George B. McClellan
"The Young Napoleon"
George Brinton McClellan
Birth: December 3, 1826, in Philadelphia, PA.
Death: October 29, 1885, in Orange, NJ.
Most often remembered as the great organizer of the Union Army of the Potomac, he was popular among the men in his command, but McClellan's military style would upset Abraham Lincoln.
After graduating from the United States Military Academy second in a class of fifty-nine, he started his military career.
Army of the Potomac
Major General George Brinton McClellan - organizer of the Potomac Army in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. In late 1862, Lincoln removed him from the Potomac Army, frustrated by his "overly cautious tactics."
Union Military Leaders
McClellan and Lincoln.
In 1861, Winfield Scott was replaced by George McClellan as general-in-chief of the Union army.
Battle of Antietam
George McClellan was criticized for being overly cautious and hesitant during the bloodiest day of the Civil War. He overestimated the Confederate numbers - his greatest fear was a counterattack by phantom Confederates.McClellan failed to effectively use his troops.
1864 Election
He considered himself a member of the Democrat party, and opposed the candidacy of Lincoln. He supported Stephen A. Douglas, but Lincoln didn't hold a grudge against him; he chose McClellan as general-in-chief of the Union army in 1861.
The Governor of NJ
From 1878 to 1881, McClellan was the governor of New Jersey, beating William A. Newell in the 1877 election. During his 3-year term he accomplished very little, and retired from politics afterwards.