The Seven Days Battles

Introduction

• Author: William Miller
• Context: Robert E. Lee's significant entry into the Civil War.
• Timeframe: Less than a week, known as the Seven Days Battles.
• Impact: Setback for the Federal war effort by nearly a year.

Prelude to the Battles

• Date: May 31, 1862
• Location: Near Seven Pines, Virginia.
• Significance: One of the bloodiest days in American history up to that point.
• Confederate Army Commander: General Joseph E. Johnston
  • Suffered severe injuries and was incapacitated.

Confederate Situational Crisis

• Richmond's Importance: The Confederate capital and an industrial hub.
• Leadership Change: Robert E. Lee appointed by Jefferson Davis as commander.
  • Context: Lee had never commanded an army in the field.

Lee's Strategy Post-Command

• Battle at Seven Pines: Continued on June 1.
  • Confederate casualties: Over 6,000.
• Strategic Options:
  • Abandon Richmond.
  • Fight defensively.
  • Attack (Lee's preference).
• Plan Articulation: General Order No. 75 (June 24).
  • Simplicity: Three separate columns moving independently.
  • Intended to exploit Federal weaknesses.

Execution of Lee's Plan

• Initial Movements: June 26
  • Delayed by Stonewall Jackson's late arrival.
  • Initial Confederate losses at Beaver Dam Creek.
• Federal Withdrawal: June 27, due to Jackson's strategic effects.

Battle of Gaines' Mill

• Date: June 27
• Confederate Attack: Forced Federal withdrawal across Chickahominy.
• Casualties: 15,000 (9,000 Confederate, 6,000 Federal).
• Outcome: Secured success of Lee's offensive.

Continued Confederate Pursuit

• Federal Withdrawal: Toward the James River.
• Confederate Strategy: Attempt to intercept and destroy retreating Federals.
• Challenges: Delays and miscommunications among Confederate commanders.

Battle of Glendale

• Date: June 30
• Key Target: Glendale crossroads.
• Challenges: Poor coordination among Confederate columns.
• Outcome: Federals retained control, continued retreat.

Battle of Malvern Hill

• Date: July 1
• Federal Position: Strong artillery setup.
• Confederate Assault: Failed due to miscommunication and strong Federal defenses.
• Casualties: Confederates suffered heavy losses (5,000 men).

Conclusion of the Seven Days Battles

• Significance:
  • High casualties: 34,000 total (19,000 Confederate, 15,000 Union).
  • Major turning point: Prevented Union capture of Richmond.
  • Elevated Robert E. Lee's status as a military leader.
  • Prolonged the Civil War, reinvigorated the Confederate cause.

Author's Note

• William Miller's Work: An advocate for battlefield preservation with numerous publications on the Civil War.