Why did the war plans of Union General in Chief Scott exclude any large military invasions of the South?

Answer 1

Union General in Chief Winfield Scott was perhaps the first person to predict that a major conflict between the North and South would cause unacceptable casualties on both sides. His "Ananconda Plan" drew many critics because they believed the plan would extend the Rebel rebellion for too many months. This was a misunderstanding of Scott's plan.Scott wanted to avoid the tremendous losses he was sure a major war with the Confederates would cause. He believed that the blockading of Southern ports combined with a limited military invasion would end the rebellion quickly. His largest land invasion had merit. In combination with the blockades he urged a limited but powerful army incursion into the South.

What is often overlooked was Scott's plan to march 60,000 well trained troops down the Mississippi River from St. Louis. These troops would be supported by a large fleet of gunboats. Combined, the army and navy would easily capture New Orleans. He was sure that this strategy would bring the Southern leaders to their senses and end their war for independence.

Scott believed that there was an untapped mass of Unionist loyalists in the South. Like Robert E. Lee, they did not want to secede. Scott saw any major invasion because it would provide unwanted impetus to anti-Union sentiment.