Fair Oaks 1862: McClellan's Peninsular Campaign

Osprey Campaign #124

by Angus Konstam, Steve Noon (Illustrator)

Following its humiliating defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, General George B. McClellan took command of the Union Army of the Potomac. In the spring of 1862, having rebuilt his forces, the "Little Napoleon" devised a plan to end the war in a single campaign. Transporting his army by sea to the Virginia Peninsula, he would outflank Confederate forces and march unopposed on Richmond, the Southern capital. Excessive caution squandered the opportunity, however, and on 31 May the Confederates struck at McClellan’s divided forces at Fair Oaks. This book details McClellan’s controversial Peninsula campaign and the southern attempt to halt the Union juggernaut.

Genres: American Civil War, Military History, History, Civil War, American History

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Angus Konstam is a Scottish writer of popular history. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland and raised on the Orkney Islands, he has written more than a hundred books on maritime history, naval history, historical atlases, with a special focus on the history of piracy.

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Konstam barges through the front door with the bold statement that this was the battle that could've ended the war, through the capture of Richmond. Is he right?

None but the overcautious "Little Napoleon" could've been this methodically slow in purchasing Johnston as he retreated to fight another day past several river-bound lines, outnumbered two to one. Until Fair Oaks. MacMellan held onto his command, but lost the virtual Commander-in-Chief control to Lincoln's cabinet, which accomodated the hardliner Republicans by nurturing the slide to total war.

It's certainly an ambitious conclusion for an Osprey...but Richmond wàs just beyond the hill.

Two days, split neatly between the one attack with the rebel yell and the one counter-attack without it, both in the piecemeal fashion that would repeat itself on a grander scale at Gettysburg, except at Seven Pines the whole thing petered out.

[Sean Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prose is a bit stilted here even by Osprey standards. His conclusion that the battle was crucial is not well argued. Konstam should be praised for seeing that McClellan, Lincoln, and Stanton were all to blame for the failure of the Peninsula Campaign. Too many historians let Lincoln off the hook. He is after all St. Abraham, who died to purge the sins of America.

[Steve Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good summary of the first part of the Peninsula campaign in 1862. McClellan had brilliant organisational skills and a sound strategy, but was too cautious as a battlefield commander.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better examples of the Osprey campaign/battle books. However, spends too much time on background and before/after battles of Williamsburg and Stuart's ride around McClellan. Would have liked more accounts and specific episodes from within the Seven Pines / Fair Oaks battlefield itself. Disappointing that these books rarely have any background on specific commanders below the level of General, as it is often the personality or actions of Captains and Colonels who determine the course of battle on the field.

[Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some handy maps, interesting illustrations, & nice paintings, but I found the text to be disappointing. If you're really interested in learning about the Peninsula Campaign & the Seven Days, I recommend spending the time to read Stephen W. Sears' "To the Gates of Richmond."