As before related, Wilson’s division struck the enemy’s infantry as well as W. H. F. Lee’s cavalry near Ashland on the 1st of June, and although Chapman destroyed the bridges over the South Anna, which was his part of the programme, Wilson found it necessary to return to Price’s Store.  From this point he continued to cover the right of the Army of the Potomac, on the 2d of June driving the rear-guard of the enemy from Hawe’s Shop, the scene of the battle of May 28.  The same day he crossed Tolopotomy Creek, and passed around the enemy’s left flank so far that Lee thought his left was turned by a strong force, and under cover of darkness withdrew from a menacing position which he was holding in front of the Ninth Corps.  This successful manoeuvre completed, Wilson returned to Hawe’s Shop, and on the 4th went into camp at New Castle ferry, in anticipation of certain operations of the Cavalry Corps, which were to take place while the Army of the Potomac was crossing to the south side of the James.

CHAPTER XXI.

The movement to the James—­the second expedition—­battle of
Trevillian station—­defeat of general Wade Hampton—­Mallory’s
crossroads—­suffering of the wounded—­securing the trains—­general
Gregg’s stubborn fight.

By the 6th of June General Grant again determined to continue the movement of the army by its left flank to the south bank of the James River, his unsuccessful attack on the enemy’s works near Cold Harbor having demonstrated that Lee’s position north of the Chickahominy could not be carried by assault with results that would compensate for the enormous loss of life which must follow; therefore a further attempt to fight a decisive battle north of Richmond was abandoned.  In carrying the army to the James River the hazardous manoeuvres would be hampered by many obstacles, such as the thick timber, underbrush, and troublesome swamps to be met in crossing the Chickahominy.  Besides, Lee held an interior line, from which all the direct roads to Richmond could be covered with his infantry, leaving his cavalry free to confront our advance on the south bank of the Chickahominy as far down as Jones’s bridge, and thence around to Charles City Court House.  In view of these difficulties it became necessary to draw off the bulk of the enemy’s cavalry while the movement to the James was in process of execution, and General Meade determined to do this by requiring me to proceed with two divisions as far as Charlottesville to destroy the railroad bridge over the Rivanna River near that town, the railroad itself from the Rivanna to Gordonsville, and, if practicable, from Gordonsville back toward Hanover Junction also.

“Headquarters army of the Potomac,
“June 5, 1864. 3.30 P. M.