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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 - 589

As Lee’s forces headed northwest in a steady advance, Union General Joseph Hooker on June 10, 1863 wrote Abraham Lincoln and advocated that he be allowed to move on Richmond, which would force Lee to abandon his invasion of the American North.

Lincoln replied, “I think Lee’s army, and not Richmond, is your true objective point. . . Fight him when opportunity offers.  If he stays where he is, fret him, and fret him.”  Clearly the citizens of the North were alarmed. 

The governor of Maryland called for the people of his state to rally against the anticipated invasion, and Baltimore erected breastworks to oppose Lee.  The alleged invincibility of Robert E. Lee was enough to panic the Northern electorate, even before a single Southerner could arrive on Northern soil.