Note #3: It
seems this happens in late December, 1862.
John Keegan in the work cited above describes this episode, saying that
the two were “…so concerned at his [Burnside’s] frame of mind that they went to
see Lincoln. Denying that they sought Burnside’s removal, they said nonetheless
that his plan should be forbidden.”
Keegan seems to me to describe the plan to cross the Rapphannock again
as made in some desperation and not plausible.
See also McPherson, James M. Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander
in Chief, (New York: Penguin Books,
c 2008) pp. 147 – 148 They “…appeared at
the White House and told Lincoln that the army was demoralized, that Burnside
was preparing to cross the Rappahannock again, and that disaster would result
if he did so.” It is interesting to note
that just before this episode two other generals also wrote Lincoln criticizing
Burnside and “…urging a change in strategy to take the army again to the
Peninsula.” (p. 147). Lincoln apparently
saw both as pro-McClellan moves and disliked both. However, the problems with the Army of the
Potomac continued.
Written by William Smith
Written by William Smith