June 27, 1862---The Seven Days' Battles: Day Three (The Battle of Gaines' Mill)

JUNE 27, 1862:           

The Seven Days’ Battles  (Day Three)---The Battle of Gaines's Mill (The First Battle of Cold Harbor; The Battle of The Chickahominy River).   

Robert E. Lee again went on the offensive as he had the day before, attempting to turn the Union right flank north of the Chickahominy River.  

Lee's force was destined to launch the largest Confederate attack of the war, about 57,000 men in six divisions. The morning attack was poorly coordinated, and did not dislodge the Union forces. The Confederates suffered heavy casualties. But an early evening attack finally broke the Union line, driving the Federals back across the Chickahominy River. 

The Battle of Gaines's Mill saved Richmond for the Confederacy in 1862; the tactical defeat there convinced Army of the Potomac commander Major General George B. McClellan to abandon his advance on Richmond and begin a retreat to the James River. 

Of the 34,214 Union troops involved, casualties and losses equaled 6,837 (894 killed, 3,107 wounded, and 2,836 missing or captured). Confederate losses were 7,993 (1,483 killed, 6,402 wounded, and 108 missing or captured) of a total force of 57,018.