Here are some of McClellan's staff-officers during the strenuous period of
the Seven Days' Battles. One commonly supposes that a general's staff has
little to do but wear gold lace and transmit orders. But it is their duty
to multiply the eyes and ears and thinking power of the leader. Without
them he could not direct the movements of his army. There were so few
regular officers of ripe experience that members of the staff were
invariably made regimental commanders, and frequently were compelled to
divide their time between leading their troops into action and reporting
to and consulting with their superior.
[Illustration: THE RETROGRADE CROSSING.]
[Illustration: LOWER BRIDGE ON THE CHICKAHOMINY