Magruder, for what was termed the hopeless butchery to which he had urged on his troops. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the exultation at Richmond and through the Confederacy was very great. It was felt that the tide of success had turned in favour of the South, and that the losses of the earlier campaigns of the year had been retrieved. The trophies exhibited in the city excited the populace; and conspicuous among them was the great flag which had been destined to wave over their State House. On the other hand, during the progress of the seven days' battles, the North had been depressed by the most gloomy forebodings. For some days there had been no communication with the army; and, although General M'Clellan's splendid strategy was talked of, yet it could easily be seen that the greatest uneasiness was felt, and it was a relief not only to the Government, but to the whole of the Northern people, when a telegram was received from M'Clellan announcing his arrival at the James River. In answer to this communication, Mr. Lincoln sent a telegram to this effect:

'Washington, July 5th, 1862, 9 A.M. 'A thousand thanks for the relief your two despatches of 12 and 1 P.M. yesterday gave me. Be assured, the heroism and skill of yourself, officers, and men is, and for ever will be, appreciated. If you can hold your present position we shall have the enemy yet.

'A. LINCOLN.'

The President at the same time promised that, in addition to the reinforcements already sent, about ten

* That the services of General Magruder were subsequently appreciated by his Government, is proved from the high commands which have since been assigned to him.

thousand' other forces from General Burnside in North Carolina, and from General Hunter in South Carolina, should be forwarded to the James River as soon as possible. But, although M'Clellan's telegram may have calmed the anxiety of the North, yet his defeat was productive of gloom and doubt as to the early termination of the war. The money market was violently agitated, and the price of gold went up to 10 premium; in fact, since the battle of Bull Run, the reverses on the Chickahominy were far the most serious that the North had sustained.*

* After the army had reached the James River, the French princes took leave of General M'Clellan and departed for Europe. For this they have been much censured in Europe, although not in America, and reasons have been adduced for their conduct calculated to prejudice their character as soldiers. The true facts of the case are as follows:-Previous to General Jackson's arrival on the flank of the army of the Potomac, when everything appeared as prosperous as was possible for the Federal arms, the princes, for private reasons, were anxious to return to Europe, especially as the Duc de Chartres had for some time been suffering from illness brought on by the climate. General M'Clellan begged the Count de Paris to remain for a few days longer to witness the attack on Richmond, whilst his younger brother, in consequence of his illness, returned to Washington. This the Count de Paris agreed to do, and most unwillingly the Duc de Chartres made preparations for his departure. But on the very day he had arranged to go, news arrived that General Jackson had attacked the right wing, and the Duc de Chartres refused to leave the army. Notwithstanding his severe illness, he with his brother acted as A.D.C. to General Porter at Gaines' Mill, and were distinguished by their gallantry; afterwards, during the trying days of the retreat, they performed most efficient service in their capacity of aides-de-camp to the General Commanding-in-Chief; and it was only when he himself reached the James River that they carried out their previous intention of departing for Europe. They were much beloved and respected at the head-quarters of General M'Clellan, and by those officers with whom they had served in other divisions.

CHAPTER V.

INTERIOR STATE OF THE COUNTRY.

A SECOND time since the commencement of the war had the anniversary of the birth of the American Republic recurred; and again had the fourth of July dawned in the northern portion of the Union on a people suffering from reverses in place of, as in former years, rejoicing over a course of prosperity. The fourth of July of the preceding year had followed soon after the great defeat of Bull Run; and that of the year 1862 had been almost contemporary with the still more terrible reverses on the Chickahominy. Notwithstanding these causes tending to depression, the day was observed outwardly in the usual manner. Fireworks were let off in the streets, and speeches, resembling the fireworks in their characteristics and results, were delivered to the populace of the great cities. In the army of the Potomac, a review was held; and the troops, although thinned in numbers, yet recruited in body by rest and refreshment, and in morale by the action at Malvern Hill, were drawn up for the inspection of their General. On the same day he issued a congratulatory address, which, however, received a severe comment from the proclamation put forth by the President of the Southern Republic at Richmond. In these words did M'Clellan address his army:

"Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac ! -Your

achievements of the last ten days have illustrated the valour 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 military expedients. You have saved all your material, all your trains, and all your guns, except a few lost in battle; taking in return guns and colours from the enemy. Upon your march you have been assailed day after day with desperate fury, by men of the same race and nation, skilfully massed and led. Under every disadvantage of number, and necessarily of position also, you have in every conflict beaten back your foes with enormous slaughter. Your conduct ranks you among the celebrated armies of history. No one will now question that each of you may always with pride say "I belong to the Army of the Potomac." You have reached the new base complete in organisation and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may at any moment attack you. We are prepared to meet them; I have personally established your lines. Let them come, and we will convert their repulse into final defeat. Your Government is strengthening you with the resources of a great people. On this our nation's birthday, we declare to our foes, who are rebels against the best interests of mankind, that this army shall enter the capital of the so-called Confederacy; that our national constitution shall prevail; and that the Union, which can alone ensure internal peace and external security to each State, must and shall be preserved, cost what it may in time, treasure, and blood.'

These were brave words to utter to an army which had suffered so severely, and had met with such serious disasters; but even if they were not in character with the

man who gave vent to them, they were suited to the 4th of July, and in accordance with the description of manifesto popular with the Americans of the Northern States. A somewhat similar congratulatory address, but couched in different terms, was about the same time issued by President Davis. He wrote as follows:

'Soldiers! I congratulate you on the series of brilliant victories which, under favour of Divine Providence, we have lately won; and as the President of the Confederate States, I do hereby tender you the thanks of the country whose just cause you have so skilfully and heroically saved. Ten days ago, an invading army, vastly superior to you in numbers and materials of war, closely beleaguered your capital, and vauntingly proclaimed its speedy conquest. You marched to attack the enemy in his entrenchments. With well-directed movements and death-dealing valour, you charged upon him in his strong position, drove him from field to field over a distance of more than thirty-five miles, and, spite of his reinforcements, compelled him to seek shelter under cover of his gunboats, where he now lies, cowering before the army he so lately derided and threatened with entire subjugation. The fortitude with which you have borne the trials and privations, the gallantry with which you have entered into each successive battle, must have been witnessed to be fully appreciated; but a grateful people will not fail to recognise your deeds, and bear you in loved remembrance. Well may it be said of you, that you have done enough for glory; but duty to a suffering country, and to the cause of constitutional liberty, claims from you yet further efforts. Let it be your pride to relax in nothing that can promote your own future efficiency,