Fighting intensified on all fronts. Jackson continued his success in the Shenandoah Valley while Confederates desperately defended Richmond under a new commander. Federals increased military pressure on southern Tennessee, and a series of terrible battles took place outside Richmond at month’s end.
The Battle of Seven Pines: Day Two
Fighting resumes on the Virginia Peninsula, after the Federals had strengthened their defenses and the Confederates had a new army commander.
From David Weisiger, 12th Virginia
Letter from Colonel David Weisiger, 12th Virginia Volunteer Infantry, to his wife after the Battle of Seven Pines.
In Perfect Readiness to Move Forward
George B. McClellan reports that he will soon be ready to resume his advance on the Virginia Peninsula, but complications soon arise that cause him to hesitate once more.
Do Not Let the Enemy Escape You
Two Federal forces continue their pursuit of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, but Jackson is able to stay one step ahead of them for now.
Confederates abandon an important garrison on the Mississippi River, opening a path for Federal naval forces to move downstream and attack Memphis.
After capturing Fort Pillow, the Federal Western Flotilla immediately targets Memphis, the Confederacy’s fifth largest city, further down the Mississippi River.
“Stonewall” Jackson Makes a Stand
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederate army continues moving south up the Shenandoah Valley and prepares to take on two Federal forces approaching from two different directions.
Benjamin F. Butler, commanding Federal occupation forces in New Orleans, uses dubious legal proceedings to make an example of a citizen for dishonoring the U.S. flag.
In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, a portion of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederate army meets a Federal advance from the northwest while Jackson faces a separate threat from the northeast.
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson caps off his remarkable Shenandoah Valley campaign with another victory over the Federals sent to destroy him.
Robert E. Lee sends Confederate reinforcements to Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with orders to crush the Federals opposing him.
Henry W. Halleck returns his “Grand Army” to three separate armies, with the main objective to be a campaign to seize the key railroad town of Chattanooga.
Stuart’s Daring Ride Around McClellan
J.E.B. “Jeb” Stuart makes a name for himself by conducting a daring reconnaissance mission all the way around George B. McClellan’s Federal Army of the Potomac.
No Correct Knowledge of the Enemy’s Movements
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson proclaims a day of thanksgiving for his army and sends a message to Robert E. Lee requesting more men so he can invade the North. But Lee has other ideas.
Federals Advance on Charleston
Henry W. Benham plans to attack Confederate positions on James Island, south of Charleston, in violation of orders from his superior.
Federal forces attack strong Confederate defenses on James Island, and cause a general to be removed from command.
Davis Relieves the Ailing Beauregard
P.G.T. Beauregard leaves his Confederate command due to illness, causing controversy over whether he was going absent without leave.
A Grand Display and Terrible Conflict
David G. Farragut begins assembling a Federal naval squadron to take on Vicksburg, one of the last major Confederate strongholds on the Mississippi River.
The End of Slavery in the U.S. Territories
Abraham Lincoln fulfills a party pledge by approving a law that bans the expansion of slavery into the U.S. territories.
Putting Men in Motion in Virginia
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates head east to reinforce Robert E. Lee on the Virginia Peninsula, while George B. McClellan continues fuming about his superiors in Washington.
Abraham Lincoln creates a new Federal army designed to do what George B. McClellan could not–destroy the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and capture Richmond.
Preparing to Undergo Privation and Labor
Braxton Bragg takes command of the Confederate Army of Mississippi and prepares to lead it into action.
Robert E. Lee issues orders for a Confederate attack on George B. McClellan’s Federals outside Richmond, but McClellan plans an attack of his own.
The first of what would be a series of battles takes place on the Virginia Peninsula as George B. McClellan’s Federals try to capture a valuable position in front of the Confederate defenses.
The Seven Days’ Battles: Beaver Dam Creek
Robert E. Lee launches his planned assault on the right flank of the Federal Army of the Potomac outside Richmond, but it does not go as he hoped.
The Seven Days’ Battles: Gaines’s Mill
Robert E. Lee launches another attack on the Federal right flank outside Richmond, which forces George B. McClellan to begin planning to withdraw southward to the James River.
The Seven Days’ Battles: McClellan’s Withdrawal
The quietest day of the Seven Days’ Battles takes place, as George B. McClellan sends a shocking telegram to his superiors at Washington blaming them for perceived failures.
The Seven Days’ Battles: Savage’s Station
Robert E. Lee’s Confederates attack the Federal army once more, this time hoping to chase down the withdrawing enemy and destroying them before they reach the safety of the James River.
The Seven Days’ Battles: Glendale
Robert E. Lee makes another attempt to destroy the Federal Army of the Potomac on the Virginia Peninsula, this time attacking at Glendale, Frayser’s Farm, and White Oak Swamp.
Last Updated: 7/1/2022