However, on May 27, the same day the Battle of Hanover Court House was fought northeast of Richmond, Johnston learned that McDowell's corps had been diverted to the Shenandoah Valley and would not be reinforcing the Army of the Potomac.
Den 27. maj, samme dag som slaget ved Hanover Court House blev udkæmpet nordøst for Richmond erfarede Johnston at McDowells tropper var blevet sendt til Shenandoah dalen og ikke ville komme til at forstærke Army of the Potomac.