General+George+Brinton+McClellan

Back = Franklin County Main Page = Home Page  General George Brinton McClellan  George McClellan was born into a prominent wealthy Pennsylvania family on December 3, 1826. He was the son of a Doctor and a Teacher. He attended The University of Pennsylvania and the United States Military Academy in West Point. His Military Career began during the War with Mexico when he served as a Lieutenant. Later he broke into the Railroad Industry and was a successful businessman. In 1855 he traveled to Europe to observe the War in Crimea and study military organization. There he learned the skills he would later utilize during the Civil War. When the War began McClellan lived in Ohio, he was immediately appointed major general of a regular army in Ohio, where he was extremely successful. After the Union defeat at the Battle of Bull Run McClellan was commissioned Commander of The Army of the Potomac, replacing General Scott. In November of 1861 McClellan was appointed Commander in Chief of the Union Army. The people of Franklin County, although disappointed by their first defeat and the failure of General Scott, were extremely confident in General McClellan. A local Newspaper, The Semi-Weekly explains this confidence, "I think that because of great leadership the country has chosen like General McClellan, statesmen will meet in Congress as equals once the North has won the war and the Union has been preserved". McClellan spent months organizing the army and training the soldiers for battle. In these months he created the finest Army the world had ever seen. He was described as, "efficient, unpretentious, indefatigable in his pursuit and attack of the enemy, and devoted to his men". However, this popularity soon decreased when his campaign against Richmond in 1862 failed because of his over cautious strategies. His dificult relationship with Lincoln finally imploded and he was superseded by General Pope.Debate over McClellans effectiveness erupted, some newspapers fervently defended him while others printed columns titled "Why the delay" questioning whether McClellans ever did anythings to deserve respect. nonetheless, Pope's army was virtually destroyed in the Second Battle of Bull Run and Lincoln reinstated General McClellan. Despite public criticisms, McClellan was welcomed with open arms by his men and fellow commanders. McClellan next campaign, the Maryland Campaign was a success, and allowed Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. However, McClellan had the opportunity to capture Lee's army and failed, missing another opportunity to end the War. He was permanently replaced by General Burnside. He continued his Military Career as commander of the Army of the Potomac until 1864, when he ran against Lincoln as the democratic presidential candidate. He lost the election, resigned from the Military on Election Day, and resided in Orange, New Jersey where he died in October, 1885.