LEE’S ATTACKS NORTH OF THE CHICKAHOMINY.

349

CONFEDERATE SKIRMISH-LINE DRIVEN IN BY THE UNION ADVANCE.

The original sketch for this picture was made from personal observation. It describes an incident ofMcClellan’s advance up the Peninsula.

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General Jackson’s confidence than any one else, as your rank and servicesentitle you. As for Major Harman, he has not heard a word more thanothers. If he thinks that we are going to Richmond, it is only his surmise,which I suppose every intelligent private is now making.’

“ The column reached Gordonsville, Saturday, June 21st, about noon. Tomy surprise, on riding into town, I got an order to go to the general—at aprivate house, where he was lodging. On reaching Gordonsville, Thursdayafternoon, he had been met by news which alarmed the outpost there: that aheavy Federal force was on the Rapidan, about sixteen miles away. He there-fore had postponed going to Richmond until he could effectually clear up thisrumor. The chief mode adopted was characteristic: it was to send out by nightan intelligent private citizen, thoroughly acquainted with the Rapidan peopleand country, as his scout. This gentleman came back, after thorough inquiry,with the news that the rumor was unfounded. About half an hour beforesunset on Saturday, the general got into an express car with no one but meand the conductor, and came to Frederick’s Hall Station in the county ofLouisa, arriving about dawn on Sunday, the 22d. We spent the Sabbaththere at the house of Mr. 1ST. Harris, attending camp-preaching in the after-noon. At this house were General W. H. C. Whiting and General Hood, thencommanding a Texas brigade. At 1 o’clock that night General Jacksonarose, took an orderly whom I had selected for him as trustworthy and wellacquainted with the road, and started for Richmond with impressed horses.