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are to flank Lee by the left, I think, and have every hope of success.
The exhausting march of thirty miles made by the Ninth Corps, on the 4th of May, nearly broke him down; but on the 7th he announces:—
A great and glorious battle yesterday, at the end of which, to my astonishment, I found myself unhurt.
It seemed very unnatural, I assure you, and somewhat agreeable.
It was little mote than a drawn battle; but, in conjunction with other movements, I rather think it answered every purpose of victory.
On the 10th,
General Stevenson was killed, and
Mills wrote—
Imagine our horror and grief.
There was not the slightest hope.
Why in Heaven's name could it not have selected some other spot, and even taken one of us. His loss is irreparable to the division and his friends.
He was the most gallant, brave, and thorough soldier, the most kind-hearted, considerate, generous-spirited man, and one of the most agreeable companions, I ever knew.
I always liked him; and, in the three weeks that I was with him, became very, very deeply attached to him. He did everything for me that man could do, and always thought of my lameness.
May 12.—It is uncommonly disagreeable to rally running men under a hot fire, and I had plenty of it.
May 15.— To-day is Sunday.
I wish I could have a quiet Christian Sunday with you all at home, away from all this weary fighting and slaughter. .... We are gradually using up the Rebs, but it is slow work.
In the ultimate result I have every confidence. . . . . I like General Crittenden much.
May 18.—We made a fruitless attack on the enemy's works.
Shelling is trying to the nerves, but seldom very dangerous.
It's these venomous little bullets that we are afraid of.
June 3.—It is about six o'clock of a beautiful evening, and the day's fighting is over.
The siege of Richmond has begun, they say.
June 11.—We have plenty to eat, drink, and smoke, for the first time during the campaign.
I don't think we shall finish this campaign for some time yet.
June 19.—I wrote you a line yesterday just to say that I was safe, after the toughest time yet. These night marches are very
