During McClellan's retreat to Harrison's Landing, the Union Army's gunboat-protected haven on the James, "Satellite" and ascended the Chickahominy River to strengthen his right flank. In the ensuing weeks, "Satellite" protected Union troops ashore and transports afloat, often engaging Confederate forces on the riverbanks. On 27 July, boats from "Satellite" and ascended Chippoak Creek and captured schooner, "J. W. Sturges", and a schooner-rigged lighter laden with wood. They also found two other schooners and a steamer which had been scuttled before they arrived.