On this day in 1862,

The Battle of Seven Pines

Robert E. Lee Takes Over Confederate Army For Injured Gen. Johnston

On this day in 1862, Union and Confederate forces started the Battle of Seven Pines, a little known but bloody skirmish that proved to have a big impact on the remainder of the Civil War.  The outmanned Confederate forces, led by General Joseph Johnston, tried to draw the Union forces, led by Gen. George McClellan, into a trap as the Rebels retreated to their capital, Richmond.  As the Yankees struggled to cross a river and marsh area, Johnston ordered three divisions to attack one of McClellan’s vulnerable flanks from three directions.  The inexperienced Rebels bungled the maneuver, allowing the Union forces to bring in reinforcements.  The battle was essentially a draw but 6,000 Union soldiers and 5,000 Confederate soldiers were killed.  McClellan was so distraught over the carnage he witnessed that he became far more cautious in his future battles, causing Lincoln to replace him months later.  Confederate General Johnston was shot and seriously wounded during the battle, requiring his replacement by Gen. Robert E. Lee, who to this time had served without distinction in Western Virginia.