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May 31-June 1, 1862
Estimated Casualties: 13,736 total (US 5,739; CS 7,997)
On May 31, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston attempted to overwhelm two
Federal corps that appeared isolated south of the Chickahominy
River. The Confederate assaults, though not well coordinated,
succeeded in driving back the IV Corps and inflicting heavy
casualties. Reinforcements arrived, and both sides fed more and
more troops into the action. Supported by the III Corps and
Sedgwick’s division of Sumner’s II Corps (that crossed the
rain-swollen river on Grapevine Bridge), the Federal position was
finally stabilized. Gen. Johnston was seriously wounded during the
action, and command of the Confederate army devolved temporarily
to Maj. Gen. G.W. Smith. On June 1, the Confederates renewed their
assaults against the Federals who had brought up more
reinforcements but made little headway. Both sides claimed victory.
Confederate brigadier Robert H. Hatton was killed.
(Text Source:
U.S. Gov't, National Park Service)
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