Chapter 19

momentarily expected; it was supposed that his approach would cause the enemy’s extension in that direction.”

[32] The Army of the Potomac numbered 105,000 men, and 25,000 animals. 600 tons of ammunition, food, forage, medical and other supplies had to be forwarded each day from White House to the front; and at one time during the operations from fifty to sixty days’ rations for the entire army, amounting probably to 25,000 tons, were accumulated at the depot. 5 tons daily per 1,000 men is a fair estimate for an army operating in a barren country.

[33] The instructions, according to Dr. Dabney, ran as follows:— “The troops are standing at ease along our line of march. Ride back rapidly along the line and tell the commanders to advance instantly _en échelon_ from the left. Each brigade is to follow as a guide the right regiment of the brigade on the left, and to keep within supporting distance. Tell the commanders that if this formation fails at any point, to form line of battle and move to the front, pressing to the sound of the heaviest firing and attack the enemy vigorously wherever found. As to artillery, each commander must use his discretion. If the ground will at all permit tell them to take in their field batteries and use them. If not, post them in the rear.” Letter to the author.

[34] It may be noted that Jackson’s command had now been increased by two divisions, Whiting’s and D. H. Hill’s, but there had been no increase in the very small staff which had sufficed for the Valley army. The mistakes which occurred at Gaines’ Mill, and Jackson’s ignorance of the movements and progress of his troops, were in great part due to his lack of staff officers. A most important message, writes Dr. Dabney, involving tactical knowledge, was carried by a non-combatant.

[35] Dabney, vol. ii, p. 194.

[36] Whiting’s Report, O.R., vol. xi, part i, p. 563.

[37] Porter himself thought that the first break in his line was made by Hood, at a point where he least expected it.” _Battles and Leaders,_ vol. ii, pp. 335, 340.

[38] _Battles and Leaders,_ vol. ii, p. 363.

[39] “The Confederates were within ten paces when the Federals broke cover, and leaving their log breastworks, swarmed up the hill in rear, carrying the second line with them in their rout.”—General Law, _Battles and Leaders,_ vol. ii, p. 363.

[40] Jackson’s Report, O.R., vol. xi, part 1, pp. 555, 556.

[41] Reports of Whiting, Trimble, Bodes, Bradley T. Johnson, O.R., vol. xi, part i.

[42] Report of Committee on the Conduct of the War.

[43] _Battles and Leaders,_ vol. ii, p. 357.

[44] O.R., vol. xi, part i, pp. 40–42.