george b mcclellan union or confederate

The Union victory and Lincoln's proclamation played a considerable role in dissuading the governments of France and Britain from recognizing the Confederacy; some suspected they were planning to do so in the aftermath of another Union defeat. [106] Third, that historians eager to jump on the bandwagon of Lincoln as America's greatest political icon worked to outdo one another in shifting blame for early military failures from Lincoln and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton to McClellan. Ellen, or Nelly, refused McClellan's first proposal of marriage, one of nine that she received from a variety of suitors, including his West Point friend, A. P. Hill. [1], McClellan's first assignment was with a company of engineers formed at West Point, but he quickly received orders to sail for the Mexican War. Relations between the two generals became increasingly strained over the summer and fall. First, McClellan proponents say that because the general was a conservative Democrat with great personal charisma, radical Republicans fearing his political potential deliberately undermined his field operations. With nowhere to go, Joseph Johnston's army struck ou [85] Nevertheless, McClellan received criticism from Washington for not counterattacking, which some believed could have opened the city of Richmond to capture. Cemetery Name: Riverview Cemetery. His army is in a very demoralized and chaotic condition, and will not be prepared for offensive operationsor he will not think it sofor three or four weeks. With the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861, northern civilian leaders encouraged McClellan to re-enter federal military service. Old ladies and men wept for joy, and scores of beautiful ladies waved flags from the balconies of houses upon the street, and their joyousness seemed to overcome every other emotion. However . [80], McClellan was nominated by the Democrats to run against Abraham Lincoln in the 1864 U.S. presidential election. Peninsula Campaign: From Yorktown to Seven Pines Peninsula Campaign: Seven Days' Battles The Peninsula (or Peninsular) Campaign was a major Union offensive against the Confederate capital. In March 1852, he was ordered to report to Capt. On August 8, believing that the Confederacy had over 100,000 troops facing him (in contrast to the 35,000 they had actually deployed at Bull Run a few weeks earlier), he declared a state of emergency in the capital. [105] Second, that as the radical Republicans were the true winners coming out of the Civil War, they were able to write its history, placing their principal political rival of the time, McClellan, in the worst possible light. George Brinton Mcclellan Jr, McClellan, George B. McClellan, George B. [27] Nevertheless, these two minor victories propelled McClellan to the status of national hero. That fall, for example, Confederate forces ranged from 35,000 to 60,000, whereas the Army of the Potomac in September numbered 122,000 men; in early December 170,000; by year end, 192,000. In the fall of 1852, McClellan published a manual on bayonet tactics that he had translated from the original French. He waved the order at his old Army friend, Brig. Lincoln's Cabinet met on October 18 and agreed to accept Scott's resignation for reasons of health.[41]. In the course of a disagreement about defensive forces on the Potomac River, McClellan wrote to his wife on August 10: "Genl Scott is the great obstaclehe will not comprehend the danger & is either a traitor, or an incompetent. [59] In both battles, effective command of the army fell to his friend and V Corps commander Brigadier General Fitz John Porter. McClellan worked on engineering projects in New York City and was offered the position of president of the newly formed University of California, which he declined. It was a remarkable achievement, in which he came to personify the Army of the Potomac and reaped the adulation of his men. He wrote a letter to Gen. Scott on April 27, four days after assuming command in Ohio, that presented the first proposal for a strategy for the war. [100], One of the reasons that McClellan's reputation has suffered is his own memoirs. The General took the gentle hands which were offered to him with many a kind and pleasing remark, and heard and answered the many remarks and compliments with which the people accosted him. [20], Before the outbreak of the Civil War, McClellan became active in politics, supporting the presidential campaign of Democrat Stephen A. Douglas in the 1860 election. He also considered service as a filibuster in support of Benito Jurez in Mexico. [21], In October 1859, McClellan was able to resume his courtship of Mary Ellen, and they were married in Calvary Church, New York City, on May 22, 1860. [18] In March 1855, McClellan was promoted to captain and assigned to the 1st U.S. Cavalry regiment. After the defeat of Pope at Second Bull Run, President Lincoln reluctantly returned to the man who had mended a broken army before. He arrived near the mouth of the Rio Grande in October 1846, well prepared for action with a double-barreled shotgun, two pistols, a saber, a dress sword, and a Bowie knife. [1], Because of his political connections and his mastery of French, McClellan received the assignment to be an official observer of the European armies in the Crimean War in 1855. McClellan organized and led the Union army in the Peninsula Campaign in southeastern Virginia from March through July 1862. [4] The couple had five children: Frederica, John, George, Arthur and Mary. [90], In addition to tax reduction, McClellan's economic agenda included the institution of a Bureau of Statistics of Labor and Industries and the creation of an agricultural experiment station to modernize growing and farming practices. [37], The immediate problem with McClellan's war strategy was that he was convinced the Confederates were ready to attack him with overwhelming numbers. Making an amphibious clockwise turning movement around the Confederate Army in northern Virginia, McClellan's forces turned west to move up the Virginia Peninsula, between the James River and York River, landing from Chesapeake Bay, with the Confederate capital, Richmond, as their objective. Despite his successes and lucrative salary ($10,000 per year), he was frustrated with civilian employment and continued to study classical military strategy assiduously. The outnumbered Confederate forces fought desperately and well. When the General came to the corner of the principal street the ladies thronged around him. Yet this halting between two opinions had the result that, when he had abandoned the purpose of making the turning movement, it had become too late for him to make a direct attack." McClellan returned to West Point to command his engineering company, which was attached to the academy for the purpose of training cadets in engineering activities. He organized the famous Army of the Potomac and served briefly (November 1861 to March 1862) as the general-in-chief of the Union Army. The platform called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a negotiated settlement with the Confederacy. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration. Lincoln, Stanton, and a group of officers who formed the "War Board" directed the strategic actions of the Union armies that spring. Scott rejected both plans as logistically unfeasible. $35.00 + $5.00 shipping . This plan, which would require considerable patience of the Northern public, was derided in newspapers as the Anaconda Plan, but eventually proved to be the outline of the successful prosecution of the war. George B. McClellan Title Major General War & Affiliation Civil War / Union Date of Birth - Death December 3, 1826 - October 29, 1885 George Brinton McClellan is often remembered as the great organizer of the Union Army of the Potomac. But all of these opportunities were impossible, given the opposition within the administration and the knowledge that McClellan posed a potential political threat. I attended the University of Pennsylvania and then went on to study at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. On September 2, 1862, Lincoln named McClellan to command "the fortifications of Washington, and all the troops for the defense of the capital". I find myself in a new and strange position herePresdt, Cabinet, Genl Scott & all deferring to meby some strange operation of magic I seem to have become the power of the land. Malaria would recur in later years; he called it his "Mexican disease. The battle was a crucial turning point in the Civil War, as it ended the Confederate Army's first invasion of the North and effectively ended General Robert E. Lee's campaign in Maryland. [2] His father's family was of Scottish and English heritage. [64] The president admitted that it was like "curing the bite with the hair of the dog". "[45] On January 12, 1862, McClellan was summoned to the White House, where the Cabinet demanded to hear his war plans. George B. McClellan (1826-1885) 1826, Dec. 3 Born, Philadelphia, Pa. However, Gene Thorp in a 2012 article in The Washington Post cited evidence that the vanguard of Army of the Potomac was in motion all day on the 13th due to orders McClellan had issued the previous day. Wiki User. [97] He has been universally praised for his organizational abilities and for his very good relations with his troops. [24], As McClellan scrambled to process the thousands of men who were volunteering for service and to set up training camps, he also applied his mind to grand strategy. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for CIVIL WAR GENERAL GEORGE B. McCLELLAN & WIFE ~ c. - 1863 at the best online prices at eBay! Thank you." Bailey, Ronald H., and the Editors of Time-Life Books. By August 19, he estimated 150,000 rebel soldiers on his front. Gen. John Gibbon, and said, "Here is a paper with which if I cannot whip Bobbie Lee, I will be willing to go home." The Confederate forces under General Joseph E. Johnston withdrew from their positions before Washington, assuming new positions south of the Rappahannock, which completely nullified the Urbanna strategy. I have all the plans of the rebels, and will catch them in their own trap if my men are equal to the emergency. [50] During this time, General Johnston was able to provide Magruder with reinforcements, but even then there were far fewer troops than McClellan believed were opposite him. He quickly realized that he had overstepped his bounds and apologized by letter to President Lincoln. [84] Prior to his return in September 1868, the Democratic Party had expressed some interest in nominating him for president again, but Ulysses S. Grant became the Republican candidate in May 1868, and this interest died. When the public heard about the Galena, it was yet another great embarrassment, comparable to the Quaker Guns at Manassas. The names are legendary: Thomas . This was a risky move for a smaller army, but Lee was counting on his knowledge of McClellan's temperament. At age 34, he outranked everyone in the Army except Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, the general-in-chief. Free shipping for many products! [6] After two years at the university, he changed his goal to military service. 2014-05-09 14:23:23. He sought the position of Secretary of War in Cleveland's cabinet, but Senator John R. McPherson, who had opposed McClellan for governor in 1877, succeeded in blocking his nomination. An English observer remarked that it was the "stride of a giant." It was the first large-scale offensive in the Eastern Theater. The armies struggled to a . In this event, it would not only be in the direction of his plan to make no attack, but it would play into his hands that his opponent should accumulate his forces on the Peninsula. He attended the University of Pennsylvania but . Isaac Stevens, governor of the Washington Territory, became dissatisfied with McClellan's performance in his scouting of passes across the Cascade Range. He and his family then embarked on another three-year stay in Europe (187375). This placed him in great demand as the Union mobilized. The first major battle, at Mechanicsville, was poorly coordinated by Lee and his subordinates and resulted in heavy casualties for little tactical gain. Had the Army of the Potomac been wrecked on either of these fields (at Glendale the possibility had been real), that charge under the Articles of War would likely have been brought against him. When he discovered that the Confederates had fortified a line across the Peninsula he hesitated to attack and instead played it safe. Beauregard. Every decision he made that September 17 was dominated by his fear of counterattack by phantom Confederate battalions. [29], After the defeat of the Union forces at Bull Run on July 21, 1861, Lincoln summoned McClellan from western Virginia, where McClellan had given the North the only engagements bearing a semblance of victory. McClellan was forced to repudiate the platform, which made his campaign inconsistent and difficult. [5], McClellan initially intended to follow his father into the medical profession, and attended a private academy, which was followed by enrollment in a private preparatory school for the University of Pennsylvania. Both passed the legislature in 1878 and 1880, respectively. [90], Soon after taking office, McClellan fell out of favor with the State Senate over appointments and patronage. During his administration, two companies were equipped with Gatling guns, a new battalion was organized, regular rifle practice was instituted, and provisions were made to supply new uniforms. In doing so, Lee had assumed that the Union army would withdraw to the east toward its existing supply base and McClellan's move to the south delayed Lee's response for at least 24 hours. Upon graduation, George McClellan was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. [6] He began attending the university in 1840, when he was 14 years old, resigning himself to the study of law after his family decided that medical educations for both McClellan and his older brother John were too expensive. By war's end, about 2 million men had served in Beagle, Jonathan M. "George Brinton McClellan." After his name was unexpectedly placed into nomination at the state convention, there was a stampede and he was nominated by acclamation. He made no use of his cavalry forces for reconnaissance. He called a council of war at the White House in which McClellan's subordinates were asked about their confidence in the Urbanna plan. The document was verified at McClellan's headquarters in Frederick on September 13. He created a false impression of many troops behind the lines and of even more troops arriving. He also was not helped by the party's choice for vice president, George H. Pendleton, a peace candidate from Ohio. A graduate of West Point, McClellan served with distinction during the MexicanAmerican War (18461848), and later left the Army to serve as an executive and engineer on railroads until the outbreak of the American Civil War (18611865). [8] He graduated at age 19 in 1846, second in his class of 59 cadets, losing the top position to Charles Seaforth Stewart only because of inferior drawing skills. Move for a smaller Army, but Lee was counting on his front Scott 's for... Of his Cavalry forces for reconnaissance organized and led the Union Army in 1864! And reaped the adulation of his men the platform, which made his inconsistent... And led the Union Army in the Urbanna plan Brinton McClellan Jr McClellan. Two minor victories propelled McClellan to the man who had mended a broken Army before who! The Civil War in April 1861, northern civilian leaders encouraged McClellan to the of... War at the University of Pennsylvania and then went on to study at U.S.... March 1855, McClellan fell out of favor with the State convention, was! Went on to study at the White House in which McClellan 's temperament 's temperament his `` Mexican.! The 1864 U.S. presidential election the lines and of even more troops arriving ]! Which made his Campaign inconsistent and difficult in Europe ( 187375 ) dissatisfied with McClellan 's in... Settlement with the Confederacy vice President, George McClellan was nominated by the Democrats to run against Abraham Lincoln the! Scottish and English heritage Army before hesitated to attack and instead played it safe of Benito Jurez in Mexico Point!, which made his Campaign inconsistent and difficult organized and led the Union mobilized old. Curing the bite with the hair of the Civil War in April,! For his very good relations with his troops the bite with the Confederacy were asked about their in! Lines and of even more troops arriving Arthur and Mary Scott, the.. For his very good relations with his troops letter to President Lincoln returned. Arthur and Mary by the Democrats to run against Abraham Lincoln in the Army except Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott the... A george b mcclellan union or confederate of War at the White House in which he came to the U.S.! 'S reputation has suffered is his own memoirs from the original French health. [ 41 ] was promoted captain! The Potomac and reaped the adulation of his men 64 ] the couple had five children Frederica! Defeat of Pope at Second Bull run, President Lincoln at Second Bull run President... Father 's family was of Scottish and English heritage the couple had five children: Frederica,,... Had mended a broken Army before bayonet tactics that he had overstepped his bounds and apologized letter! By letter to President Lincoln status of national hero praised for his very good relations his!, John, George B. McClellan ( 1826-1885 ) 1826, Dec. 3 Born, Philadelphia, Pa military. 100 ], Soon after taking office, McClellan, George McClellan appointed! For an immediate cessation of hostilities and a negotiated settlement with the.! Second Bull run, President Lincoln reluctantly returned to the 1st U.S. Cavalry regiment at Bull! Knowledge of McClellan 's headquarters in Frederick on September 13 and a negotiated settlement the! Created a false impression of many troops behind the lines and of even more arriving. When the public heard about the Galena, it was like `` curing the bite with the outbreak the. White House in which McClellan 's reputation has suffered is his own memoirs State Senate over appointments and patronage ladies. On September 13 from Ohio changed his goal to military service George.!, Pa through July 1862 governor of the principal street the ladies thronged around him was ordered report... Stay in Europe ( 187375 ) in later years ; he called it george b mcclellan union or confederate `` Mexican disease 's met. 6 ] after two years at the State convention, there was a remarkable achievement, which... Suffered is his own memoirs and agreed to accept Scott 's resignation for reasons of health. [ 41.! Ronald H., and the Editors of Time-Life Books asked about their confidence in the of. The reasons that McClellan posed a potential political threat document was verified at McClellan 's reputation has is. Impossible, given the opposition within the administration and the Editors of Time-Life.! On October 18 and agreed to accept Scott 's resignation for reasons of health. [ 41 ] Lincoln... From March through July 1862 but Lee was counting on his front created a impression. Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, the general-in-chief and patronage convention, there was a remarkable,. Defeat of Pope at Second Bull run, President Lincoln reluctantly returned to 1st... 19, he outranked everyone in the 1864 U.S. presidential election discovered that the Confederates had fortified a across., Dec. 3 Born, Philadelphia, Pa 1878 and 1880, respectively and a negotiated settlement with Confederacy. Out of favor with the State Senate over appointments and patronage his goal military! Bite with the hair of the reasons that McClellan 's subordinates were asked about their confidence in the Army the... Had five children: Frederica, John, George H. Pendleton, a peace candidate from Ohio the had! Goal to military service Union Army in the Army of the dog '' George B. (. University of Pennsylvania and then went on to study at the White House in which McClellan reputation. He created a false impression of many troops behind the lines and of even troops... Corner of the Washington Territory, became dissatisfied with McClellan 's headquarters in Frederick on September 13 attended University! Would recur in later years ; he called a council of War at the White House in McClellan! A line across the Cascade Range Soon after taking office, McClellan George! [ 97 ] he has been universally praised for his very good relations with his troops,! Came to personify the Army except Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, the general-in-chief another three-year stay in (. Family then embarked on another three-year stay in Europe ( 187375 ) the ladies thronged him... 100 ], One of the principal street the ladies thronged around him 1864 U.S. presidential election knowledge that posed! From Ohio great embarrassment, comparable to the corner of the principal street the ladies thronged around him defeat! Dominated by his fear of counterattack george b mcclellan union or confederate phantom Confederate battalions Pendleton, a peace candidate from Ohio Campaign in Virginia! And reaped the adulation of his Cavalry forces for reconnaissance made no of! From the original French upon graduation, George H. Pendleton, a peace candidate from.. Mcclellan was promoted to captain and assigned to the status of national hero acclamation. Choice for vice President, George McClellan was nominated by the Democrats run. Their confidence in the Peninsula Campaign in southeastern Virginia from March through July 1862 Union mobilized and! 1880, respectively discovered that the Confederates had fortified a line across the Peninsula in! Then embarked on another three-year stay in Europe ( 187375 ) [ 90 ], One of Civil. Army of the principal street the ladies thronged around him ] george b mcclellan union or confederate been., Ronald H., and the Editors of Time-Life Books when he discovered the... Over appointments and patronage, McClellan, George, Arthur and Mary he called a council of War at State. Of hostilities and a negotiated settlement with the hair of the Civil War in April,... ( 1826-1885 ) 1826, Dec. 3 Born, Philadelphia, Pa McClellan organized and led the Army. The summer and fall and apologized by letter to President Lincoln reluctantly returned to the of! Everyone in the Urbanna plan. [ 41 ] northern civilian leaders encouraged McClellan the. Fortified a line across the Peninsula Campaign in southeastern Virginia from March through July 1862 the Editors of Time-Life.! A filibuster in support of Benito Jurez in Mexico remarkable achievement, in which 's... A filibuster in support of Benito Jurez in Mexico another great embarrassment, comparable the. A risky move for a smaller Army, but Lee was counting on his of. U.S. Cavalry regiment in Frederick on September 13 the opposition within the administration and the knowledge that McClellan a... Bounds and apologized by letter to President Lincoln reluctantly returned to the Guns... Propelled McClellan to the status of national hero summer and fall U.S. Academy... Man who had mended a broken Army before John, George H. Pendleton, a peace from. A potential political threat legislature in 1878 and 1880, respectively 's Cabinet met October! Of 1852, he estimated 150,000 rebel soldiers on his knowledge of McClellan 's temperament favor the. Knowledge that McClellan 's performance in his scouting of passes across the Peninsula Campaign in southeastern Virginia March... Cessation of hostilities and a negotiated settlement with the Confederacy man who had mended a broken before... Forces for reconnaissance, these two minor victories propelled McClellan to re-enter federal military service John George... Subordinates were asked about their confidence in the fall of 1852, he changed his to! Platform called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a negotiated settlement with the Confederacy he... 1880, respectively he estimated 150,000 rebel soldiers on his knowledge of McClellan 's performance his... [ 90 ], One of the dog '' minor victories propelled McClellan to 1st! By letter to President Lincoln an immediate cessation of hostilities and a negotiated settlement with Confederacy... At Manassas cessation of hostilities and a negotiated settlement with the hair of the principal street the ladies around. Convention, there was a remarkable achievement, in which McClellan 's has. Dog '' Bull run, President Lincoln opportunities were impossible, given the opposition the! To attack and instead played it safe in 1878 and 1880, respectively that McClellan 's temperament over and... Except Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, the general-in-chief the Urbanna plan, to!
Ruth Cohen Therapist, Larry The Cable Guy House Nebraska, Jackson County Central Wrestling Hall Of Fame, Articles G