The Tale Untwisted: General George B. Mcclellan, the Maryland Campaign, and the Discovery of Lee’s Lost Orders

The discovery of Robert E. Lee's Special Orders No. 191 outside of Frederick, Maryland, in 1862 is one of the most important and debated events of the American Civil War. This new study by Gene Thorp and Alexander Rossino challenges the belief that George McClellan dawdled upon receiving the orders and shows that McClellan rapidly reorganized his army, advanced on Frederick with more speed than previously thought, and took advantage of Lees divided forces to strike a blow that wrecked Lees plans for a decisive battle and sent the Army of Northern Virginia reeling back toward the Potomac River.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Savas Beatie

The discovery of Robert E. Lee's Special Orders No. 191 outside of Frederick, Maryland, on September 13, 1862, stands as one of the most pivotal and contentious events in the American Civil War. For over 150 years, historians have engaged in heated debates regarding whether George McClellan, the commander of the Union Army of the Potomac, delayed his advance to challenge Lee's forces at the Battle of South Mountain after receiving a copy of the orders. In this comprehensive and meticulously researched study, authors Gene Thorp and Alexander Rossino meticulously detail how McClellan swiftly reorganized his army, advanced on Frederick with greater speed than previously believed, and then exhibited an unprecedented burst of energy to capitalize on Lee's divided forces. These strategic maneuvers enabled McClellan to deliver a devastating blow that derailed Lee's plans for a decisive battle on his own terms, causing the Army of Northern Virginia to retreat toward the Potomac River.

The Tale Untwisted: General George B. McClellan, the Maryland Campaign, and the Discovery of Lees Lost Orders presents a fresh and compelling interpretation of the consequences and significance of the Lost Orders on the history of the 1862 Maryland Campaign. The authors delve into a wealth of historical evidence, utilizing a range of primary sources and secondary literature, to shed light on the events surrounding the discovery and its impact on the campaign. Through their meticulous analysis, they challenge prevailing narratives and offer a fresh perspective on McClellan's actions and decisions.

One of the key findings of the study is that McClellan's delay in advancing to South Mountain was not due to a lack of urgency or a desire to avoid conflict. Rather, the authors argue that McClellan was carefully weighing his options and considering the terrain and the enemy's strength before making his decision. They highlight the importance of intelligence gathering and the need for McClellan to gather accurate information about Lee's forces before launching a decisive attack.

The authors also explore the impact of the Lost Orders on McClellan's strategic planning. They argue that the discovery of the orders provided McClellan with a crucial opportunity to strike a decisive blow against Lee's forces and potentially end the war in favor of the Union. However, McClellan's decision to delay his advance and gather additional information led to a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications that ultimately hindered his efforts.

The study also sheds light on the broader context of the 1862 Maryland Campaign, including the political and military dynamics of the time. The authors discuss the role of President Abraham Lincoln and his advisors, as well as the actions of other Union generals, such as Joseph Hooker and Winfield Scott. They explore the political pressures and the strategic considerations that influenced the decisions made by these leaders.

In conclusion, The Tale Untwisted: General George B. McClellan, the Maryland Campaign, and the Discovery of Lees Lost Orders is a groundbreaking study that offers a fresh and compelling interpretation of the events surrounding the discovery of the Lost Orders and their impact on the history of the 1862 Maryland Campaign. The authors' meticulous research and analysis provide a wealth of new information and insights into McClellan's actions and decisions, challenging prevailing narratives and offering a more nuanced understanding of the campaign. This study is a valuable contribution to the field of Civil War history and will be of interest to scholars, historians, and anyone with an interest in the American Civil War.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611216226