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00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 424

On Saturday, October 25, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln, annoyed with General George McClellan’s excuses for procrastination after Antietam, wired McClellan, noting “I have just read your dispatch about sore tongued and fatiegued [sic] horses.  Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army have done since the battle of Antietam that fatigue anything?” 

McClellan in response defended his cavalry’s inability to stop Stuart’s ride around his army and pointed out the various reconnaissances in force and raids that his army had conducted.  But once again, the commander of the Army of the Potomac made excuses to his boss, the commander-in-chief of the Northern military. How long would Lincoln continue to accept McClellan’s excuses?  And how long would McClellan keep his large and well-equipped army out of the field?