The position of General McClellan's army has been briefly stated.

Advancing up the Peninsula, he had reached and passed the Chickahominy, and was in sight of Richmond.

To this stream, the natural line of defence of the city on the north and east, numerous roads diverged from the capital, including the York River Railroad, of which the Federal commander made such excellent use; and General McClellan had thrown his left wing across the stream, advancing to a point on the railroad four or five miles from the city.

Here he had erected heavy defences to protect that wing until the right wing crossed in turn.

The tangled thickets of the White-oak Swamp, on his left flank, were a natural defence; but he had added to these obstacles, as we have stated, by felling trees, and guarding every approach by redoubts.