Question of the Week: 3/6-3/12/16

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We happen to be spending a little time at the beginning of this week exploring the Seven Days battles in late June-early July 1862. Which of the Seven Days is most interesting to you? Why?

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5 Responses to Question of the Week: 3/6-3/12/16

  1. Malvern Hill because in the context of the war it is the first mass frontal assault in a series of similar attacks…Maryes Heights, Pickett’s Charge, Missionary Ridge, Cold Harbor, & Franklin…analysis of the similarities, differences, & consequences is fascinating…

  2. Glendale/Frayser’s Farm/White Oak Swamp – a host of very significant “what if’s”, McClellan’s abdication of command on the field, heroic fighting on both sides, and the CWT’s recent salvation of several very important acres. While the importance of any battle can be overstated, this one probably decided that the A of the P could get itself intact to a secure spot. after the decision had been made to retreat.

  3. Malvern Hill, not because it marked a turning point in the campaign, but because Lee seemed not to take the obvious lessons from it. So, I’m in full agreement with Dan.

  4. June 27 – the Union defeat at Gaines’ Mill altered the whole campaign and flushed out the Army of the Potomac from its siege lines.It was a dramatic fight, and featured the largest CS attack of the war. The day was capped by McClellan’s singular letter to Lincoln in which he tells the President “I am not responsible for this . . . you have done your best to sacrifice this army.” That letter shows a commander who has collapsed emotionally and lost all reason.

    June 30 (Glendale) is second for me, for the reasons mentioned above.

  5. Savage’s Station–Prince John Magruder was given a great opportunity by Lee, to move quickly and attack aggressively. What should have resulted in a smashing victory, creating a possible disaster of a divided union army, instead was a plodding, delayed movement by Prince John. General Magruder’s status in Lee’s army would have risen and he might have been mentioned in the same grouping of Longstreet–Jackson–Stuart in Lee’s eyes…A victory at .Savage’s Station quite possibly would have meant, no Malvern Hill.

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