT.
Even before Porter had been driven back, 1
was struck with the singular operations at gen
eraI headquarters. l discovered that they were
being removed to Savages Station, and COM
petent officer explained graYely that it was
thought advisable to go there, although it was
in the rear of our left wing. Alter dark there
were other ominous symptoms; general officers
confided to their staffs their fears of coming dis
aster. Even with the best disciplined troops,
and under favorable auspices, to change plan
of operations in the face of an enemy, is regard
/ ed by military authorities one of the most
dangerous enterprises. In our situation it was
a case of desperation. With our force, we could
not hold our positions against an enemy in front
and rear longer thar supplies on hand would
| last. An attempt to cut through lines OF IN
| trenchments and powerful Tedoubts, defended by
| numerous and desperate enemy, would have
been madness We had no hope of reinforce
ments Besides, it was now too late for them
TO form a junction with us, either by the Kappa.
hammock route or by York river, since they you'd
be cut off inevitably There was but oRe ex-
treriaIv perilous alternative. The army must
| fall back on James river. A hope was enter
| tanned that the enemy would be deceived into
The belief that we designed to fall back to the
| White House. Preparations were accordingly
begun Portsr's command crossed the river
without opposltlon
During the night, our bridges were blown up
and the crossings were bsrricaded and defended
Keyes' line, which was on the extreme LETT rest
ing upon White Oak Swamp, was prolonged
and our artillery and transportation trains Wef'
ordered TO prepare to move forward. That night
Gen. Casey was also directed to destroy all pub
lie property at the White House that could moi
be removed, and to transport the sick and wound
ed to place of safety, to retire himself, and re
Join the army on James river. Friday nigh
was thus actively and mournfuly passed Th'
troops were ignorant of the status, and 1t wa
desirable to conceal the truth from them.
was feared the enemy might attack on Saturday
and every preparation was made to resist sue
cessfully. Our defeated right was disposed OF
Trent's Bluffs, where the enemy's crossinI
might be successfully opposed, and by day ligh
our main body of supporters, after sever
-. - ai tLa;r nr;erinal nnsitinn The nieh