White House, Virginia, June 27, 1862.--Up the James and the Pamunkey to
White House Landing came the steam and sailing vessels laden with supplies
for McClellan's second attempt to reach Richmond. Tons of ammunition and
thousands of rations were sent forward from here to the army on the
Chickahominy in June, 1862. A short month was enough to cause McClellan to
again change his plans, and the army base was moved to the James River.
The Richmond and York Railroad was lit up by burning cars along its course
to the Chickahominy. Little was left to the Confederates save the charred
ruins of the White House itself.
[Illustration: ELLERSON'S MILL--WHERE HILL ASSAULTED.]
Not until after nightfall of June 26, 1862, did the Confederates of
General A. P. Hill's division cease their assaults upon this position
where General McCall's men were strongly entrenched. Time after time the
Confederates charged over the ground we see here at Ellerson's Mill, near
Mechanicsville. Till 9 o'clock at night they continued to pour volleys at
the position, and then at last withdrew. The victory was of little use to
the Federals, for Jackson on the morrow, having executed one of the
flanking night marches at which he was an adept, fell upon the Federal
rear at Gaines' Mill.
[Illustration: THE WASTE OF WAR