University of Texas at San Antonio Civil War Diaries

head towards the Peninsular where the Yankees were massing their army. After various delays & halts, the CSA found themselves occupying their positions on the Peninsular confront -ed by old Abes chaps - about the 8th of April - The "Rebs" were command -ed by Genl Joe E. Johnston - while the Federals were under the com -mand of Major Genl George B Mc -Lelland, at that time generally known by the title of "Young Napo -leon. Nothing of importance hap -pind while in the Peninsular. The weather being so bad as to im -pede millitary movements. Our Army numbered, as correctly as I could learn, some 25,000 men. It became evident that the

forces in our rear and one in our front, we would indeed have been in a crucial condition, hence Mc Lelland fought The "battle of W", in order to delay us, but his designs were understood. Vigorous measures had to be executed, and prompt -ly too. Our Division (Whitings) was aroused from its slumbers at 12 am on the night of 4 May, and started on march. The rain pouring down in torrents, and so dark we could distinguish nothing. We continued in the march the rest of the night and during the days of the 5th & 6th The rain never ceased, mud & water knee deep, and misery & fatigue was viable upon the coun -tenances of all. The rain cleared