"We were ordered to retreat," says General Hooker, "and it was like the retreat of a whipped army.

We retreated like a parcel of sheep; everybody on the road at the same time; and a few shots from the rebels would have panic-stricken the whole command."[1] [Footnote 1: Report of the Committee on the Conduct of the War, part i., p.

580.] Such was the condition of that great army which had fought so bravely, standing firm so long against the headlong assaults of the flower of the Southern troops.

It was the battle at Cold Harbor which had produced this state of things, thereby really deciding the result of the campaign.

To attribute to that action, therefore, no more importance than attached to the engagements on the retreat to James River, seems in opposition to the truth of history.
We shall present only a general narrative of the famous retreat which reflected the highest credit upon General McClellan, and will remain his greatest glory.