After ten days of incessant labor and hardship they had only gained possession of the village of Yorktown, and a tract of low, swampy country.

The divisions in front pressed forward rapidly after the Confederates; but these had managed their plan so well that all were safely across the stream before they were overtaken.
The dismay in Richmond had for a few days been great.

Many people left the town for the interior, taking their valuables with them, and all was prepared for the removal of the State papers and documents.

But as the Federals went on with their fortifications, and the re-enforcements began to arrive, confidence was restored, and all went on as before.
The great Federal army was so scattered through the forests, and the discipline of some of the divisions was so lax, that it was some days before McClellan had them ranged in order on the Chickahominy.

Another week elapsed before he was in a position to undertake fresh operations; but General Johnston had now four divisions on the spot, and he was too enterprising a general to await the attack.