Part 71 (1/2)
”Because the ground is dry, the water good, and we are near our supplies--”
The President's lips trembled with rage.
”And McClellan can now plant his guns within six miles and his soldiers hear our church bells on Sunday--”
”Possibly--”
The President's eye pierced his General.
”Richmond is to be surrendered without a battle?”
”That depends, sir, upon conditions--”
The Confederate Chief suddenly threw his thin hands above his head and faced his stubborn sulking Commander.
”If you are not going to give battle, I'll appoint a man in your place who will--”
Before Johnston could reply the President turned on his heel, waved to Colonel Ives, mounted his horse and dashed into the city.
His Cabinet was called in hasty consultation with General Lee.
Davis turned to his counselors.
”Gentlemen, I have just held a most amazing conference with General Johnston. You were afraid he would fight beyond the Chickahominy. He has crossed the river, left its natural defenses unguarded, and has run all the way to town without pause. I have told him to fight or get out of the saddle. In my judgment he intends to back straight through the city and abandon it without a blow. We must face the situation.”
He turned to Lee. The question he was going to put to the man in whom he had supreme confidence would test both his judgment and his character.
On his answer would hang his career. If it should be what the Confederate Chief believed, Lee was the man of destiny and his hour had struck.
”In case Johnston abandons Richmond,” the President slowly began, ”where in your opinion, General Lee, is the next best line of defense?”
Lee's fine mouth was set for a moment. He spoke at first with deliberation.
”As a military engineer, my answer is simple. The next best line of defense would be at Staten River--but--”
He suddenly leaped to his feet, his eyes streaming with tears.
”Richmond must not be given up--it shall not be given up!”
Davis sprang to his side and clasped Lee's hand.
”So say I, General!”
From that moment the President and his chief military adviser lived on Johnston's battle line, Lee ready at a moment's notice to spring into the saddle and hurl his men against McClellan the moment Johnston should falter.
The Commander was forced to a decision for battle. He could not allow his arch enemy to remove him without a fight.
The retreat across the Chickahominy had given McClellan an enormous advantage which his skillful eye saw at once. He threw two grand divisions of his army across the river and pushed his siege guns up within six miles of Richmond. His engineers immediately built substantial bridges across the stream over which he could move in safety his heaviest guns in any emergency, either for reenforcements or retreat.