General McClellan's right and rear were unprotected by works of any strength.

If the Confederate general desired to attack in that quarter, there was nothing to prevent.
The results of Stuart's famous "ride around McClellan," as the people called it, determined General Lee to make the attack on the north bank of the stream, if he had not already so decided.

It was necessary now to bring Jackson's forces from the Valley without delay, and almost equally important to mask the movement from General McClellan.

To this end a very simple _ruse_ was adopted.

On the 11th of June, Whiting's division was embarked on the cars of the Danville Railroad at Richmond, and moved across the river to a point near Belle Isle, where at that moment a considerable number of Federal prisoners were about to be released and sent down James River.