The Civil War Papers Of George B. Mcclellan: Selected Correspondence, 1860-1865

by Stephen W. Sears

General George B. McClellan, the self-styled American Napoleon, is one of the most controversial figures of the American Civil War. General-in-chief of the entire Union army at one point, he led the Army of the Potomac through the disaster at Antietam Creek, was subsequently dismissed by Lincoln, and then ran against him in the 1864 presidential campaign. This collection of McClellan's candid letters about himself, his motivations, and his intentions reveals much fresh information on the military operations and political machinations he was involved with, and sheds new light on his complex personality. Stephen Sears, a Civil War expert, prize-winning author, and biographer of McClellan, here lets this once-removed and now notorious commander speak of himself, providing us with an important first-hand view of what went on behind the scenes of America's greatest and most awful war.

Genres: Civil War, History, American Civil War

672 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Stephen Ward Sears is an American historian specializing in the American Civil War.

A graduate of Lakewood High School and Oberlin College, Sears attended a journalism seminar at Radcliffe-Harvard. As an author he has concentrated on the military history of the American Civil War, primarily the battles and leaders of the Army of the Potomac. He was employed as editor of the Educational Department at the American Heritage Publishing Company.

Sears resides in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Ann Otto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of McClellan's papers covers his service leading up to the Civil War, his service in various capacities during the first year of the war, political problems with many others especially as the Lincoln administration lost faith in his ability to aggressively engage the Confederates in battle. That period as well as his return to private life and run for the Presidency in 1864 is well documented in his letters. The section with letters from the period late 1861 to late 1862 detail the military battles and military issues which are tedious reading for all but the avid Civil War enthusiast. McClellan was big on words and excuses, short on action. Throughout his letters we see a self-centered personality who was at odds with others most of the time, always believing he was right. Based on his own words, Lincoln and his cabinet appear validated in relieving him of duty. It is an interesting read, especially learning more about the active opposition to Lincoln and the war during this period.

[Ryland · Rating 3 out of 5]

George fought for the civil rights of the slaves for the North. It was an okay read.

[Sd Johnson]

this was an excellent book!