Sons of Confederate Veterans,
Camp #16
Battle of Gaines' Mill, Virginia
The Battle of Gaines' Mill aka First Battle
of Cold Harbor or the Battle of Chickahominy River took place on
June 27, 1862.
The battle was the third battle of seven
battles that would be fought. Robert E. Lee renewed his attacks
against Union Brigadier General Fitz John Porter's V Corps which
held a heavy fortified position behind Boatswain's Swamp, North of
the Chickahominy River. Porters reinforced V Corps held their position
inflicting heavy casualties on the Confederate Soldiers.
The Confederates were eventually able
to strike with a coordinated attack which broke Porter defensives
line and drove the Union soldiers back toward the river which Porter
and his soldiers crossed during the night.
this loss convinced the Army of the Potomac
commander Magor General George B. McClellan to abandon his advance
on Richmond and begin the retreat to James River.
The confederates became to disorganize
to encircle and pursue the Union forces.
The Battle of Gaines' Mill saved Richmond
for the Confederacy in 1862.
