June 1, 1862---The Battle of Seven Pines: Day Two

JUNE 1, 1862:             

 The Battle of Seven Pines (The Battle of Fair Oaks) (Day Two): General G.W. Smith C.S.A. continued to throw troops against the Union lines which had been receiving continuous reinforcement throughout the night. The Confederates made no headway, and when Union forces counterattacked, the Confederates retreated.

Although McClellan took direct command at this point, and although he was within church bell range of Richmond, he did not order his men to pursue the fleeing Confederates. 

34,000 Union troops took part in the battle; there were 5,031 total Union casualties (790 killed, 3,594 wounded, and 647 captured or missing). 39,000 Confederate troops took part in the battle (one of the few times the South had a numerical advantage in battle). There were 6,134 total casualties on the Confederate side: 980 killed, 4,749 wounded, and 405 captured or missing.

By far the most important development to come out of the Battle of Seven Pines was Johnston’s being rendered hors de combat. Smith allowed himself to be driven off by the Yankees, and he was relieved of command almost immediately. His replacement as Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia was Robert E. Lee.