THE ADVANCE ON RICHMOND: The Whole Army in Motion for the Rebel Capital; A Great Battle Expected Immediately (5/22/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 5/22/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

TUNSTALL's STATION, Wednesday, May 21.

The pickets of the enemy were driven across Bottom Bridge yesterday, by the troops advancing in that direction. The rebels attempted to regain the post by the use of their artillery, but failed. Our batteries opened, shelling the woods each side of the bridge.

The advance, under Gen. STONEMAN reached New-Bridge yesterday, within eight miles of Richmond, but found no enemy in force this side of the Chickahominy, which at that point dwindles down to a small creek. The country in that locality is in a good state of cultivation, with no more swamp than is to be found on ordinary bottom land. Six pieces of artillery were found posted upon the opposite bank; but his purpose not being to bring on an engagement, he retired one mile from the bridge, and encamped during the day. While driving in the enemy's outposts he had one man killed and three wounded.

The whole army moved this morning early with the view of making a lengthy marsh. What roads they took it is not necessary to state, but the headquarters of Gen. McClellan are within a short distance of Richmond, in front of which City is supposed to be encamped the main body of the rebel army. If they intend to give the Union forces battle, which is almost universally acknowledged to be the case, the hour is drawing near at hand when they will have an opportunity.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4065151/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Advance on Richmond: The Whole Army in Motion for the Rebel Capital – 2-3
New-Orleans and the Gulf: Details of Recent Events, from Our Special Correspondent – 3
The Mountain Department: The Fight at McDowell – 3-5
News from Washington: Anxiety Relative to the Pending Battles – 5-6
Editorial: Emancipation in the Slave States – 6
Gen. Butler Among the Money-Changers – 6-7
The Army in Front of Richmond – 7
The Bursting of the Naugatuck’s Gun – 7
Editorial: A Martyr Missionary – 7

[Not_Who_U_Think]

“The enemy, whom it has so long been preparing to encounter, and whom, in behalf of outraged Liberty, it has been so anxious to meet, is now at last confronting it apparently for the final struggle.”

Despite having a larger, better equipped army, Gen. McClellan proceeds to sit in place for a month - until the start of the 7 days campaign on June 25th, that resulted in his retreat back across the Potomac.

Amazing history, almost humorous boosterism, knowing the outcome.

[GranTorino]

Less stressful than real time news,to be sure.

[Conan the Librarian]

But about as accurate.

It’s almost time for McClellen’s great ‘Pause’.

[GranTorino]

Yea.
Richmond in 24hrs.🙄

[cowboyusa]

McClellan should have been arrested.

[Conan the Librarian]

He was fed bad info from Pinkerton, then, later on, after Lee took over, he was right. He was outnumbered, but, he had cried wolf so often, no one believed him.

McClellen would have been a Great Chief-of-Staff for Grant. Grant could “Pay the Butcher’s bill”, while McClellen could build magnificent Armys.

[Pilsner]

McClellen would have been a Great Chief-of-Staff for Grant. Grant could “Pay the Butcher’s bill”, while McClellen could build magnificent Armys.

In an interview after the war, LTC ( CSA) John S. Mosby, of Mosby’s Raiders, said that if Grant had been in command in 1861 the Confederacy would have won the Civil War. Mosby hastened to add he meant no disrespec to Grant, whom he has endorsed in 1872. But, he went on, in 1861 the Federals had not had time to convert their potential superiority in men, and above all material, into actual superiority in the field. Had Grant been in charge when the sides were much more evenly matched, and not later when McClellan had created the foundations for a large, effective, army, Mosby believed he would have wrecked the Union Army before it had a chance to flourish.

[Conan the Librarian]

In a way, he WAS Grant’s Chief-of-Staff. He built the Army.

I see Mosby’s point, but, the South didn’t have someone who was willing to take the risk that Lee took, until Joe Johnston got wounded and Lee had to take over. Joe Johnston was a GREAT defender and reactor, but, not great on offense. A.H. Johnston got himself killed. Beauregard was too rash. Bragg was ‘Bragg’.

The cauldron of 1862 made the US Army what it was, but, it wasn’t until Grant came along, that the Army had enough backbone to keep fighting.

It has been argued that Meade was really the fighter, but, there is LOTS of discussion over how much Grant let Meade do anything. I speculate that, had anything happened to Grant at Vicksburg or Chattanooga, Meade would have still been able to beat Lee in 1864/65, but, it would have taken a little longer.

Just my Opinions only.