165 YEARS AGO: George B. McClellan develops a Federal war strategy while complaining that Winfield Scott is standing in his way.
Tag: Abraham Lincoln
Military Life in Its Most Depressing Form
165 YEARS AGO: News of the previous day’s Confederate victory at Bull Run prompts celebrations in the South and depression in the North. An influential New York publisher writes a desperate letter to President Lincoln asking him to consider seeking peace with the South.
Admirable Self-Denial
165 YEARS AGO TODAY: The young, promising General George B. McClellan takes command of the demoralized Federal forces that had been defeated at Bull Run.
Naval Operations Along the Coast and at Sea
165 YEARS AGO: The C.S.S. Sumter completes her first raid on U.S. shipping, Federals strengthen their blockade, and a Federal crew takes on Confederate privateers.
The Special Session of the 37th U.S. Congress
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The 37th Congress of the United States assembles at President Abraham Lincoln’s request. The Republicans hold a strong majority, but they are split between conservatives wanting to wage war only to reunite the Union and radicals seeking to wage war to end slavery.
You Are All Green Alike
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: President Abraham Lincoln holds a special cabinet meeting in which General Irvin McDowell explains his plan to invade northern Virginia, crush the Confederate army, and capture Richmond.