William Swinton, Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac

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[149] south bank of the Chickahominy during the night of the 26th; and shortly before daylight the delicate operation of withdrawing the troops to the position where it was determined to make the new stand, was commenced and skilfully and successfully executed; for, though the Confederates followed closely, skirmishing, yet Porter was able to take up his new position before they appeared in force in his front. The rear was handsomely covered by Seymour's brigade and the horse batteries of Robertson and Tidball.

Sketch of the field of Gaines' Mill.

The position on the north bank of the Chickahominy taken up for resistance, was well chosen, on a range of heights between Cold Harbor and the Chickahominy. The line of battle formed the arc of a circle, covering the approaches to the bridges which connected the right wing with the troops on the south side of the river. The left (Morell's division) rested on a wooded bluff, which rose abruptly from a deep ravine leading down to the Chickahominy; the right (Sykes' division of Regulars) posted in woods and clearings, extended to the rear