Richmond is a Hard Road to Travel

On March 4th, 1862, the Confederates abandoned the Yorktown line and began retreat up the Virginia Peninsula towards the Richmond defences. On March 5th, McClellan’s forces caught up to the rear guard outside Williamsburg. But the Union command was confused, uncertain and hesitant to commit to attack.

Plus: Joe Hooker becomes Fighting Joe, and Lincoln undertakes an extraordinary role in the field.