This battle of Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines as the rebels call it, raged during all the afternoon of the 31st of May and part of June 1st, and did at one time threaten to call for the whole strength of McClellan’s left; Grover’s brigade, however, was still held in reserve, and did not become engaged.  While the battle was in progress, intense but subdued excitement was shown by the men in General Morell’s command, and by the other troops on the right.  On the part of all, there was constant expectation of orders to march to the help of the Union forces on the further side of the Chickahominy, and when news of the final struggle came, in which our men had more than held their own, disappointment at not being chosen was as great, perhaps, as joy over success.  All seemed to feel that they had been robbed of an opportunity.

* * * * *

On the evening of June 2d, the Doctor and I were sitting in his tent, he busily engaged in writing I know not what, when an order came from General Morell for me to report to him at once.

Being ushered into the general’s tent, I found there two officers unknown to me.  The one who most attracted my attention—­though I was careful not to show any curiosity—­was a man of nearly forty years, of medium height and muscular frame.  His hair was dark; his mustache very slightly tinged with gray.  His manner indicated an extremely nervous sense of responsibility, and the attitude of deference, which the others observed in his regard, was very noticeable.  His face reminded me vaguely of some portrait—­I knew not whose.

The other officer was a larger man, of about the same age, and of a more cheerful temper, if one could judge in a single opportunity.  He seemed to be on a very familiar footing with the officer whom I have first mentioned.

General Morell did not present me to either of the two officers.  In the middle of the tent was a camp-table, upon which a map was spread, and around which the three officers were sitting.  General Morell allowed me to stand, cap in hand, while I listened to some words of a conversation which I supposed had been practically finished before I entered.

“I believe that you clearly understand what is needed,” said the smaller officer.

“Perfectly,” said General Morell.

The larger man contented himself with merely nodding.

“Then,” said the first speaker, “it only remains to know certainly whether we have the means in hand.”

The larger man now spoke:  “The work can be done; if not in one way, then in another.  A reconnaissance would effect with certainty our present purpose.  Why risk possible failure with a single man?”

“We cannot be too prudent,” replied the other; “we must not divulge our intentions.  Lee would know at once the meaning of a reconnaissance.”

“We might make more than one, and let him guess which is serious.”

“No; the way to go about it is not by force.  If General Morell has confidence in his means, let General Morell proceed in his own way.”