The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln corresponds with Federal General George McClellan about the General’s lack of launching an assault against the Confederate army.

McClellan complains that his horses are fatigued. Lincoln responds, “Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the Battle of Antietam that fatigue anything?”

President Lincoln and General McClellan after the Battle of Antietam

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress) 

On this day in the Civil War, Union General Don Carlos Buell is relieved of command for failing to prevent Bragg’s Confederates from escaping from Kentucky.

General Don Carlos Buell

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Federal forces defeat Confederate troops at the Battle of Westport, Missouri. The battle involves 20,000 Federal troops and 8,000 Confederates, with both sides suffering approximately 1,500 casualties. General Alfred Pleasonton’s Union cavalry breaks through the Confederate defense, causing the Rebels to retreat.

General Alfred Pleasonton

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Confederate General Braxton Bragg successfully withdraws his army from Kentucky.

General Braxton Bragg

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress) 

On this day in the Civil War, Union troops are defeated by Confederates at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff.

Federal Colonel Edward Baker, a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, is killed.