issued to General Keyes to move with his corps across the White-Oak Swamp Bridge, and, taking up a position with his artillery on the opposite side, cover the passage of the rest of the troops; the trains and supplies at Savage Station, on the York River Railroad, were directed to be withdrawn; and the corps commanders were ordered to move with such provisions, munitions, and sick, as they could transport, on the direct road to Harrison’s Landing.

These orders were promptly carried out.  Before dawn on the 29th the Federal army took up the line of march, and the great retrograde movement was successfully begun.  An immense obstacle to its success lay in the character of the country through which it was necessary to pass.  White Oak Swamp is an extensive morass, similar to that skirting the banks of the Chickahominy, and the passage through it is over narrow, winding, and difficult roads, which furnish the worst possible pathways for wagons, artillery, or even troops.  It was necessary, however, to use these highways or none, and General McClellan resolutely entered upon his critical movement.

General Lee was yet in doubt as to his opponent’s designs, and the fact is highly creditable to General McClellan.  A portion of the Federal army still remained on the left bank of the Chickahominy, and it might be the intention of McClellan to push forward reenforcements from the Peninsula, fight a second battle for the protection of his great mass of supplies at the White House, or, crossing his whole army to the left bank of the Chickahominy by the lower bridges, retreat down the Peninsula by the same road followed in advancing.  All that General Lee could do, under these circumstances, was to remain near Cold Harbor with his main body, send a force toward the York River road, on the eastern bank of the Chickahominy, to check any Federal attempt to cross there, and await further developments.

It was not until the morning of the 29th that General McClellan’s designs became apparent.  It was then ascertained that he had commenced moving toward James River with his entire army, and Lee issued prompt orders for the pursuit.  While a portion of the Confederate army followed closely upon the enemy’s rear, other bodies were directed to move by the Williamsburg and Charles City roads, and intercept him, or assail his flanks.  If these movements were promptly made, and no unnecessary delay took place, it was expected that the Federal army would be brought to bay in the White-Oak Swamp, and a final victory be achieved by the Confederates.

These complicated movements were soon in full progress, and at various points on the line of retreat fierce fighting ensued.  General Magruder, advancing to Savage Station, an important depot of Federal stores, on the York River Railroad, encountered on the 29th, the powerful Federal rear-guard, which fought obstinately until night, when it retired.  Next day Generals Longstreet and A.P.  Hill had pushed down the Long Bridge road, and on the next day (June 30th) came on the retreating column which was vigorously engaged.  From the character of the ground, little, however, was effected.  The enemy fought with obstinate courage, and repulsed every assault.  The battle raged until after nightfall, when the Federal army continued to retreat.