It has been said that there is an art of losing, and Robert E. Lee just may be its finest teacher. Lee, a man of courage, bravery, and glory, was a graduate of West Point Military Academy. Upon graduation at West Point, Lee entered into the Mexican War from 1846 until 1848. Thirteen years later, Lee became a part of the Confederacy of the Southern states and later a commander of the Northern Virginian Army. Among Lee's several battle victories, the most outstanding was the defeat of General George B. McClellan's union troops at Seven Days' Battle, proving that he was the more prominent commander of the Civil War.

The intelligence of Lee aided in his decision to attack the Union forces before McClellan received the opportunity to siege upon Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. Feeling disheartened by the overwhelming amount of Confederate troops, McClellan ordered his Union forces to withdraw to a more valid position. McClellan, believing it was the easy way out, was again attacked by Lee's forces the very next day. Surprising the union forces once again, the confederate army terminated the Union lines at Turkey Hill.

Resulting in the battle at Turkey Hill, McClellan decided to command his forces to draw back to the James River. He also gave up his base at the White House and then retreated to Harrison's Landing. General McClellan's battle losses may have been less than the Confederate forces, but this defeat of his troops changed his perspective on his status in the war. General George B. McClellan was now fully convinced he had lost.