George McClelan
George McClelan was a Union general who boasted the nickname "Young Napoleon." He was very popular with the men of his command, but in reality, his tactics were ineffective and created tensions between him and Abraham Lincoln. He began his military career in 1842 at the United States Military Academy. He graduated second in his class. McClellan served in the Mexican-American War and rose through the ranks until the war ended and he went to West Point. When the Civil War broke out, George McClellan was selected as commander of the Ohio Volunteers. This position convinced Lincoln to select him as a Major General in the Regular Army. After commanding the victory at the Battle of Bull Run, George McClellan became the commander of the Army of the Potomac. During the Peninsula Campaign, McClellan showed his true colors. He was over-cautious and too hesitant to be effective. As a result, the campaign to seize Richmond failed, the Union had to retreat, and George McClellan was relieved of his command. In 1864, McClellan began a political career. He ran for president against Abraham Lincoln in the 1864 election under the Democratic Party. After the war, George McClellan worked in various engineering firms, and in 1878, he was elected Governor of New Jersey.
"Conscious of my own weakness, I can only seek fervently the guidance of the Ruler of the Universe, and, relying on his all-powerful aid, do my best to restore the Union and peace to a suffering people, and to establish and guard their rights and liberties."
-George McClellan
"Conscious of my own weakness, I can only seek fervently the guidance of the Ruler of the Universe, and, relying on his all-powerful aid, do my best to restore the Union and peace to a suffering people, and to establish and guard their rights and liberties."
-George McClellan