The ground was rather favorable than otherwise; a few slight intrenchments had been hastily thrown up, and General Couch’s line was formed to the north of the Williamsburg road. The design of the rebels was to make their strongest assault upon General Couch’s right wing, which intent, as soon as perceived, was partly frustrated by his sending troops to strengthen the point of attack. Again the roar of battle thundered forth upon the hot, heavy air; dense clouds of smoke shut out the sky from friend and foe; the ground was literally red with blood, and the field was covered with the dead, dying, and wounded. The whiz of bullets and the appalling, horrible scream of shells kept up a shrill accompaniment to the uninterrupted roar of cannon. General Peck, with two Pennsylvania regiments, passed through an open space, swept with a shower of balls, and poured in a destructive fire on the enemy. It was impossible to resist the advance of the rebels, who greatly outnumbered the Federals; but the courage displayed on both sides was equal. The brave soldiers of the Union slowly retired, in good order, stubbornly contesting every foot of ground they passed over. At about 5 o’clock they were joined by General Birney, with a brigade of General Kearney’s division. General Sumner was on the other side of the Chickahominy, encamped at New Bridge. He had, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, received orders to cross and march to the aid of the troops, which were in imminent peril of being overwhelmed. But it required a long time to cross the river, swollen to overflowing by recent rains; and it was five miles to the scene of conflict. But, pressing through rain and mud, with indefatigable energy they struggled forward, till the heroes at Seven Pines were gladdened by the sight of them, and all along the lines ran the shout, “It is General Sumner!” Almost at the same moment the rebels were thrown into great confusion, on seeing their Commander-in-Chief, General J. E. Johnston struck by a fragment of shell, and hurled from his horse. Taking advantage of a moment so disastrous to the rebels, General Sumner’s men advanced on the double-quick. They had succeeded in bringing up a battery, which was instantly planted; and they carried real fighting guns, 12-pound howitzers. With these they poured in a rapid and destructive fire upon the enemy. General Sumner, his gray hair streaming on the wind, a picture to inspire heroism, reverence and admiration, rode up and down the lines, shouting encouragement to his brave soldiers. The rebels charged twice, well and bravely; and twice they were repulsed. A third charge was feebly attempted, but overwhelmed by the destruction dealt upon their ranks by the Union men, they broke, turned, and fled wildly, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. The Federals, bayonet in hand, and led by General Sumner, pursued the routed foe, driving them as far as Fair Oaks Station.