The Memphis union appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-07-09


allel lines on both sides of the trains, while
White Oak Swamp fortunately protected our /
TANKS from cavalry. We were getting on ad- /
mirably, and It was apparent that the whole
army would be safely in position before sdnset /
unless the enemy should attack.
cattle at White Oak swamp.
At about 10 o'clock Gen. Mcclellan pushed
10 the river, communicating with Commodore
Rodgers, and had the gunboat fleet posted to
aid as against the enemy. The case was des-
perate, but it was relief to reach the river
where we could turn at bay with our rear pro-
tected by the James, and TANKS partially COW
cred by gunboats. Tidings, however, had
been received that the enemy was pushing
swiftly upon US in several columns of immense
numbers, apparently determined to crush US,
or drive us into the river that night. They
opened fereely with shell upon Smiths divi-
sion at White Oak Bridge. After burning
down the house of q good Secessionist, and
breaking his leg, the enemy extended his line
of fire and soon engaged our entire rear guard,
striking at Slocum, who was guarding against
flank movement designed to cut our column
in twain.
Long before this our vanguard had de-
bouehed from the road into the field before
Turkey Bend, and our reserve artiller was
powerfully posted on Malvern Hill mag
snifcent bluff covering Hardin's Landing,
where our gunboats were cruising. Here was
glorious prospect. Though our gallant fell
lows were bravely holding the fierce enemy at
bay to cover the swiftly escaping trains, it was
clear our troubles were not ended. We had
again deceived the enemy by going to Turkey
Bend. He had imagined we were marching
TO New Market, destined to a point on Cliff
Bottom road, near Fort Darling. It was not
far away, and the enemy was missing bis
troops upon us on the left, and on our new
front-for when we arrived at Malvern Hill,
the wings Of the army as organized were re-
versed, Reyes taking the right, Porteras corps
the left-as We faced Richmond. Oar line
now described great are, and there was fight
ing around three fourths Of the perimetr.
Gsn. Mcclellan, who had already cotamu-
nieated with the gunboats, returned from the
front TO Malvern Hills, which were made his
battle headquarters, aud dispositions for final
emergency were made. Fitz John Porter was
marched from the valley under the hill to his
posi- on the western crest of the HILL where he
could rake the plains toward Richmond. Our
splendid artillery was picturesquely poised in
fan shape at salient points, and its supports
were disposed in admirable cover in hollows
between undulatlons of the bluff. Powerful
concentrating batteries were also posted in the
center, SO that to use the language of Colonel
flame before they take it, 1t was magnif-
cent spectacle. You see, friends, how desperate
was tue hour. The roar of combat grew tre-
mendous as the afternoon wore away. There
was no time then nor afterwards to ascertain
dispositions of particular organizations. They
were thrown together whenever emergency
demanded. White Oak Bridge, the Quaker
road, Charles city road, the banks of Turkey
Greek were enveloped in smoke ah1 flame,
iron and lead crashed through fore2ts and men
like destroying pestilence A masked bat
terry when had opened from the swamp under
Malvern Hills, begun to prove inconvenient
to Porter. 1t plowed and crashed through
soma of our wagons, and disturbed groups of
officers in the splendid groves of Malvern
mansion.
The gunboat Galena, anchored on the oppo-
| site side of Turkey Island, and the Arostook,
cruising at the head of the island, opened their
ports and plunged their awful metal into the
rebel cover with Titanic force. Towards sun
SET the earth quive-ed with the terrific eoncus-
| sion of artillery and huge explosions. The
vast aerial auditorium seemed convulsed with
| the commotion Of frghtful sounds Shells
raced like dark meteors athwart the horizon,
crossing each other at eccentric angles, ex-
| ploding into deadly iron hail and fantastic
| puffs of smoke, until ether was displaced by q
vast cloud of white fumes through which even
! the fierce blaze of a setting summers sun
could but grimly penetrate. Softly putting
1 above the dark curtain of forest which masked
/ the battle field, there was another fleece which
i struggled through the dense foliage like heavy
mist Clouds and streaming upward in curious
| edies with the ever varying current of the
Winds mingled with, and absorbed the canopy
of smoke which foataSHfom the surface of the
plains and river. The battle-stained sun
| sinking majestically into the horizon behind
Richmond, FURNISHED the fringe of gossamel
| with lurid ard golden glory; and as fantastic
columns capticiously whitfield up from the
woods, they were suddenly transformed intc
I pillars of lambent fame, radiant with exquis
ite beauty, which would soon separate into q
thousand picturesque forms and fade into din
opacity. Bat the CONFUSION beneath was not
q spectacle for curious eyes.
The forms of smoke masked warriors, tht
| CLEAN of muskets on the plains where soldiers
were disengaged, the artistic oder of battle
on Malvern Hill, the wild career of wilder
horsemen plupging to and from and across the
field, formed a scene of exciting grandeur. II
the forest where eyes did not penetrate there
was nothing but the exhilerating and exhaust
ing spasm of battle. Baleful fires blaZeC
among the trees, and death struck many shin
ing marks. Our haggard men stood there
with grand courage, fighting more like crea
lures of loftier mould than men. WearieC
and jaded, and hungry and thirsty, beset by
most countless foes, they cheered and tough
and charged into thevery jaws Of death unit
veteran soldiers fairly wept at their devotion
1t was wonderful how our noble fellow
fought; wonderful how their hearts swellet
with greatness; and as the enemy, in yer,
madness at the terrible bitterness with which
they resisted, plunged fresh columns agans
them-one, two three, four, FIVE lines of bat
tie, fresh men each time, and stronger thar
each predecessor, our glorious soldiers still re
PEELED the reVengeful foe. History" said
General, a'never saw more splendid self-im
notation Il was agonizing to see the mel
stand in the ranks and fight till exhausted IA
ture could de no more" At last deep dark
ness ended the fight. The enemy Withdrew
and sat himself down to watch his prey. w
had beaten him back. But the morrow
Would the enemy strike our ragged column
again
81 En- m