United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns
At this time General Lee observed Hood of Jackson's corps coming down
the road bringing his brigade into the fight. Riding forward to meet
him, Lee directed that he should try to break the Union line. Hood, in
addressing his troops, said that no man should fire until ordered, then
started for the Union breastwork 800 yards away. They moved rapidly
across the open under a shower of shot and shell. At every step the
ranks grew thinner and thinner. They quickened their pace as they
passed down the slope and across the creek. Not a shot had they fired.
With the wing of death hovering over all, they fixed bayonets and,
dashing up the hill into the Federals' line, with a shout they plunged
through the felled timber and over the breastworks. The Union line
had been pierced and was giving way, and the retreat was threatening
to develop into a general rout. But the Federals at this moment were
reënforced by the brigades of French and Meagher of Sumner's corps.
This stopped the pursuit and, as night was at hand, the Southern
soldiers withdrew. The battle of Gaines' Mill was then over.
General Lee believed that McClellan would retreat down the Peninsula,
but on June 29th, this being the next day after the battle of Gaines'
Mill, he became convinced that the Federals were moving towards the
James River. Longstreet and A. P. Hill were again ordered to take up
the pursuit of the Federals.
McClellan had left Sumner to guard his retreating columns. Sumner
followed up in the rear of the Federals and brought his men to a halt
at what is known as the "Peach Orchard," near Savage's Station, and
successfully resisted the spirited fire of musketry and artillery
of the Confederates. On this same Sunday evening he was attacked by
General Magruder with a large force, who was following close on the
heels of the Army of the Potomac. Magruder brought his artillery into
action, but failed to dislodge the Federals. He then charged the Union
breastworks and was met with a vigorous fire, and the battle raged
over the entire field. Both sides stood their ground until darkness
closed the contest. The battle of Savage's Station was now over. Before
midnight Sumner had withdrawn his forces and was following after the
wagon trains of McClellan.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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