This Day In History | Civil War June 26 1862 Battle of Mechanicsville

historychannel.com ^ | 6/26/05 | historychannel.com

[mainepatsfan]

This Day In History | Civil War

June 26

1862 Battle of Mechanicsville

Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia strikes Union General George B. McClellan's Army of the Potomac, beginning the Seven Days' Battles. Although the Confederates sustained heavy losses and did not succeed in decisively defeating the Yankees, the battle had unnerved McClellan. During the next week, Lee drove him from the outskirts of Richmond back to his base on the James River.

This was Lee's first battle as commander of the army. On June 1, 1862, he had replaced Joseph Johnston, who was severely wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks. McClellan's offensive had stalled just five miles from Richmond, and his army remained there until late June. During that time, General J.E.B. Stuart and his Rebel cavalry made a spectacular ride around McClellan's force, bringing back information that indicated that McClellan's right flank was "in the air," or unprotected by natural barriers. Lee informed his commanders on June 23 of his intention to attack the flank, occupied by Fitz John Porter's V corps, which was separated from the rest of the Union army by the Chickahominy River. This was a bold move—because it meant leaving a skeleton force to face the rest of McClellan's army south of the Chickahominy—and an early indication of Lee's audacious style.

[Dazedcat]

Incoming.........

[Former Fetus]

I've often wondered what would have happened if "Old Blue Light" had been up to his usual standards? What if "Jackson's Foot Cavalry" had got a break after the Shenandoah Valley's campaign? What if...?

[mainepatsfan]

There are too many What if's? from that war and a lot about Jackson alone.