mcclelland vs. grant essays

mcclelland vs. grant essays George McClellan and Ulysess S. Grant were two of the Civil Wars most prominent Northern generals. In this essay I will describe the two generals and provide brief details on the battles they were acquainted with. George McClellan was a US Military Academy graduate with an exemplary record as a cadet. In 1857 he resigned his commission to enter the rapidly expanding railroad business, where he quickly demonstrated outstanding ability. McClellan, appointed by Lincoln, was made commander of the main union army named the Army of the Potomac, after having proved himself a reliable commander of the Ohio troops. He immediately began drilling the disorganized and demoralized regiments into a reliable fighting force. He is described as to have been very well liked by his soldiers. His biggest weakness was his speed, or lack thereof. On one occasion Lincoln said if McClellan did not intent to use the Army of the Potomac he (Lincoln) would like to borrow it for a few days to see what he could do with it. (pg. 55) One example of McClellans slow tactics, however, persistence, were shown in early March of 1862. His plan consisted of maneuvering his army farther down the Chesapeake Bay in order to seize the Confederate capital. His plan faced an obstacle. The Virginia, a Confederate ship, attacked and almost shattered the union blockade. McClellan insisted that the Virginia be put our of commission before be began operations. (pg. 67) The Virginia eventually set sail back to the Norfolk harbor after four hours of engagement. In late March, although Lincoln urged him to move forth McClelland laid deliberate siege to Yorktown and allowed Confederate troops to stretch across the lower peninsula of Virginia. This delayed the advance for almost a month. McClellan thought that there were many more troops then there really were, mainly because his chief ...