Page:Confederate Military History - 1899 - Volume 4.djvu/64



HILE these new regiments were forming, the North Carolina regiments already transferred to the army of Virginia were engaged in the famous Peninsular campaign and the battles around Richmond. Just a few weeks after the battle at New Bern, McClellan’s army began to land at Fort Monroe preparatory to its ascent of the peninsula. On the 4th of April, 1862, his troops began to move against the Confederate works, held at that time by Gen. J. B. Magruder with about 11,000 men. General Magruder had spent much time and work upon the construction of parallel lines of fortifications across the peninsula. However, the Confederate commander-in-chief, General Johnston, after an examination of the works and of the whole ground, decided that it was not feasible to attempt to hold the peninsula, flanked as it was by water; and the forces there, and those sent to their aid after McClellan began to move, were placed under orders to withdraw gradually upon the approach of the Union army, but to strike, if need be, and to protract the giving up of the lines as long as possible.

Accordingly, on the nearer approach of McClellan the Confederates fell back upon the Warwick line of defenses. On the 16th of April, at Lee s Mill, or Dam No. 1, the first sharp trial of strength between the opposing forces took place. Gen. W. F. Smith s division was ordered to