GDG- Lurker Request....McClellan Background

[Aretta Gemmer]

I think it's very interesting that Meade was only a couple of months removed 
from Chancellorsville where he was among the generals advising Hooker to stay 
and fight, and being largely ignored. This experience and his confidence in 
these generals must neccesarily have weighed heavily on his initial decisions 
during the Gettysburg Campaign.
I wonder if he held a council before he retreated from Lee's defensive 
position at Mine Run, Virginia in Fall 1863? It seems likely he would have.

June Gemmer


On Sunday 03 December 2006 04:53 pm, Tom Ryan wrote:
> Esteemed GDG Member Contributes:
>
>
> << 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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>                   
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