Tag Archives: George B. McClellan

Merciful McClellan

Posted on June 25, 2012 by SUMPTER

A Kinder, Gentler Army? The first part of the following is an order by General McClellan forbidding his troops to maraud the locals, which would seem to me to make good policy sense. As you can read, the second order … Continue reading →

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“with a yell that made the woods ring”

Posted on May 12, 2012 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week members of the 33rd New York Infantry Regiment were still writing letters home about May 5th’s Battle of Williamsburg. Here’s a couple letters published in a Seneca County, New York newspaper from 1862: Letter from … Continue reading →

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Pithy, Pointed, Prodding

Posted on May 1, 2012 by SUMPTER

On April 4, 1862 General George McClellan and his huge Union Army of the Potomac set out from Fortress Monroe for Richmond. By April 7th the army had made it to the Warwick River and the Yorktown area (approximately 25 … Continue reading →

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All for $13 per month (with pork and hard bread)

Posted on April 27, 2012 by SUMPTER

Here’s another letter from a member of the 33rd New York Volunteer Infantry. 150 years ago this week the 33rd was taking part in the Union siege of Yorktown. This is quite a long letter that begins with a recap … Continue reading →

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“on the qui vive” in Yorktown

Posted on April 26, 2012 by SUMPTER

What are the Yankees waiting for? From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 26, 1862: Correspondence. from the Peninsula. Yorktown, April 21, 1862. Nothing stirring, as yet, has transpired on the Peninsula. The enemy seem to have no disposition to attack. … Continue reading →

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Trading Barbs and Bullets

Posted on April 11, 2012 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1862: Letter from Lieut. Brett. Camp Near Yorktown, Va. April, 11th 1862. Since I last wrote, we have had some pretty sharp fighting. Our brigade thus far has done all the skirmishing … Continue reading →

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“an elephant at a bridge”

Posted on April 9, 2012 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 10, 1862: Yorktown. There is yet nothing from Yorktown indicating an immediate fight. The enemy, now believed to be under McClellan, had, instead of attacking, after sending a few shot at long range, commenced … Continue reading →

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“A Probable Siege of Two or Three Days”

Posted on April 7, 2012 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times April 8, 1862: IMPORTANT WAR NEWS; Gen. McClellan Before Yorktown with the National Army. The Water Batteries on York River Shelled Out by Our Gunboats. Gen. Magruder in Yorktown with 30,000 Rebel Troops. Shipping Point in … Continue reading →

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Sitting on a Seat of War

Posted on February 21, 2012 by SUMPTER

Not exactly President George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin but here George McClellan and P.G.T. Beauregard appear to be gazing into each others’ eye. This cartoon was published on February 1, 1862 and it is already out of date. By … Continue reading →

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The Reception Was Excellent

Posted on January 20, 2012 by SUMPTER

According to the Library of Congress this drawing illustrates a reception given by Edwin Stanton, the new Secretary of War, at the War Department. General McClellan, is dutifully at Stanton’s side. According to The New-York Times of January 22, 1862 … Continue reading →

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