George B. McClellan full name George Brinton McClellan was born on December 3, 1826, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.—died October 29, 1885, Orange, New Jersey, was a politician who served as the 24th Governor of New Jersey, also an American soldier, civil engineer, railroad executive. McClellan served with distinction throughout the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), and later skillfully restructured Union forces in the first year of the American Civil War (1861–65). McClellan served in the Mexican War (1846–48). He served a brief period (November 1861 to March 1862) as general-in-chief of the Union Army.
George B. McClellan, Former Governor of New Jersey
George B. McClellan: Former Governor of New Jersey
In 1857 McClellan had left his commission to become the chief of engineering for the Illinois Central Railroad and, in 1860, president of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. McClellan had established a reputation as the "Young Napoleon of the West" By July 13 when the Confederate forces were destroyed. McClellan was placed in charge of the Army of the Potomac after the unfortunate Union downfall at the First Battle of Bull Run in the same month. He was charged with the destruction of the enemy's forces in northern and eastern Virginia and the defense of the capital. He succeeded General Winfield Scott in November as general in chief of the army.
He was cleverly successful in whipping the army into a militant unit, his systemization abilities and logistical conclusion brought order out of the chaos of defeat and with high morale, efficient staff, and effective supporting services. President Abraham Lincoln was disturbed by McClellan's inactivity and consequently issued his famous General War Order No. 1
McClellan was never really defeated in the Peninsula Campaign (April 4–July 1, 1862), and actually achieved several victories. But he was overly cautious and seemed reluctant to pursue the enemy.
