Fellow Citizens of the United States,
Being pressured by the press is one thing I hate. I need time, but now time is out of my hands. The volunteer recruitment I requested have reached their designated time limit on service. Although my troops were not prepared as much as I would have wanted them too, I devised a plan with General Irvin McDowell. He was to attack Confederate troops at Manassas. Our real target, moreover, will be to capture Richmond.
At Manassas (south from Washington), Gen. Beauregard’s and Gen. McDowell’s forces fought on July 21, 1861, at the Battle of First Bull Run; unfortunately Gen. Irvin’s forces were unable to suppress the Confederates. In the morning we were able to push the Confederates back, but after that, the Confederates bounced back and the Union forces had to retreat to Washington. I would like to re-establish my claim I made before: I now sadly say this war will not be over shortly. To renew the attack on Richmond, I assign General George B. McClellan to command the Army of Potomac.
~President Lincoln
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bullrun.htm
American Journey pg 426, 429
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Sadly, I must concur with you President Lincoln. My regiment was present at the battle and Union forces suffered more casualties than the Confederate forces. General McDowell's successful repulsion of our frontal assault is proof enough that the Confederate forces are more determined and stronger than we originally anticipated. We must prepare for a war that will last longer than the three months that were originally stated in the enlistment contracts. I pray that future battles will not prove to be failures as well or the fate of the Union will be very dim indeed.
ReplyDeleteThe press only places such pressure on you because the people of this nation need to be aware of what is happening. This war will affect everyone, and our duty is to inform them as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck in leading us in the years to come through what will now clearly be troubled times.
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ReplyDeletePresident Lincoln,
ReplyDeleteI am humbly requesting upon you that you increase the capability of our army's leaders or replace our leaders. My friends and colleagues that have volunteered to defend the Union and suppress the rebellious Confederacy have relayed unto me the obvious lack of discipline that our army possesses. In order for us to succeed we must increase the quality of our army not the quantity of our soldiers.
May God watch over us,
Joshua Chamberlain