GEN. M’CLELLAN’S REPORT: Memorandum Addressed to the President; The Objects and Modes of the War (1/14/1864)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 1/14/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Gen. McCLELLAN on the 4th of August, 1861, addressed to the President the following memorandum prepared at his request:

The object of the present war differs from those in which nations are usually engaged, mainly in this: That the purpose of ordinary war is to conquer a peace, and make a treaty on advantageous terms. In this contest, it has become necessary to crush a population sufficiently numerous, intelligent and warlike to constitute a nation. We have not only to defeat their armed and organized forces in the field, but to display such an overwhelming strength as will convince all our antagonists, especially those of the governing aristocratic class, of the utter impossibility of resistance. Our late reverses makes this course imperative. Had we been successful in the recent battle, (Manassas,) it is possible that we might have been spared the labor and expense of a great effort; now we have no other alternative. Their success will enable the political leaders of the rebels to convince the mass of their people that we are inferior to them in force and courage, and to command all their resources. The contest began with a class; now it is with a people; our military success can alone restore the former issue.

By thoroughly defeating their armies, taking their strong places, and pursuing a rigidly protective policy as to private property and unarmed persons, and a lenient course as to private soldiers, we may well hope for a permanent restoration of a peaceful Union.

But, in the first instance, the authority of the Government must be supported by overwhelming physical force.

Our foreign relations and financial credit also imperatively demand that the military action of the Government should be prompt and irresistible.

[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/4209921/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Gen. M’Clellan’s Report: Memorandum Addressed to the President – 2-3
Gen. Meade at Home – 3-4
The War in Tennessee: Heavy Cavalry Fight Near Strawberry Plains – 4
From Washington: The Resolution to Expel Senator Davis Under Discussion – 4
Frederick Douglass on the “Mission of the War” – 4-5
Editorial: The Army of the Potomac and Re-enlistments – 5-6
What is Longstreet About? – 6
Active Operations – 6
How a Lie Travels – 6
General News – 6