National Republican., 1881-07-11

very midst Of the battery mentioned and exploded
with terrible effect Two men were killed out
right, six severely wounded, and several others
slightly injured, and the horses of Lieutenons Wa
terman and Hunt disabled The eilectwas more de-
pressing upon the spectators than wouldheve been
the slaughter of halfa regiment in open fight with
the enemy. The battle ended like those which
had preceded 1t, when darkness interyened. The
result was glorious victory for the Union arms,
and had Mcclellan followed up the advantages
offered by the overwhelming defeat OF the rebels
he could doubtless have entered their capital
within the week. SO thought many Of his gem
erals Sumner was especially unwilling TO obey
the order to retreat to Harrlsons Landing NAL.
vern Hill" was fought in reality by Porter and
Couch. Both acted according to their own judg.
ment and acquitted themselves nobly, as did their
men. General Couch has never received
THE CREDIT HE DESERVES
for his part in tho battle. No troops were over
better handled; never was better military skill
displayed than by him. Every man who fought
under him that day knows this statement 10 be
truoa and so may every one else who will but study
the plans and results of fthatmomentous day. Gen.
eral Hunt, chief of the reserve artillery, and Cap
tain A. 7. Martin, formerly Of Martins Massachu.
sctts Battery and then chief Of artillery Of the
Finh Corps contributed greatly toward the general
success by the manner in which they posted their
there was but one officer 0he commander of the
first brigade, Morrells divlsion) whose conduct
was made the subject of unfavorable comment by
his men, and to him let history accord the charity
of silence. The gallant Cass Of the Ninth Massa.
chusetts, and Woodbury., of the Fourth Michigan,
laid down their lives upon the field while leading
their regiments to victory, and did others whose
names neither time nor space will permit Of, being
mentioned. The men, too, omulated their officers
aud fought with n disciplined courage which was
scarcely to bo expected from those who, for six
long days and nights had been retreating before a
superior foe; and yet they were of the Army of
the Potomac which, though often defeated, never
suffered shame
THE ORDER TO WITHDRAW
from Malvern was received by General Porter at
about ten o'clock the night OF the battle, and he
distributed It to Sumner and Hcintzelman rs di-
rected. The army Immediately began its march
TO Harrlson's Landing. General Averill. with
Buohanans brigade of the Flfth Corps and proper
artillery, covering the rear, and remaining In pos
session OF the field until the next day, when he
fell bnck slowly, contesting the enemy's advance
from point to point. The rebels pursued, but did
no special harm. All the guns, wagons and
material made a safe passage, and the I'd
of July found the remnants Of the army gathered
upon the bank of the James In place of safety.
The rain fell in torrents, as II had done almost
every night and nt intervals during the day from
the 2Gth of June, but the men did not mind II.
They were hungry but hunger was nothing TO
them then. They wanted reposc, sleep, rest; and
when night let down the darkness over the broad
plain, the grand nrmy-lcss between 1000 and
ls,OOOmcn. who had fallen-sank into silence upon
the sodden Garth to dream Of dangers past and con
quests yet to come. The seven days were ended.