Instead of continuing the campaign, where he had an advantage, McClellan demanded reinforcements, and the campaign missed a golden opportunity to take the capital. McClellan blamed the mishap on the inability of Union troops to join him on the peninsula to aid in the attack, because they were engaged in the Battle of the Shenandoah Valley in the west, but many doubt this, feeling McClellan was simply afraid to attack.

In the Battle of Seven Pines, McClellan split his army into two positions on either side of the Chickahominy River. General Johnston's attack could have wiped out at least half the Union forces on one side of the river, but the attack was complicated and confusing, poorly executed, and the Union forces repelled the Rebels. The battle also brought about the command of Robert E. Lee, who replaced Johnston who was wounded during the battle. This would give the South...
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