whether the enemy had formed a connecting line with the Federal gunboats on the river. Colonel Baker moved promptly, but found that the enemy had a heavy cavalry force in front of his infantry. "Close action" seemed the only way to get the desired information, and he determined to charge the cavalry, and, if possible, drive it in far enough to see what troops were in front of him. This he did effectively, and found all of Hooker’s corps before him. General McClellan appeared on the field a few moments after Baker had retired, and said to Captain Ruffin, who had been captured, that the bold charge had won his admiration.
By June 30th, McClellan’s retreating forces had reached the intersection of the Long Bridge and Charles City roads, just north of Malvern hill. There Longstreet, supported only by the division of A. P. Hill, attacked the position held by the divisions of McCall and Kearny, reinforced by the divisions of Sedgwick and Hooker and a brigade of Slocum. This was a square stand-up fight, with no intrenchments of any sort on either side. It had been expected that General Huger would engage Slocum, and that General Jackson would attack the Federal right, while Longstreet pressed the front. However, both Jackson and Huger found it impracticable to reach the ground in time. Hence Longstreet alone struck the blow in which all were expected to participate. On opening the battle, General Longstreet sent Branch’s North Carolina brigade of A. P. Hill’s division to his right, to keep Hooker from falling on his flank. General Branch said of the action of his men: "On Monday, at Frayser’s Farm, you were again in the heat of the engagement from, its opening to its close, driving the enemy before you for a great distance, and capturing a battery."[1] Lieut.-Col. R. F. Hoke, of the Thirty-third North Carolina, reported: "You then halted, formed line of battle, and charged, by the double-
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- ↑ Congratulatory address to his soldiers.
