CHAPTER LIII

BATTLE OF JAMES ISLAND

General Benham's precipitate determination to assault Fort Lamar--Protests of his generals--He orders General Stevens to assault at dawn, Wright and Williams to support--Attacking column--Forms at two P.M.--Drives in and follows hard on enemy's pickets--Enters field in front of fort at daylight--Rushes on the work in column of regiments--The fight over the parapet--Deadly fire from enemy's reserves in rear of the work--Troops withdrawn in good order and reformed--General Williams attacks on left--General Wright takes position to protect left and rear--General Stevens about to assault a second time, when General Benham suddenly gives up the fight and orders both columns to retreat--Forces and losses--Causes of the repulse--Highlanders' revenge at Fort Saunders--Benham deprived of command and sent North 399