Sketch of Hoods Texas Brigade of the Virginia Army (Handwritten Civil War Diary)

a detachment of 75 men under Capt Ike Turner of the 5th (from Polk Co) were sent out and fought the Yanks several hours. By night we had gained such an advantage over the Yanks and Magruder had charged and carried Malvern Hill and about 10 [pris.?]. McLelland [situated?] ed for Harrisons Landing on James river where his ["gunboat"?] [?] awaiting to [protect?] the shattered remnants of his once proud army. Mj Lieut Huger with his Div had orders two days before to take a position between McLelland and James river, thereby insureing the capture of the whole Yankee army but he, as he had

always done, failed, and he'd escaped. Huger was after words with Magruder, court martialed. The former was relieved of his command and never has been restored, the latter was as a punishment sent to Texas.

After his defeat at Malvern Hill McLelland whiped demoralized and pursued, fell back to Harrisons Landing, where he sent a flaming dispatch to Washington and issue "general orders" to his army, saying he had [?-] ly "changed his base." I here quote a few lines from his orders to his soldiers on this arrival at Harrisons Landing.

"Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac, Your achievements for the past five days, have illustrated the valor and endurance of the American soldier. Attacked by superior forces, and without hope of reinforcements, you have succeeded in changing your base of operations by a flank movement, always regarded as the most hazardous of millitary operations You have saved all your guns, except a few lost in battle, taking in turn guns and colors from the enemy. The enemy may at any time attack you, let him come and we will convert their [?] into a final defeat.

George B McLellan Major Genl"

(only extracts and not the entire order_

HdQurts "Army 4th Virginia" Genl Orders No 75. The General comndg, profoundly grateful to the only giver of all victory, for the signal success with which He has blessed our army tenders his warmest thanks and congratulations to the army by whom such splendid results have been achieved. On June 28th, the powerful and thoroughly equiped army of the enemy was entrenched in works of vast extent and most formidable in character, within sight of our capital. Today the [?] of that confidant and there [?] host, he upon the banks of the James river, 30 miles from Richmond, [?]

-ing to recover, under protection of their Gunboats, from the effects of a series of disastrous defeats. There brilliant results have cost us many brave men, but while we mourn the loss of our gallant dead, let us not forget that they died nobly in defence of their countrys freedom and have linked their memory with an event that will live forever in the hearts of a grateful people. Soldiers! Your country will thank you for the heroic conduct you have displayed, conduct worthy of men engaged in a cause so sound and so just.

By command R. E. Lee, Genl R H Chilton [?]