Union General McClellan example essay topic

Chapter 1-The 1770's and the Revolutionary War March 6, 1770 Tensions are growing ever higher. Yesterday, British soldiers fired on a group of unarmed Colinists killing and wounding five. I fear war is imminent. Being a veteran of the French and Indian War, I shall be forced to join the effort. I am still weak from the wounds I received in that conflict. I do not think I would last long.

My children will not grow up not knowing who I am! Febuary 16, 1774 The colinists are growing more defiant every day. In response to the Tea Act, The Sons of Liberty disguised themselves as Indians and raided tea ships in the night. The boxes of tea were then thrown into the bay. Parliment responded by passing, as we like to call them, The Intolerable Acts.

They closed the port here in Boston until the tea is paid for. Also, the government here in Massachusetts has been severely restricted. The governor has all the power to appoint officials. Town meetings are not allowed and British soldiers may go where they please. January 6, 1775 War draws closer every day. Members of the New England militia have begun training and are building up supplies.

In September, a Continental Congress convened. Some fifty-six delegates met in Philadelphia to establish a boycott of British good unless the Intolerable Acts were repealed. Parliment denied a bill that would have repealed the Acts. April 20, 1775 It has finally come. Yesterday morning the British were driven back from Lexington and Concord. They are on retreat towards Boston.

I fear I must evacuate my family for their saftey. I will move them North where my wife will care for the children. I am going to Cambridge to enlist. Febuary 26, 1776 Dear Elizabeth, We are being led by General George Washington a military hero from the French and Indian War. Although it will be tough, we know we can hold our own against the British after the militia stood firm at The Battle of Bunker Hill. Things are on the upside for us.

Late last fall, Fort Ticonderoga in Northern New York was captured by Ethan Allen and a band of Patriots. As for us, we stood atop Dorchester Heights and bombarded Boston. The British, now under the command of Thomas Gage, retreated with about one thousand Loyalists. March 2, 1776 Dear Elizabeth, The other day a pamphlet was circulating around the men. It was Common Sense, by Thomas Paine. He argues that The American Colonies deserve independence, which is the only remedy.

The longer this is delayed, the harder it will be to win the war. That alone will make an American union possible. He calls the King a Royal Brute arguing that all monarchies are corrupt. A particular quote on Americas destined independence: Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation.

The blood of the slain... cries, Tis time to part I strongly urge you to purchase a copy of this pamphlet. It gives meaning to the war I am fighting. June 17, 1776 Dear Elizabeth, Life is tough. We are either without or in need of proper guns, horses, ammunition, shoes, clothes, tents, and food. The money we have ids worthless so we are unable to buy more supplies.

Early in April we attempted to hold Manhatten and Long Island. As it was assumed the British arrived in New York shortly after but in much larger numbers than we anticipated. With the help of the Hessians, the British took this land and we were forced to retreat to New Jersey. July 9, 1776 Dear Elizabeth, Five days ago, the Congress adopted a Declaration of Independence. It declares the colonies to be free and independent states.

It was put together by a group of Americas finest representitives including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, who is rumored to be the primary author. A particularly striking part of this is; We hold these truths to be self-evedident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, I must do battle before one of those will come true. I can not pursue happiness if this nation is not free and I am not with you.

I look forward to the day when we are all able to be a family again. January 3, 1776 Dear Elizabeth, It has been a rather cold winter. We are in New Jersey, camped south of the Hessians. Our spirits are low.

The Army is dwindling fast. What was once a 20,000 man army is now just a few thousand. However, we are riding the heels of two victories in a row. The first one was at Trenton, where we caught the sleeping Hessians after having rowed across the ice-clogged Delaware. Here we acquired much needed supplies un cluding guns and ammunition.

A few days ago we had another victory, this time at Princeton. November 7, 1777 Dear Elizabeth, The French have agreed to support our effort for Independence. This comes after the victory of Horatio Gates and his men over British General Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga. General Howe was no where in sight. He is reportedly already encamped in Philadelphia for the winter after his victory there. Febuary 28, 1778 Dear Elizabeth, It has been a brutally harsh winter here in Valley Forge.

Our situation here is bleak. While the British are spending the Winter in Philadelphia, we are stuck here in a makeshift city. There is a house, where Washington and his men stay, a few cabins, and many tents. However, there is reason for hope.

Baron Von Steuben, a professional soldier and drillmaster from Germany, and Marquis De Lafayette, a nobleman from France, are hard at work to turn this bunch into an army. January 27, 1780 Dear Elizabeth, It looks like the war will not last much longer. A little more than a year ago, Savannah was taken. Earlier in the month Charlestown was captured. We are headed south to stop Cornwallis and help newly appointed general, Nathan eal Greene. However, Greene, with help from the Cherokee Indians, has pushed Cornwallis to retreat in Yorktown, Virginia.

A French fleet is on its way and we should have the British pinned by the end of next year. Virginia is a beutiful area and I hope I can convince you and the children to move down here when the war does finally end. I look forward to seeing you again. Chapter 2-The 1860's and the Cival War November 28, 1860 The unthinkable has happened, Abraham Lincoln was elected President. He is against everyting that this country stands for.

The institution of slavery will not last much longer. Although owners have tried to prevent slaves from hearing the news, word still got around. They grow more confident everyday. I fear they will grow rebellious leading to the end of the way of life as the south knows it... Lincolns election leaves only one choice, secession.

March 2, 1861 Two months after South Carolina seceded, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas followed. They formed the Confederate States of America, electing Jefferson Davis as the President and Alexander Stephens as the Vice President. Slavery is a necessity that must be protected. It is the business of the South. War now seems inevitable. The South will prevail!

April 14, 1861 War has begun. After the Union President decided to supply Union soldiers occupying Confederate land, Confederate soldiers attacked Fort Sumter. It was a glorious begining to the war. After a day of fighting, Confederates captured the fort. This is a matter that will be over in weeks. Those Yankees stand no chance against Dixie!

May 5, 1861 My Dearest Susana, The Confederacy has stood their ground against the North. Two weeks after Virginia voted to join the Confederacy th capital was set up in Richmond. The south has a clear advantage. Our generals and soldiers are far too superior for the likes of General Mclellan and company.

The Confederacy will be lead by the great and courageous Robert E. Lee. I have decided to sign up for the glorious cause of defending the South from the aggressors in the North. July 23, 1861 My Dearest Susana, Once again the Confederacy has proved victorious. Under the command of General Stonewall Jackson we stood strong against the Union. Outnumbered, we left the Union Soldiers running scared and discouraged. The spirit of the North has been broken.

Indeed, this war will be over in a matter of months. I will be home to see you, little Sara, and Anthony Jr. before you can blink. Til we see each other again. March 3, 1862 My Dearest Susana, It now appears that the war will last much longer. We were just informed that Nashville was captured.

This comes as a great shock to us. We are beaten and broken. The vast Union marches ever closer to Richmond. I am confident, however, that the South will prevail. April 26, 1862 My Dearest Susana, More bad news comes on the heels of a Confederate loss at Shiloh. General Johnston tried to suprise Union General U.S. Grant at Pittsburg Landing.

We have been told that it is some of the fiercest fighting yet. The fighting was a stalemate after the first day. Exhausted, the soldiers camped out for the night. During the night, fresh Union soldiers arrived by boat and attacked the sleeping Confederates at dawn. Although the Union suffered heavy losses the Confederates were caught off gaur d and forced to retreat. New Orleans was captured a few days ago.

Along with it, goes the control of the Mississippi River. June 4, 1862 My Dearest Susana, I am deeply troubled by the news of Anthony illness. I wish I could be there to care for him. I have found a new leisure. During our spare time the boys and I play this game called baseball.

It apparently has developed from the British game, cricket. The main equipment is a bat and a ball. The pitcher throws the ball to the batter to try to hit. If the batter hits it he then guns the bases. This game does require a bit of strategy, however. The batter running the bags can be forced out if he has no other options or he can be tagged out.

If the runner does make around these four bases back to home they score a point, or run. There are nine innings each team will receive a chance to bat and pitch during one of these innings. At the end of the game the team with the most runs wins. September 1, 1862 It appears that the tide is turning. Two months ago, under th command of General Lee, we met up with Union General McClellan outside of Richmond. Although we suffered heavy losses, General McClellan was kept from capturing Richmond and forced to retreat.

Last week we had yet another victory at Bull Run. We are now just outside Washington D.C., marching straight to the White House! September 19, 1862 General Lee made the decision to invade the North to gain the help of Britain and France. We were stopped at Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Mississippi by McClellan. The horror I saw that day will last a lifetime. Men to the both sides of me were being shot down.

I was lucky to escape with my life that day. The battlefield was stained red. This a dark period of time for the Confederacy. My brothers are being struck down every day. November 16, 1863 My Dearest Susana, By now you have no doubt heard of that Lincolns intention to free the slaves of the Confederacy effective January 1, 1863. He called it the Emancipation Proclamation.

It is not in his authority to issue such a document. Why did he not free slaves in the North Maybe it is because he knows it serves a purpose. May 13, 1863 My Dearest Susana, Forget Lincolns Proclamation! I remain confident that when we are victorious it will be overturned. We deposed of two more Generals in the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. However, we are starving and are desperately in need of supplies.

General Lee has once again decided to invade the North. We are currently headed to Pennsylvania. I have heard that it is not much better in Richmond. I received word that Anthony died of numonia. I sincerely regret not being there for him. I have been too worried about keeping the Confederacy intact, I forgot about you at home.

I may have to soon desert my country in order to care for you and Sara. July 6, 1863 My Dearest Susana, By the time you receive this I will be within hours of home. The Battle of Gettysburg began the first by a chance encounter. It was a bloody stalemate for two days. Then, George Pickett led an assault on the Union center at Cemetary Ridge.

In less than a hour every man was cut down. I have never seen so much bloodshed. We just received word that General Grant captured Vicksburg which was the last stronghold on the Mississippi River. We are now split in two.

The war will soon be over. I am headed home with my head bowed in shame. The Confederacy has been sentenced to death. September 29, 1864 It has now been over a year since I returned home.

Richmond is still in Confederate hands. The Confederacy is barely alive. Earlier this month, Union General Tecumseh Sherman captured Atlanta. He is destroying everything in his way. Every factory, field, animal, and railroad in his way was completely destroyed. Relatives in Georgia say the stench is unbearable.

It is a matter of months before he reaches the coast splitting the Confederacy yet again. April 13, 1865 Four days ago General Lee surrendered. After Sherman captured Savannah in December, he headed north. General Grant soon cut off the rail lines to Richmond.

Outnumbered two to one, Lee abandoned Richmond and headed to the hills. He was soon trapped and forced to surrender. He surrendered at the Appotomax Courthouse. April 15, 1865 That Lincoln is dead He was shot while in attending a play at Forbes Theatre. It was by a local actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth. With his death goes the possibility for a civilized return to the Union.

It now look as if it will be long road ahead. With the release of the slaves, goes the southern way of life. I have heard of this Homestead Act promising free land to any family head as long as they are 21. The only conditions are that the land be kept for five years and improvements are made to it. I have decided to take my family and move to Iowa. Febuary 25, 1867 I recently read a story called Great Expectations.

It is the story of an orphan bot named Pip and his journey through life. The story begins as Pip is living with his sister. One day Pip encounters a convict. He gives the man som food and goes on his way.

Later on he meets a young girl about his age, named Estella. He is instantly attracted to her. He feels inferior to her and becomes intent on being a gentleman. Years later he discovers that he has a benefactor that will pay his way through life. He then travels around and becomes educated. During this time he again sees Estella, whom he still in love with.

Later he discovers that his benefactor was the convict he encountered as a youth. He becomes content with the fact that he will never have Estella, until one day, years later, he joins up with her and leaves with her hand in hand. He has learned the meaning of friendship and love and is a better person for it. I hope that my children will hav as much a chance for success as Pip did. August 29, 1869 Earlier in the year the Trans-Continental Railroad was completed, liking Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California. I have thought about moving out there.

My farming is going pretty good but I hear nothing but stories of success from there. My life here is only but I am content. Neighbors are miles away but we often get together at church or county fairs to socialize. Chapter 3-The Teens and the First World War January 26, 1910 I recently read The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells. It is an incredible tale of phycological horror. The man discovers how to make himself invisible, only to later discover he cannot reverse this.

He goes mad with this gift and eventually has a breakdown and goes on a murderous rampage. It is one of the best books I have ever read. March 27, 1912 My father and I have decided to take our wives to England in order to come home on the most luxurious liner ever to sail the seas, The Titanic. We are sailing first class. My grandfather became rich out in Montana after traveling there in late 1875.

He started an extremely successful cattle company, which is still run by the family. June 1, 1912 The whole world has by now heard of the great disaster of the Titanic. It struck an Iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912. There were many lives lost, the likes of which I hope I never see again. I lost my parents. My wife was on one of the first few lifeboats.

Mot mother was offered a seat on that boat, which she refused to be with father. December 20, 1912 Well the Republicans are finally out of office. Last month Woodrow Wilson was elected President by an extremely wide margin in both the electoral college and the popular vote. Also the Democrats are already controlling the Senate and House of Representitives. I am looking forward in great anticipation to the inauguration of President Elect Wilson. January 16, 1914 I have just recently purchased one of Henry Fords new Model T automobiles.

They are incredible. He found a way to mass produce these automobiles which will make them cheap and affordable. It is a new way to spend my leisure. Life seems to have much more freedom now. The automobile is no longer a luxury but an necessity. August 13, 1914 After a time of peace, there is once again war in Europe.

After the death of Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, Austria, along with Germany, declared war on Serbia. Russia pledged to help Serbia and France pledged to help Russia. Most of the other countries in Europe sided with the Allies, France and Russia, and The Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria sided withe The Central Powers, Germany and Austria. Great Britain was brought into the war with the German invasion of Belgium. The Britains claim that the war will be over before the end of the year.

For now, President Wilson has pledged to stay out of the war. April 10, 1917 Because the Germans violated the Sussex Pledge and the Zimmerman note was made public, The US declared war on Germany. The Germans sunk a British ship, the Lusitania, which had American aboard. They signed the Sussex pledge promising to not sink merchant ships without warning and saving human lives. After violation of the pledge, President Wilson broke off diplomatic ties with Germany. In March, the Zimmerman note was made public, causing a wave of anti-German feeling.

Several more American merchant ships were sunk before President Wilson went to Congress asking for a declaration of war on April 2. Four days later Congress voted to go to war. It is the feeling of President Wilson and this country that this will be the war to end all wars. May 15, 1917 The Selective Service Act is reqiuring all men between the ages of 21 and 30 to register for military service. They are going to have a draft to choose those who go to war.

It is not necessary. Along with a group of friends, I have volunteered for the army. We are to report to training camp in September. June 15, 1918 Dear Betty-Jean I have now been in France for three months. I arrived in March and received word that after the Bolshevik Revolution in November, Russia will no longer be fighting.

With the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk between Russia and Germany, the Germans could now concentrate on the Western front. With the help of 120,000 in April, we helped stop the German advance at Chateau-Thierry, some 50 mile outside of Paris. October 19, 1918 Dear Betty-Jean The German lines have begun to crumble. We are pushing toward the German rail lines near Sedan to cut off the supply of German troops. Unfortunately to do this we must go into the Argonne Forest which is full of dense woods, deep ravines, and uncut barbed wire. We have not gotten any rest in the last month.

We do nothing but march all night and fight all day. The American infantrymen are responsible for the turnaround. We are unstoppable. November 11, 1918 Dear Betty-Jean You are no doubt hearing right now that the war is over. The peace treaty has been signed. On November 7, we finally captured Sedan.

The next day the Germans asked for armistice. I am ext atic. I dont know if it has sunk in yet. No longer will we have to march through the rain and cold and listen to the songs of exploding artillery and wonder if it is us next. I am looking forward to seeing you again.

It has been way too long. I will be home soon. July 29, 1919 I have been home for a while now. Life is begining to return to normal. Yesterday, the war officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

The treaty will cripple Germany. They are being stripped of their provinces and colonies. Their army and navy are being vastly reduced. They are also being forced to pay reparations (they would eventually total 33 billion). President Wilsons Fourteen Points were not agreed to unfortunately. He did, however, get his League of Nations established.

The League of Nations proposal is part on the Treaty of Versailles, which has yet to pass the Senate. January 19, 1920 I am in deep fear of a communist revolt. After the Bolshevik Revolution there have been uprisings in Germany and Hungary. Two days ago, Attorney General Mitchell Palmer ordered the arrest of 5,000 suspected communists. The American Cival Liberties Union was formed to provide a defense to those who were jailed.

Despite this the Red Scare continues. Over 200,000 Americans signed up to look for the Red Menace in their neighborhoods. Although the communists are a threat, this is this the real problem in this nation. November 13, 1920 The Republicans have regained the White House with the victory of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. It was by an unprecedneted majority. Harding is promising a return to normalcy.

He is also going back to the policy of isolationism. Its 100% Americanism, as they put it. Bibliography Decades Project

Bibliography

Nevins, Allan, and Comma ger, Henry Steele. A Pocket History of the United States: Ninth Edition. New York: First Pocket Books, 1992.
Di Bacco, Thomas V., Mason, Lorna C., and Apply, Christian G. History of the United States. Boston: Houghton Miff in, 1995.
Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Microsoft, 1997 Wall bank, Walter T.
et al. Civilization Past & Present: With Edition. New York: HarperCollins College Publishers, 1996.