General McClellan was urged by President Lincoln to attack the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Lincoln believed that the fall of the Rebels' capital city would lead directly to the war's end. McClellan also believed the rebellion could be ended quickly if the Rebel capital of Richmond was captured. The idea of attacking the "center of gravity" as Clausewitz would advise, was one key to victory. Lincoln preferred that McClellan plan for a southerly march on Richmond. McClellan convinced Lincoln that a flanking attack would better serve the goal of capturing the Confederate capital. This was the famous Peninsula Campaign where Union troops would land on the peninsula east of Richmond and attack the city from the east. His landing position would have placed him closer to Richmond than a march from Washington DC or Alexandria.
President Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 was a shock to General McClellan. He also was shocked when Lincoln soon after suspended habeas corpus. He was opposed to both of these actions by President Lincoln.
As the Union's Peninsula campaign was in its early stages, General McClellan was certain that President Lincoln was hampering McClellan's war operations. Lincoln had stepped in and retained the corps under General McDowell to defend Washington DC. Lincoln believed this was a necessity.
General George Mcclellan was, by all accounts, an egomaniac. He was bitter over his removal from command by Lincoln. In running for President in 1864 against Lincoln, he sought to "get even" and embarrass Lincoln.
In letters and in telegraph communications with US President Abraham Lincoln, McClellan was very respectful to Lincoln, even though he believed him to be an incompetent president. He used the words of Your Excellency in all communications with Lincoln.
George B. McClellan. McClellan also ran for president against Lincoln in 1864 (but lost). McClellan's son was also governor of New Jersey.
President Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 was a shock to General McClellan. He also was shocked when Lincoln soon after suspended habeas corpus. He was opposed to both of these actions by President Lincoln.
When General George B. McClellan returned to Washington DC on March 11, 1862, he became aware that President Lincoln removed his title of general in chief.
Lincoln's response to General McClellan's command was that Lincoln relieved McClellan of Command.
As the Union's Peninsula campaign was in its early stages, General McClellan was certain that President Lincoln was hampering McClellan's war operations. Lincoln had stepped in and retained the corps under General McDowell to defend Washington DC. Lincoln believed this was a necessity.
General George Mcclellan was, by all accounts, an egomaniac. He was bitter over his removal from command by Lincoln. In running for President in 1864 against Lincoln, he sought to "get even" and embarrass Lincoln.
On October 13, 1862, President Lincoln sent General McClellan a long letter explaining the plans Lincoln believed were needed to defeat the South. Lincoln was almost sure that an aggressive Union response from McClellan's army would not be forthcoming. With that said, McClellan had every chance to keep his position if he even tried to execute the plans Lincoln sent to him.
President Lincoln did second guess himself for a while. This is because General McClellan had years of extensive industry and military experience. Lincoln, however, would soon find a replacement for the ousted General.
On April 3, 1862, US President Lincoln is upset that General George B. McClellan has left less than 20,000 troops to guard Washington DC. McClellan was concerned about his Peninsula Campaign. Lincoln refuses to allow any of General McDowell's forces to join McClellan. This causes a rift between Lincoln and McClellan.
he had refused to lee's retreating army into Virginia
That he failed to pursue Lee after Antietam.
On April 20, 1862, General George B. McClellan informed President Lincoln that Robert E. Lee was replacing the wounded General Johnston. McClellan also mentioned that this change was good for the Union as Lee was known to be weak and timid.
In letters and in telegraph communications with US President Abraham Lincoln, McClellan was very respectful to Lincoln, even though he believed him to be an incompetent president. He used the words of Your Excellency in all communications with Lincoln.