GDG- Lurker Request....McClellan Background

[Tom Ryan]

<< McClellan manipulated the councils, while
>Meade simply deferred to their judgment.  Neither method was ideal in my
>opinion.>>

<<Isn't it possible that the majority opinion of the council simply
confirmed Meade's assessment of the situation at Gettysburg?  IIRC there
was some difference of opinion expressed among the generals present.>>

Kathy,

	As I mentioned in response to Rich's post, the issue is not what was
decided, but how the decision was made.  In order to examine the latter, all
three commanders' meeetings or councils of war that Meade held during the
battle and retreat should be taken into consideration.  It appears that
Meade made his decision based on the majority opinion in each case.  What
would be preferable is for an army commander to listen to the comments and
advice of his subordinates, then decide what is best based on his best
judgment.

	At the July 2 meeting, it appears that Meade agreed with what a majority of
his commanders recommended, so that worked out well.  At the July 4 meeting,
Meade went along with the recommendation of the majority not to attack Lee,
but it is less clear what his preference was in that case.  At July 12
Williamsport meeting , Meade evidently wanted to attack Lee the next
morning, but delayed that attack because of opposition of a majority of the
commanders.

	In all three meetings, Meade acted in accordance with the majority decision
whether it agreed with his preference or not.  This indicates that Meade's
preferred method of decision making was by committee rather than relying on
his own conviction.  Undoubtedly this was in part driven by his uncertainty
due to recently assuming the position.  Therefore, he may have acted
differently if he had more experience under his belt.

	I looked to see if he conducted any commanders' meetings after the
Gettysburg Campaign but have not found any as yet.  If there were any, it
would be instructive to learn how he reached his decisions in those
councils.

Tom Ryan