In his standard reference work on the Civil War; Generals in Blue; Ezra Warner declared George B. McClellan (1826--1885) "one of the most controversial figures in American military history." In this revealing book; Thomas W. Cutrer provides the definitive edition of McClellan's detailed diary and letters from his service in the Mexican War (1846--1848); during which he began the rise that culminated in his being named general in chief of the Union forces and commander of the Army of the Potomac early in the Civil War.McClellan graduated second in his class from West Point in 1846 and served as a second lieutenant in Company A of the prestigious Corps of Engineers; the only formation of combat engineers in the United States Army. The company participated in Major General Winfield Scott's invasion of Mexico; playing a prominent role in the siege of Vera Cruz and the battles of Cerro Gordo; Churubusco; Molino del Rey; and Chapultepec and in the capture of Mexico City. Although only twenty-one years old at the war's end; McClellan earned brevet promotions to first lieutenant and then captain for his efforts.McClellan's colorful diary and frequent letters to his socially and politically prominent Philadelphia family provide a wealth of military details of the campaign; insights into the character of his fellow engineers -- including Robert E. Lee and P. G. T. Beauregard -- and accounts of the friction that arose between the professional soldiers and the officers and men of the volunteer regiments that made up Scott's command. A courageous; indefatigable; and superbly intelligent young man; McClellan formed close personal loyalties in those years. His diaries also reveal a man contemptuous of those he perceived as less talented than he; quick to see conspiracies where none existed; and eager to place upon others the blame for his own shortcomings and to take credit for actions performed by others.On the banks of the Rio Grande during his first weeks with the army; McClellan wrote in his diary: "I came down here with high hopes; with pleasing anticipations of distinction; of being in hard fought battles and acquiring a name and reputation as a stepping stone to a still greater eminence in some future and greater war." Carefully edited by Thomas W. Cutrer; these diary entries and letters do indeed trace McClellan's rapid development as a soldier and leader and put on full display the talent; ambition; and arrogance that characterized his career as general and politician.
#1062833 in Books Louisiana State University Press 2003-11Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.79 x 5.94 x 9.50l; #File Name: 0807128821521 pages
Review
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A MasterpieceBy Thomas W. RobinsonI can only echo the sentiments of the previous reviewer. Professor Scarborough has written a very interesting; highly researched and detailed work. Still; though; the book is written very clearly and reads very well. I had to read this book in one week in order to review it for a class and was able to do so despite its length (and the fact I'm a slow reader) because of how interesting and well written it is. Although some may wonder what we could learn from another book on slaveholders; surprisingly; Scarborough is one of the first to look solely at elite slaveholders. Furthermore; he uncovers many things that even the PhD professor in Southern history who taught my class didn't know--many of the slaveholders; and their families; were well educated; had ties to the North (often sending their children to be educated in the North); traveled extensively; were more cultured and worldly than previous thought; and many were opposed to secession. This is just an inkling of the things uncovered in this work. Scarborough has wisely broken the chapters up by topic and that makes the book more understandable and easier to digest. If you have any interest in Southern history; especially of the antebellum era; pick this up. It is well worth the read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting read!By KrisiThis is a thick book with small font I had to purchase it because this type of book is raw and tells you the secrets of what really happens in "The Big House". I would recommend buying this book!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A thorough comprehensive study of major slaveholders and their influence ...By Samuel J. WellsA thorough comprehensive study of major slaveholders and their influence in ante bellum politics and economics. The middle section of this book is a masterful explanation of events leading to the Civil War. This is a deep and thoughtful work that deserves careful study.
