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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 - 436

On November 7, 1862 an officer from Washington, D.C. appeared at George McClellan’s Virginia field headquarters with the orders of November 5 removing “Little Mac” from command and turning over his army to Ambrose Burnside.

McClellan later wrote about receiving the presidential order, claiming “I am sure that not the slightest expression of feeling was visible on my face.”  He noted, “Poor Burnside feels dreadfully, almost crazy—I am sorry for him.”  McClellan’s career would end with a final address to his army on November 10.  Burnside, a competent but stodgy professional officer with no desire for the command, would replace McClellan and immediately assume the offensive to satisfy his president.  Within a month he would lead the Army of the Potomac to defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.