In front, the whole line of battle, which described a curve backward to cover the bridges in rear, was protected by difficult approaches.

The ground was either swampy, or covered with tangled undergrowth, or both.

The ridge held by the Federal forces had been hastily fortified by breastworks of felled trees and earth, behind which the long lines of infantry, supported by numerous artillery, awaited the attack.
The amount of the Federal force has been variously stated.

The impression of the Confederates differed from the subsequent statements of Federal writers.

"The principal part of the Federal army," says General Lee, in his report, "was now on the north side of the Chickahominy." The force has been placed by Northern writers at only thirty, or at most thirty-five thousand.