Between Richmond and Ashland Mill, Virginia
June 1864
Jefferson Davis had arrived at his desk at first light and had spent the early hours of the morning alternately staring at the huge clock in the corner and shouting for aides to bring him the latest from General Longstreet.
Each time the answer had been, “No news yet this morning, sir.”
Davis was certain that the Federal forces would attack Longstreet today. They had crossed the Potomac five days ago, and aside from Sheridan’s cavalry wreaking havoc on innocent civilians, had made a desultory advance southward. They had camped the night before in the vicinity of Chandler Crossing, and he expected the attack at any moment. Perhaps it was already under way.
Finally, at a little past nine in the morning, Davis couldn’t take it any longer. He scrawled a quick note to Varina, picked his hat and riding gloves off the table by the door, handed the note to a clerk, and walked out of the office. Aides scrambled and followed Davis out the front door. To a staff officer, he said, “My horse.” Other officers ran to find mounts, and in two minutes, Davis and his small entourage were headed north toward Ashland Mill.
As the miles passed, Davis strained, listening for the sound of the big guns, but he heard nothing. I don’t know for certain that the attack will come today, but I feel it in my bones.
After a couple of hours, Davis thought he heard small arms fire, but he wasn’t certain. As they approached Ashland Mill, it was clear something was afoot. Last time the rear of Longstreet’s lines had been casual and relaxed. Now it was all motion and commotion.
Davis spurred his horse forward, and as his party passed a squadron of cavalry, he shouted at a startled lieutenant, “Take me to General Longstreet.” The lieutenant wheeled and spurred his mount with Davis riding hard in his wake. In five minutes, they crested a small hill and found Longstreet in conversation with Fitzhugh Lee and Braxton Bragg. All three men looked over at the sound of the approaching horses.
“Gentlemen. What news, General?”
Longstreet smiled. Nothing put him in a better mood than imminent battle. “Fitz just came from the front. Sheridan is out in force this morning and probing our defenses.” The pop of sporadic small arms fire could be heard to the north and west.
Fitz Lee looked in that direction. “That’s them. Never seen so many Union cavalrymen in my life. All we can handle.”
“General Lee, how many men would you estimate we’ll be facing?”
“Sir, there’s so much cavalry in our front that we can’t get near the rest of their army. I just know I’ve never seen a dust cloud that size, or so many campfires.”
Bragg jumped in. “My men have been in contact with the Federals since they crossed the river. They’re engaged in a fighting retreat as ordered. I’d say we’re facing fifteen corps. Grant and Meade plus Sheridan’s cavalry.”
All were silent as they contemplated the vast host advancing toward them.
“Do you expect McClellan will bring on a general engagement?”
Longstreet smiled. “I expect he will, and I hope he does. This is fine ground, and I feel like I could set up shop here for a long time. Jackson reported this morning that he’s in position and awaiting word to spring the trap.”
Davis was taking it all in, the sounds, the smell, the men running and galloping toward the front. This is where I belong.
“Then let it be so. General, gentlemen, I’ll leave you to your business. I implore you to keep me up to the minute. General Longstreet, I shall be at home in Richmond.”