Official Records of the Rebellion

[p.77]

To carry out General Halleck’s first order of July 30 it was necessary first to gain possession of Malvern Hill, which was occupied by the enemy, apparently in some little force, and controlled the direct approach to Richmond. Its temporary occupation, at least, was equally necessary in the event of a movement upon Petersburg or even the abandonment of the Peninsula. General Hooker, with his own division and Pleasonton’s cavalry, was therefore directed to gain possession of Malvern Hill on the night of the 2d of August. He failed to do so, as the following dispatch recites:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Berkeley, August 3, 1862—10.20 p. m.

The movement undertaken up the river last night failed on account of the incompetency of guides. The proper steps have been taken to-day to remedy this evil, and I hope to be ready to-morrow night to carry out your suggestions as to pressing, at least to accomplish the first indispensable step.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General, Commanding.

Major-General HALLECK,
Commanding U. S. Army.

On the 4th General Hooker was re-enforced by General Sedgwick’s division, and having obtained a knowledge of the roads, he succeeded in turning Malvern Hill and driving the enemy back toward Richmond.

The following is my report of this affair at the time:

MALVERN HILL, August 5, 1862—1 p. m.

General Hooker, at 5.30 this morning, attacked a very considerable force of infantry and artillery stationed at this place and carried it handsomely, driving the enemy toward New Market, which is 4 miles distant, and where it is said they have a large force. We have captured 100 prisoners, killed and wounded several, with a loss on our part of only 3 killed and 11 wounded—among the latter 2 officers.

I shall probably remain here to-night, ready to act as circumstances may require, [p.78] after the return of my cavalry reconnaissances. The mass of the enemy escaped under the cover of a dense fog, but our cavalry are still in pursuit, and I trust may succeed in capturing many more. This is a very advantageous position to cover an advance on Richmond and only 14 ¾ miles distant, and I feel confident that with re-enforcements I could march this army there in five days.

I this instant learn that several brigades of the enemy are 4 miles from here, on the Quaker road, and I have taken steps to prepare to meet them.

General Hooker’s dispositions were admirable, and his officers and men displayed their usual gallantry.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major- General, Commanding.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Commanding U. S. Army.

MALVERN HILL, August 5, 1862—8 p. m.

Since my last dispatch Colonel Averell has returned from a reconnaissance in the direction of Savage Station toward Richmond. He encountered the Tenth Virginia Cavalry near White Oak Swamp Bridge, charged and drove them some distance toward Richmond, capturing 28 men and horses, killing and wounding several.

Our troops have advanced 12 miles in one direction and 17 in another toward Richmond.

To-day we have secured a strong position at Coggins Point, opposite our quartermaster’s depot, which will effectually prevent the rebels from using artillery hereafter against our camps.

I learn this evening that there is a force of 20,000 men about 6 miles back from this point, on the south bank of the river. What their object is I do not know, but will keep a sharp lookout on their movements.

I am sending off sick as rapidly as our transports will take them. I am also doing everything in my power to carry out your orders to push reconnaissances toward the rebel capital, and hope soon to find out whether the reports regarding the abandonment of that place are true.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Commanding U. S. Army.

To the dispatch of 1 p. m., August 5, the following answer was received:

WASHINGTON, August 6, 1862—3 a. m.

I have no re-enforcements to send you.

H. W. HALLECK,
Major-General.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. McCLELLAN.

And soon after the following:

WASHINGTON, August 6, 1862.

You will immediately send a regiment of cavalry and several batteries of artillery to Burnside’s command at Aquia Creek. It is reported that Jackson is moving north with a very large force.

H. W. HALLECK,
Major. General.

Maj. Gen. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN.