Peninsula Campaign, 1862

In March 1862, George B. McClellan transported the Army of the Potomac to Fort Monroe and advanced between the York and James rivers towards Richmond. The large Union army moved cautiously through sieges, difficult terrain and repeated Confederate delaying actions.

Joseph E. Johnston withdrew towards the Confederate capital and attacked at Seven Pines on 31 May and 1 June. Johnston was seriously wounded, after which Robert E. Lee assumed command of the army defending Richmond and prepared the counteroffensive later known as the Seven Days Battles.

This context supports fiction about intelligence work, divided loyalties, the defence of Richmond and the transformation of Confederate command. Copperhead follows Starbuck through this campaign while accusations of spying threaten both him and the Faulconer Legion.