Chapter 62: Early Losses Shake the Nation

Expectations for a fast Union victory are high in July 1861 when General Irwin McDowell’s Army of the Potomac heads west of Washington to meet the Confederates near the railroad junction of Manassas. This becomes the war’s first major stand-up battle. It begins well for the Union, but changes mid-day when Confederate General Stonewall Jackson turns back an assault on Henry Hill. Beauregard then adds more troops on Jackson’s left and the tide turns — with McDowell’s men fleeing in disorder toward a panicking capital.

Lincoln sacks McDowell and turns the army over to General George McClellan, after which another loss at Ball’s Bluff ends with the death of Lincoln’s dear friend, Colonel Edward Baker, after whom his son Eddie is named.

The only good news for the Union lies with Ulysses Grant’s triumph in the west at Ft. Donelson, Tennessee on February 16, 1862.