THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. & 257 the only instance of disorder which came to my knowledge, was the pillage of a garret filled with the finest Virginia tobacco, which was discovered in an abandoned barn. Let me add that the circumstances made this strict observance of discipline particularly meritorious. The troops encamped around Williamsburg after the battle which we have just described were for a short time in want of provisions in consequence of the impracticable state of the roads, and they endured with resignation the hostile attitude of the inhabitants who met their offers to pay in specie for food with an unanimous refusal. After the first moment of fear had passed, and it was evident that there was no ground for alarm, the ladies of the town might have been seen ostentatiously carrying to the wounded of their own party the refreshments which could not be procured for the. wounded federals ; and whenever, followed by their negro servants carrying well filled baskets, they met a federal soldier on the sidewalk, they made a point of gathering up their dressei in haste as il to avoid the contact of some unclean animal. The victors only smiled at these childish and ill-bred demonstrations. Other troops in their place might have been less patient. The General fixed his head-quarters in the house which the confederate General Johnston had occupied the day before, for it was no longer with Magruder that we were dealing. Johnston is considered by friends and foe^ and especially by his old comrades of the regular army, as a warrior of the first rank. He is reputed to unite great personal courage with an iron will, and a remarkable capacity for taking in a whole battle field at a glance. With the fine intellect of Jefferson Davis to conceive, his omnipotence to prepare, and Johnston to execute their plans, the confederates were in good hand^, as we very plainly saw. By holding his position for two days before Williamsburg, Johnston had given time for his trains and f ;• the major part of his troops to move quietly oil
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