<<Today is the fifth of a series of posts on the Seven Days Battles near Richmond, Virginia that occurred 150 years ago this week.>>
The best opportunity for Lee to cut off McClellan’s retreating army was on this date of June 30, 1862. McClellan had about half of his army near the Glendale crossroads (Frayser’s Farm) – a junction of roads from the Richmond area toward the James River destination of Harrison’s Landing.
The Confederate plan was to have the forces of D.H. Hill, Jackson, and Huger occupy the Union Army north of Glendale, while A.P. Hill and Longstreet would maneuver to cut them off. Again, the plan was not executed as envisioned, and again, Jackson failed to carry out Lee’s desires. Also again, it was Longstreet and A.P. Hill who advanced unsupported against the Federals – finding early successes, but ultimately unable to sustain them.
The Army of the Potomac would successfully retreat in the darkness to the good high ground position of Malvern Hill, where 150 years ago tomorrow, the dreadful battle of that name would transpire.
Randy Buchman
Enfilading Lines 