as a colonel of the 1st north carolina infantry he quickly became successful. in 1861 he led his forces to a victory in the battle of big bethel (virginia). by the spring of the following year, hill had been promoted to major general in the army of northern virginia. he led his division at the battles of yorktown, williamsburg, seven pines and all through the seven days battles. it was hill who advised his commander, robert e. lee, not to attack the union positions at the battle of malvern hill saying "if general mcclellan is there in strength, we had better let him alone." lee ignored the advice and the attacks were unsuccessful. hill was left to defend richmond, virginia during the northern virginia campaign. while in richmond, hill and union general john adams dix worked out a system to exchange prisoners of war. he rejoined lee for the maryland campaign.