FROM GEN M’CLELLAN’S ARMY: Editorial correspondence of the New-York Times; THE GREAT STRUGGLE AT HAND (6/21/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 6/21/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

CAMP BEFORE RICHMOND, Wednesday, June 18, 1862.

Another fine day! Comments on the weather have more than their visual significance here. They imply more than they express. Every day of sunshine advances the fall of Richmond. Three days' rain might postpone it essentially. My opening remark, therefore, is entitled to special attention. With the exception of Sunday's thunderstorm, we have had now in succession seven dry, warm days. The roads are becoming hard. The surface of the earth in the fields, except in low spots, is practicable for artillery. And unless we have a storm to-night or to-morrow, the commanding General cannot throw the responsibility of a longer delay on the weather and the roads. It is only fair to add that we have a fresh westerly breeze, with rising clouds; but unless it begins to rain soon, I am satisfied there will be no "postponement on account of the weather."

We had very brisk picket firing last night in front of a point half a mile north of Fair Oaks Station. It was begun by the rebels, and promptly answered by our sentinels. Our side sustained to damage. This morning everything is quiet again.

The firing on James River, yesterday morning, proves to have been of less importance than was hoped. Our gunboats had been annoyed for some time by rebels, concealed in rifle-pits, near City Point. Capt. STEVENS, who commands one of them, placed some stuffed figures on deck, to draw their fire and reveal the enemy's position, which he then proceeded to shell. What effect he produced is not known, but the nuisance has been for the present, at least, suppressed. Last evening rumors were rife that Fort Darling was taken, -- that BURNSIDE had landed there with 15,000 men,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4072541/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

[Homer_J_Simpson]

From M’Clellan’s Army: Editorial Correspondence of the New-York Times – 2-4
News from Washington: Passage of the Pacific Railroad Bill – 4-5
Late News from Memphis: Gen. Lew. Wallace in Command There – 5-6
Personal – 6
Scarcity of Supplies at Richmond – 6
Editorial: The Prospect at Richmond – 6-7
Editorial: Emancipation in Missouri – 7
Editorial: France and Mexico – The Emperor’s Probable Policy – 7

[Al B.]

Thanks for all your efforts in posting this stuff on a daily basis.

I particularly enjoyed the Times' account of Jeb Stuart's famous reconnoiter dash around the entire Union Army with 1200 riders on pg. 2. To say the Times downplayed its importance is an understatement. Hopefully they revised their remarks after the Seven Days' Battles that were directly ahead. We'll see.