THE GRAND CAMPAIGN: The Battle of the Chickahominy; THE GREAT ACTION ON FRIDAY (6/7/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 6/7/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, COLD HARBOR, NEAR THE CHICKAHOMINY, Friday, June 3 -- 10 P.M.

Judged by the severity of the encounter and the heavy losses we have experienced, the engagement which opened at gray dawn this morning and spent its fury in little over an hour, should take its place among the battles of the war; but viewed in its relations to the whole campaign, it is, perhaps, hardly more than a grand reconnoissance -- a reconnoissance, however, which has cost us not less than five or six thousand killed and wounded.

The object of the action was to force the passage of the Chickahominy, on the north side of which, and covering the roads to Richmond, the rebels had planted themselves in a fortified line. What we have done is to feel this line by a vigorous attack, in which, though gaining some temporary successes, and at one or two points actually carrying the enemy's works, we have, on the whole, reached the conclusion that any victory that could here be won must cost too much in its purchase. I do not say this as speaking with any authority, but only as recording the general conviction of the arm. Such conviction, however, when the common judgment of such men as have to-day led their lines against the enemy, is apt to be of itself authority, and hence I think I may safely predict that there will be no renewal of the assault on the lines of the Chickahominy; that we must look to the resources or strategy to plant this army in a position where, being at less of a disadvantage, its valor will have a better promise of adequate reward.

[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

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Grand Campaign: The Battle of the Chickahominy – 2-5
The Eighteenth Army Corps: The Battle of Wednesday – 5-7
The Latest: News from General Grant to Yesterday – 7
Rebel Accounts – 7-8
POSTSCRIPT-Army of the Potomac: The Battle of Friday – 8
News from Washington – 8-9
Proceedings of Congress – 9-10
Editorial: The Acceptance of Fremont – 10
Editorial: Friday’s Battle – 10-11
The Danish War Losses – 11
Amusements – 11
Amusements this Evening – 11