.NDM5.MzgzNg

� 136 force on the other side of the Chickahominy. There are various opinions held, some thinking the enemy to be in large numbers, and some not.

But the natural question is constantly being asked, where are the enemy? It is certainly surprising that we are permitted to approach so near to Richmond unmolested. If the enemy intend to defend the line of the Chickahominy why have two whole corps of the army been allowed to camp at Bottom's Bridge? There must be at least 50.000 of our troops on the other side of the Chickahominy today.

Two days since and we were much disturbed about our right fearing lest the enemy should attack us in that quarter and from the rear. But Capt. Arnold says we are all right now. Franklin and Porter have their corps in position and in his language "Nothing can whip us now."