The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1881-11-05
RATIONAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON, O. NOVEMBER

battle continued far into the night, the musketry
fire never ceasing until nearly nine o'clock, and
the artillery opening out at intervals, until about
two on the morning of the 9th. The result was
decided victory for the Pennsylvanans. They
had not been driven back foot although as
sailed by three or four times their numbers.
Besides, their losses had been comparatively in
significant, only some 500 or 600 men, while the
casualties of the foe had aggregated nearly if not
quite 5000 killed and wounded Much of the
success depended upon our artillery, consisting
of Easton's. CoOper's, and Kern's batteries CA,
B, and G., First Pennsylvania Reserve Artillery,
Seymour's battery &C, Fifth United States), and
the horse-ba batteries of Tidball and Robertson "a
and B, Second United States Artillery Captain
NOW Brevet Brigadier-General) J. C.. Tidball, of
General Shermans staff, especially distinguished
himself by the manner in which he fought his
guns, singly, by section, or in battery, as the
necessities of the occasion seemed to require.
Right here comes in curious bit of history con-
corning the change of base" entered upon the
Ian requested an interview with General F. J.
Porter, alone, and the latter met his superior at
point half way between their respective camps,
where the advantages of a change of base to the
James River were discussed. The conclusion ar
rived at was that such movement could not be
for moment entertained except in case of dire
necessity; that attempt to transfer the army
to the James, in the face of Lee would result dis
astrOusly to the Union arms and endanger the
national cause both at home and abroad Nc
Clellan, however, evidently fearing such necessity
might arise, and in view of the increased activity
of the enemy in his front, determined to send
General Averil with corps of Typographical Off
GERS to examine and prepare maps of the country
between the Chickahominy and James, which de-
termination was shortly afterwards carried into
effect After the close of the battle of Mechanics
vile, on the 26th, General Mcclellan and some
members of his staff had meeting with General
Porter just in the rear of the troops engaged that
day, and remained with him for some little time.
The plans for the 9th We're then and there ar
ranged: but at General POrters suggestion the
order for withdrawal behind Gaines's Mill Creek
the place selected for the prospective conflict,
was not issued until Mcclellan had returned to
his own headquarters and taken general view
ofthe situation. General Porter opposed the with
drawal, and thought the army should be brought
to the north bank and the decisive battle there
fought, or that he should be slightly reinforced,
so that he might hold his position at Gaines's
Mill while Mcclellan, with the Second, Third,
Fourth, and Sixth Corps, made a counter attack
upon Richmond from the direction of Fair Oaks
on the south bank of the Chickahominy But at
about three or four o'clock a. m. on the 9th the
order to Porter to withdraw to the new position
was received by him, and the movement was forth
with begun. The position of the Army of the
Potomac was an exceedingly critical one, especi-
ally in view of the momentOus step about to be
taken. Its right wing, which had been COM
pletely exposed by the withdrawal of Mcdowell
when most needed, was in danger of being over
whelmed by the forces Of Jackson and such sup
a., Lee could send him without weakening
enses of Richmond and, besides, the line
.s. it was compelled to hold in order to pro-
communications with White House Land
.ne ID West Point, extending virtually from
t7s.a licsville to White Oak Swamp distance
ul some twelve miles, was of too great length to
be properly held by the forces at the disposal of
its commander 1t had required the whole Of
Heintzelmans Corps, part of division from Sum-
ner and brigade from Keyes to advance the pick
cts upon the south bank of the Chickahominy ON
the 25th, at the very time when Lee was sending
his forces down to attack the right at Mechanics
vile, and the stubborn fight in front of Fair Oaks
on the day named attested the strength of the
rebels beyond doubt. The danger of being cut
off from his communications was imminent, and
Mcclellan, doubtless feeling himself not properly
supported at Washington whether with justice
or not we do not pretend to say, took what
seemed to him the most feasible course for eXtri-
eating his army from its perilOus position.
holder, more decided commander would have
united his forces and delivered battle, or else
have resigned his commission. He did not see fit
to do either, and hence, after the victory of the
26th, retreat was entered upon which, if for
other reason is memorable on account of the valOr
and discipline displayed by the officers and men
engaged, and the success with which the change
of base was carried out
For THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
THE MIDNIGHT REVIEW.
BY GRIF.
There are two armies; of brave,
Heroic souls who died
A sacrifcial death to
A Nations hope and pride.
The other is the living host
Of patriots who received
The victor's meed-fair Freedoms boast
And saw success achieved.
The one great army lies in camp;
Each tent, earthly mound