Overview

When the Civil War began in April 1861, both sides envisioned a conflict with a quick, favorable resolution. By 1862, however, the reality of a grueling war had begun to set in. Beset by pressure for a speedy end to hostilities and militarily undermined by the consequent political maneuvering, General George McClellan reluctantly committed his Army of the Potomac to the Peninsula Campaign, the ultimate goal of which was the capture of Richmond and the destruction of the surrounding Confederate army, as well as the disruption of two major rail lines. To this end, the Union Army engaged Confederate forces at Kinney's Farm, eventually forcing them to retreat through both Hanover Court House and Peake's Turnout - but not without the cost of a crucial delay. Researched from official accounts, as well as contemporary personal documents, this work offers a detailed look at the battle most widely known as Hanover Court House (but also as Kinney's Farm and Peake's Turnout as well as other, less common, names). The opening chapters provide background information regarding the Peninsula Campaign and the commanding personnel, as well as the topography and heritage of the Hanover County, Virginia, area. The book's main focus, however, is the series of battles which took place between the forces of Union V Corps commander Fitz John Porter and Confederate General Lawrence O'Bryan Branch on May 27, 1862. Here, a somewhat unexpected Union victory opened the door for Federal occupation of Richmond - an opportunity the Federals missed due to general disorganization and misinformation. The appendices include the official reports of both commanders and list of casualties on both sides.

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