George B. McClellan

1864: “Lincoln Is Reelected”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment

VICTORIA! Te Deum laudamus. Te Dominum confitemur.

November 9.

Laus Deo! The crisis has been past, and the most momentous popular election ever held since ballots were invented has decided against treason and disunion. My contempt for democracy and extended suffrage is mitigated. The American people can be trusted to take care of the national honor. Lincoln is reelected by an overwhelming vote. The only states that seem to have McClellanized are Missouri, Kentucky, Delaware, and New Jersey. New York, about which we have been uneasy all day, is reported safe at the Club tonight.

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1862: “I Am Sick & Tired Of The Whole Business”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

November 8, 1862

…I am glad to do McClellan this justice [grateful for promotion], because altho’ I do not think he has treated me altogether as well as I had a right to expect yet I am thankful for what he has done, & wish to give him all the credit that is due particularly as to day the order has been received relieving him from duty with this Army & placing Burnside in command. Continue reading →

1862: “A Thread Of Red That Looked Like Blood”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 7 Comments

Water was what I wanted and I believe, had the whole army been firing at me I would have gotten my canteen filled. Our regiment was going on a run when they crossed this little stream. It was only about a foot from bank to bank, dirty and black by the many feet that had accidentally trod into it. I stopped and scooped out a hole in the mud and put my canteen in to fill it. While doing this, another regiment passed over me and I was cut off from our. I didn’t seem to care. Continue reading →

1862: “You Have Done Your Best To Sacrifice This Army”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 7 Comments

To Edwin M. Stanton

Savage Station June 28 12:20A.M.

…I now know the full history of the day [June 27]. On this side of the river – the right bank – we repulsed several very strong attacks. On the left bank our men did all that men could do, all that soldiers could accomplish – but they were overwhelmed by vastly superior numbers even after I brought my last reserves into action. The loss on both sides is terrible – I believe it will prove to be the most desperate battle of the war. The sad remnants of my men behaved as men – those battalions who fought most bravely & suffered most are still in the best order. My regulars were superb & I count upon what are left to turn another battle in company with their gallant comrades of Volunteers. Had I 20,000 or even 10,000 fresh troops to use tomorrow I could take Richmond, but I have not a man in reserve & shall be glad to cover my retreat & save the material & personnel of the Army. Continue reading →

Allan Pinkerton: Commanding The Union Intelligence Service

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

What was the forerunner to the U.S. Secret Service? When did folks start to really worry about protecting a U.S. President? Would you be really surprised if I told you it was during the Civil War?

Today, we’ll talk about a Union spy and detective who saved Lincoln’s life at least once, miscalculated troop numbers for George McClellan, went into enemy territory looking for clues, and ultimately laid the foundation for the U.S. Secret Service.

Meet Major E.J. Allen. No, his real name was Allan Pinkerton. Continue reading →