Chapter 11: May 30, 1862 Summary and Analysis

Once the bridge was completed, the Army of the Potomac was poised for attack. The battle raged on far longer than anyone expected. But finally after days of bloody fighting, a Union corps under General Fitz-John Porter won several key battles and were able to cut the railway supplies to Richmond. A storm whipped up that turned the roads to mud and destroyed part of the bridge. These obstacles caused a delay in the Union's advancement and the Confederate forces had time to regroup. What resulted was a very fragmented conflict with pockets of fighting throughout the region.

Headquarters had been impressed with Franklin's spying and horse riding skills. They needed a messenger to get important information to the field officers coordinate their efforts. Much to the displeasure of Dr. Hodes, Franklin was pulled from the hospital for this...