University of Texas at San Antonio Civil War Diaries

-ceived a serious lesson in the "battle of Williamsburg" The first battle of "62". I failed to mention that the "Texas Brigade" and "Whitings Brigade" formed a sub division, of Genl G W Smiths "army division," hence we were known with Whitings Brigade as "Whitings Div." On the night prior to the battle of Williamsburg, Genl Johnstonreceived reliable information, that "Little Man" had sent a large force in transport, up York river, to land at "Elthams Landing" or "West Pt", The terminus of the "Richmond & York river RR", by which movement if successful, our army, would be cut off from our base, and with a large

During the night of May 29th the Yanks who had never occupied in force the Richmond side of the "Chickahominy" crossed over three Yankee corps, under command of Major Genl Casey USA. The heavy rains of the day & night of the 30th, decided Genl Joe Johnston to attack them, since the Chickahominy was almost out of its banks, and it was almost impossible for Genl McClelland to reinforce Casey, conse -quently no better opportunity would be presented us for inflicting a tell -ing blow, by daylight of May 31st Johnston had a large portion of his army in a war position to Casey. Sunday at good light to give the Yell & open the contest. Whitings Division, was ordered