General Lee, as his observations on General Magruder's report show, did not regard Richmond as exposed to serious danger, and was confident of his ability to recross the Chickahominy and go to its succor in the event of an attack on the city by General McClellan.

Had this prompt recrossing of the stream here, even, been impracticable, it may still be a question whether General Lee did not, in his movement against the Federal right wing with the bulk of his army, follow the dictates of sound generalship.
In war, something must be risked, and occasions arise which render it necessary to disregard general maxims.

It is one of the first principles of military science that a commander should always keep open his line of retreat; but the moment may come when his best policy is to burn the bridges behind him.

Of Lee's movement against General McClellan's right, it may be said that it was based on the broadest good sense and the best generalship.

The situation of affairs rendered an attack in some quarter essential to the safety of the capital, which was about to be hemmed in on all sides.