In early August 1862, the Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General George B. McClellan,

was languishing in the oppressive heat and humidity at Harrison's Landing, along the James

River on Virginia's peninsula.

The army had been in camp there for a month since the end of the seven days battles.

And then on August 3rd, McClellan received an order from Washington that stunned an

angered him.

It read, quote, it is determined to withdraw your army from the peninsula.

McClellan admitted that the message, quote, cost me the greatest pain I have ever experienced.

End quote.

He protested the order but in vain.

The war department, really the Lincoln administration, was showing that it no longer had faith either

in McClellan or his campaign on the peninsula.

When little Mac had set off on that campaign, he had boasted it would end the war.

He had started the campaign with a larger than life, martial reputation, the largest army

in American history, and a siege train of over 100 guns to pound the rebel capital in

his submission.

He faced an outnumbered foe whose esteemed commander, Josephi Johnston, had been severely

wounded in the campaign's first consequential battle.

After that tragedy, the Confederate army was entrusted to a here to four disappointing

general, Robert E. Lee.

Lee enjoyed the confidence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, but his elevation

to replace the wounded Joe Johnston generated little excitement throughout the Confederacy

...