McClellan and Failure - by Edward H Bonekemper (Paperback)

About the Book

In the eyes of many historians, Union General George B. McClellan single-handedly did more damage to the Union war effort than any other individual--including Confederate commander Robert E. Lee. McClellan's success in the Mexican War along with his prestigious position as president of the Eastern Division of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad had left him well positioned to enter the Union Army when hostilities began. Originally a major general in command of the Ohio Volunteers, McClellan attained the same rank in the regular Army three weeks after the beginning of the Civil War. Promoting his own ideas and career regardless of the consequences, McClellan spent his Civil War command defying his superiors and attempting to avoid battle, eventually becoming a thorn in the side of President Lincoln and the Union cause. Removed from command on November 5, 1862, McClellans overly cautious attitude nevertheless permeated the Army of the Potomac for years. From West Point to Antietam, this volume examines his Army career. The main focus of the work is McClellan's Civil War service and the ways in which the man and his decisions affected the course of the war.

Book Synopsis

In the eyes of many historians, Union general George B. McClellan single-handedly did more damage to the Union war effort than any other individual--including Confederate commander Robert E. Lee. Promoting his own ideas and career regardless of the consequences, McClellan eventually became a thorn in the side of President Lincoln. Removed from command on November 5, 1862, McClellan left a legacy of excessive caution that continued to affect the Army of the Potomac.

From West Point to Antietam, this volume examines McClellan's army career and especially how his decisions affected the course of the Civil War. Union actions are examined in detail with special emphasis on the roles McClellan played--or did not play. Excerpts from McClellan's orders and correspondence provide a contemporary picture and motives for his actions. An appendix examines the treatment given McClellan by various historians.

Review Quotes

"impressive...intriguing"-Blue & Gray Magazine; "well written...I would suggest reading his work...well-presented"-Civil War News; "this book goes beyond the usual criticisms of McClellan and explores his operational ineptitude, his fear of failure, his cowardice on the battlefield, his missed opportunities for early Union success, and even his treacherous behavior that caused John Pope to lose the Battle of Second Manassas"-50plus Senior News; "a critical study of the career of one of the most controversial commanders in the Civil War. This telling of the tale is complete, warts and all...excellent...a must read...one of the best biographies to come on the scene in quite some time"-North Jersey Civil War Round Table; "building on his Lee and Grant books, Ed Bonekemper has produced a scintillating and incisive critique of the disastrous Civil War career of George B. McClellan. This book is a 'must' for Civil War buffs.-Edwin Baldrige, Professor Emeritus, Muhlenberg College.

About the Author

The late Edward H. Bonekemper, III, a lecturer in military history, lived in Pennsylvania.