the same
one we retreated by after the seven days' battles. General Hooker's force,
amounting to twenty thousand men, advanced rapidly on to Malvern Hill. A
small engagement took place between our cavalry and horse artillery, and
the enemy. But the plan of capturing the rebel force, consisting of but
twelve hundred men, failed entirely. They escaped, leaving only two dead
and fifty prisoners in our hands. Our loss was four killed and twelve
wounded. Captain Benson, of the regular horse artillery, was killed. The
Lieutenant Colonel of the Eighth Illinois cavalry, mortally wounded. The
cause of the enemy's escape was attributed to Brigadier General Frank
Patterson, son of General Patterson of Bull Run notoriety. General
McClellan appeared in the afternoon, in high glee. We remained on the spot
all day. In the evening our battery was brought in position, facing White
Oak Swamp. Beautiful moon night. We slept once more on the great
battle-field.

_Wednesday, August 6._--On Malvern Hill. Stayed all day, and expected to
stay all night. Tents were pitched, with a view to remain longer; but
about nine o'clock P. M., picket firing commenced, and at midnight, very
suddenly, orders were given to get ready to march back to Harrison
Landing. The report circulated that the enemy was advancing with superior
numbers. About half ways, we were met by the greater part of the Army of
the Potomac, covering our retreat.

_Thursday, August 7._--Arrived at Harrison Landing at three and a half
o'clock A. M., and went back to our old camp.

_Friday, August 8._--Harrison Landing. The rebels occupy Malvern Hill
again. Intensely hot weather--113 deg. in the shade.

_Saturday, August 9._--Our battery was cleaned to-day. Splendid moon
night.

_Monday, August 11._--Harrison Landing. Preparations to evacuate the
place. All the baggage to be sent away by transports, and rations for six
days to be kept on hand.

_Tuesday, August 12._--Harrison Landing. Fitz John Porter's corps started
to-day.

_Wednesday, August 13._--Harrison Landing. News of General Pope's battle
at Cedar Mountain.

_Friday, August 15._--Harrison Landing. Everything is packed, and the
battery hitched up. Troops were marching by all night. Sumner's corps to
be the rear-guard.

_Saturday, August 16._--Left Harrison Landing at three o'clock A. M.
Marched on the river road and halted at dark, in line of battle.

_Sunday, August 17._--March through Charles City Court House. To