I haven't read the Slotkin book, but I recall coming across a story that went around after the war -- the version I read came from an attendee at a GAR meeting -- that after Antietam, McClellan sent word to Lee suggesting that the two of them join forces, march on Washington and depose Lincoln. The story was that Lee declined because he didn't have the authority to make such a move; he'd need to get that from Davis and it would take time, etc., so nothing came of it. I just assumed the story was an attack on McClellan's character, but maybe there's more to it!
Regards,
David Kiracofe
________________________________________
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tarter, Brent (LVA) [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 1:42 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: John Dooley in the Civil War
Cousin Mike,
'Tis good to hear from you. The Slotkin book sounds very interesting, and I bet it that it attracts a deal of lightening.
BT
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael B Chesson
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2012 12:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] John Dooley in the Civil War
Thanks for the link Brent; I picked up a copy at the Civil War Trust event when I was down, but have not yet had a chance to read it. It is certainly a much bigger book than the earlier version that I have.
There is a new account out by Richard Slotkin on Antietam. I know that you aren't terribly interested in Civil War military history, at least that's what I recall, but Slotkin focuses on George McClellan, and argues that the reason for his largely passive or at least slow response to Lee's invasion, and then in the battle itself, was that he was trying to save his army as the force that would allow him to march on Washington, overthrow Lincoln, and pull off a coup d'etat.
He explains how Lincoln was able to deflect this move by Mac, turn the tactical draw on the battlefield to his and the Union's advantage, and then
remove the general from command, for the rest of the war as it turned out.
Argues that this crisis may have been Lincoln's most difficult, and his handling of it his most brilliant.
Michael B. Chesson
Founding Professor and Dean
The American College of History and Legal Studies
1 Stiles Road, Ste. 104
Salem, NH 03079
Phone: (603) 458-5145 x10
Email: [log in to unmask] (mailto:[log in to unmask])
Web: _http://www.achls.org/_ (http://www.achls.org/)
"Charge, Virginians, Charge!"
--Gen. Turner Ashby, CSA
June 6, 1862
In a message dated 8/6/2012 10:36:56 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=35523
______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information or otherwise be protected by law. Any access, use, disclosure or distribution of this email message by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is unauthorized and prohibited. If you are not an intended recipient (or an agent acting on an intended recipient's behalf), please contact the sender by reply email and immediately destroy all copies of the original message. Virus scanning is recommended on all email attachments.
______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
|
