McLellan Lollygagged and Lee Pounced

McClellan Army finally advanced on Richmond. His army reached within 15 miles of the city. His forces were divided between the North and South sides of the Chickahominy River. On May 31, Confederate forces under the command of Joseph Johnston attacked the divided Union forces, at Fair Oaks or Seven Pines, as it was known. The plan was simple, but the execution failed totally. The Confederate forces attacked piecemeal, instead of in one group. The result was that no significant ground was gained. 6,134 Confederates were killed or wounded, along with 5,031 of the Union’s soldiers. One Confederate casualty was more important than the others. On the evening of May 31st, Confederate commander, Joseph Johnston was severely wounded. General Robert E. Lee was appointed as the new Confederate commander.