starting point of Union General McClellan's advance up the peninsula. McClellan whose maps led him to mistakenly believe the Warwick River flowed only parallel to the James River was met with surprise when it was discovered to instead continue northeast providing a rather astute defensive barrier. The strength of this line was further fortified by the falling of trees and erection of various dams in the preceding days which produced 2 to 3 foot deep ponds forward of the line. This led union forces to probe the defenses for weak portions resulting in the days events. Though the whole of the regiment would be engaged, three particular companies were highlighted for their extraordinary composure under fire, these being Company D. stationed in the rifle pits forward of the main defensive line, Company E. who though balls were passing overhead conserved their powder for moments when it was assured to have a union man in the sights and Company A. who in neck deep water spent 24 hours fortifying the defenses of the main line and in whole gave three continuous days of service. Although the results of the engagement were inconclusive, the strategic victory lay with the Confederates who through an elaborate ruse deceived McClellan into believing their force more numerous. This lead the Union to construct siege fortifications along the Warwick River, delaying their advance by four weeks when in actuality their far superior numbers could have easily routed the small force. The Confederates in turn used this opportunity to construct defensive positions along their side of the river and bring up reinforcements which swelled their numbers and brought forth re-organization. Department of the Peninsula On April 12, General Joseph E. Johnston was given command of the Department of the Peninsula which was then subdivided into three separate wings along the Warwick Line of which the 3rd Virginia was placed in Major General Longstreet's Division occupying the center defenses. General Magruder was placed on Longstreet right towards mulberry island on the south, and General D. H. Hill occupied the north extending to Yorktown, thus completing the line. As such for the next several weeks the men dug in constructing fortifications and awaiting any further attacks which never came for the 3rd Virginia. These were not however the only changes afoot as on April 16 Colonel Pryor was promoted to Brigadier General in a change most welcomed by many of