Prologue: The Armies Move at Daybreak
I. Confederate Battle Plans
II. Union Battle Plans
Confederate Battle Plans
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After a moment to reflect General Lee looked at both Jackson and Longstreet and began to issue orders. “I propose to use the First Corps south of the Chickahominy to hold back any advance by McClellan. General Jackson, you and your corps will move north of the Chickahominy to drive back whatever people you find north of the river. If we can get around their right flank and into their rear, we will unhinge their whole force much as we did in June. We will drive them from Virginia once more. But if the enemy attacks us in large force at Richmond we may call upon you as needed for assistance.”
“I believe I will only encounter a single Union corps north of the Chickahominy, sir. I will deal with them promptly and drive them to get around their flank,” General Jackson replied.
General Longstreet, studying the map, spoke next. “I expect the vast bulk of the Union forces to come at Richmond from the south or south-east. The reports of enemy transports arriving at Varina Landing could only mean a large-scale troop movement. It seems to me that a large amount of Union troops will strike north from Varina heading up along Osborne's Turnpike and New Market Road. They are two good roads and will enable them to move a lot of men quickly in our direction. I will have Col. Lee’s cavalry brigade move in that direction come daybreak to ascertain the situation to the south. I am also concerned that the Federals may have gunboats on the James River which may enfilade our lines.”
“We must rely on our guns and fortifications at Drewry’s Bluff to repulse any enemy gunboats much as they have done before," Lee replied. "Further, the Patrick Henry is anchored in the James to assist in the fort’s defense. Gentlemen, let us put our faith in Him this day that we may drive those people back. I wish you both Godspeed.” With this the officer’s meeting in Richmond came to an end and the generals went their separate ways. Lee, turning to his aide Colonel Taylor, asked that Traveler be saddled and prepared for him. He would take his breakfast in his tent before riding out to oversee operations.
As the early dawn broke in the east the first regiments of Anderson’s division began to trudge south along the New Market Road towards Varina’s Landing. To the north Jackson’s old division, now under William Taliaferro, set out towards the Chickahominy crossings northeast of town.
The Preliminary plans of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia for the battle.
Union Battle Plans
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Porter, with Reynolds and Hooker before him, contemplated whether to join them in bringing about a battle or to backtrack and follow McClellan’s more cautious directions to defend the Charles City Road.
“I cannot support you, generals. I must backtrack to Glendale with my corps and come into line south of the VI Corps as ordered. I expect you to follow your orders as well.” Hooker and Reynolds saluted the general and, knowing the conversation to be ended, began to walk away.
“Do we know if the enemy embankments are occupied?” Porter called out after them.
“No, sir, we do not.”
“If they are unoccupied,” Porter went on carefully, “then we may have an opportunity here.”
“Yes, sir,” Hooker enthusiastically replied. “And I have a mounted brigade of men ready to investigate their lines just as soon as I return to my corps.”
Porter, rethinking the situation, took a fresh cigar from his jacket pocket and slowly put it into his mouth. “I will support you provided that the enemy is not already strongly entrenched along the lines. Use your cavalry and see if an opportunity does really exist. I will order Colonel Gregg to reconnoiter along the New Market Road towards Richmond as well. If there is a strong probability of success, I will move my corps forward at once.”
“Might I ask what we will do if Lee does attack down the Charles City Road?” Reynolds interjected.
“I believe,” Porter replied, “that if the enemy were to advance down that road that our own attack from the south of Richmond will fall upon their flank and we may have them between the VI Corps and our units. It may even work to our advantage.” Then, lighting his cigar, he looked towards the rising sun. “Now… on to Richmond.”
With that the three generals shook hands and parted. Hooker and Reynolds rode rapidly back to Varina while Porter called for Colonel Gregg to join him. “Colonel, you will take your brigade to the northwest and investigate the enemy lines. If you find them unprepared and unmanned send us word at once.” Gregg saluted and began to get his brigade in motion.
Porter, mounting his horse, looked northward to where the smoke from the VI Corps fires were still visible in the early dawn. McClellan would soon realize that he was not in position. Would the commanding general support them or would he leave them to fight Lee’s army without support? Only time would tell.
The Federal Army begins the day with the III and V Corps free to move after the conclusion of dawn (Turn 3). The I Corps will not begin to arrive until 7 AM. The VI Corps will begin to release at 7 AM and the II Corps at 8 AM.