June 27, 1862

• The third day of battle occurred at Gaines' Mill, also known as the Battle of the Chickahominy. General Lee ordered his Confederate troops to renew their attack against the right flank of the Union forces and launched the largest Confederate attack of the war of about 57,000 men.

• Union General Porter had established strong defensive positions and his troops held their ground during the afternoon. At dusk, Porter's position was finally taken and his men were forced back with heavy losses to the banks of the Chickahominy River.

• When darkness made further pursuit of the Federal troops by the Confederates impossible, the Union forces retreated across the river during the night. This battle saved Richmond for the time being and caused General McClellan to order his army to retreat.