Led by General Franklin, the Union troops, during the night succeeding the battle of Nelson’s Farm, retreated toward a point called Malvern Hill. The dawn of the morning of July 1st saw the army massed on this hill, engaged in selecting positions for their batteries. The point selected for resisting the further advance of the rebels on this day was on the left and centre of our lines, resting on Malvern Hill; the right meanwhile curving backward through a wooded country toward a point below Haxall’s, on the James river. A heavy swell of pasture land, about a mile and a half by three-fourths of a mile in area, was the spot called Malvern Hill. It was well cleared of timber; and several intersecting and converging roads ran across it. The ground sloped gradually toward the north and east, leaving clear ranges for artillery in those directions, and in front were many defensible ravines. It was evident from the enemy’s position that the attack would come from the direction of Richmond and White Oak swamp; and of necessity strike the left wing of the Union troops. For this reason the lines at that point were strengthened by massing the troops, and collecting the principal part of the artillery. The left of the lines was held by Porter’s corps, with the division of Sykes on the left and Morrell on the right; the artillery of the divisions and the artillery of the reserve being disposed in such a manner that a concentrated fire of some sixty guns could, be brought to bear on any point on the front or left. After much praiseworthy exertion, Colonel Tyler had succeeded in getting ten of his siege guns in position on the highest point of the hill. To the right of General Porter was placed General Couch’s division, and next to him came Kearney and Hooker; then Smith and Slocum, and further to the right, the remainder of Keyes’ corps, extending backward in a curved line that reached almost to the river. The flank was well protected; a Pennsylvania corps was held in reserve. Along the entire front the line was very strong; and by slashing the timber plentifully and barricading the roads, the right was held as secure as possible. The flotilla on James river, in command of Commodore Rogers, was so placed that the gunboats protected the army’s flank, and commanded the approach from Richmond.