426

THE BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL

on his closing lips. Though still an invalid, suffering from the wound thenreceived, that officer recovered to renew his career in the war. J)

On the occasion of this visit we frequently witnessed scenes which wouldmelt the stoutest heart: bearded men piteously begging to be sent home;others requesting that a widowed mother or orphan sisters might be caredfor; more sending messages to wife or children, or to others near and dearto them. We saw the amputated limbs and the bodies of the dead hurriedout of the room for burial. On every side we heard the appeals of theunattended, the moans of the dying, and the shrieks of those under the knifeof the surgeon. We gave what cheer we could, and left with heavy hearts.

At noon on the 4th of July the usual national salute was tired, and thedifferent corps were reviewed. General McClellan , as opportunity offered,made a few remarks full of hope and encouragement, thanking the men inmost feeling terms for their uniform bravery, fortitude, and good conduct,but intimating that this w T as not the last of the campaign.

Contrary, however, to his expectations, the Peninsular campaign of theArmy of the Potomac for 1862 virtually ended on the 4th of July. From thatdate to August 14th, when the army at sundown took up its inarch for FortMonroe, its commander was engaged in the struggle to retain it on the James,as against the determination of the Secretary of War to withdraw it to the lineof the Rappahannock, there to act in conjunction with the Army of Virginia.

Although General McClellan was assured, in writing, that he was to havecommand of both armies after their junction, he preferred, as a speedy andthe only practicable mode of taking Richmond, to remain on the James, and

| Afterward Brevet Major-General Henry A. Barmim. — Editors.

SUPPLYING THE HUNGRY ARMY AT HAKRISON’S LANDING. PROM A WAR TIME SKETCH.