"A battle is said to be raging around Richmond.* I am at the Prestons'. ...
J.C. went off suddenly to Richmond, on business of the military department. It is always his luck to arrive in the nick of time and be present at a great battle....
Telegraph says Lee** and Davis both on the field. Enemy being repulsed.
Telegraph operator: 'Madam, our men are fighting.'
'Of course they are—what else is there for them to do now but fight?'
'But, Madam, the news is encouraging.'
Each army burying its dead. That looks like a drawn battle."
*The battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks), was fought just five miles from Richmond on May 31 and June 1.
**On June 1, 1862, Robert E. Lee assumed field command of the Army of Northern Virginia for the first time.
