Marcus F. Wright's Civil War Bios -  Gen. George Brinton McClellan

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                                 McCLELLAN
   p.581
   McCLELLAN, GEN. GEORGE BRINTON, born at Philadelphia, Pa., December 3,
   1826. Graduated at West Point 1846. Served through the Mexican war,
   and attained rank of brevet captain. Made full captain 1855. Resigned
   1857, and became president Illinois Central Railroad. At outbreak of
   Civil war, took command of Ohio volunteers, with rank of
   major-general, and soon given same command in United States army. Took
   command in western Virginia, whence he expelled the Confederates after
   the battle of Rich Mountain. After the collapse of the Manassas
   campaign, he was given command of the Army of the Potomac, and when
   General Scott retired, he became commander of all the armies. In
   March, 1862, his command was again reduced to the Army of the Potomac.
   Organized his new army in winter of 1861-62, and entered upon the
   disastrous Peninsula campaign. By September, 1862, he was back in
   Washington, reorganizing his shattered armies. Marched them through
   Maryland to repel Lee's invasion September 2-17, 1862. Fought the
   battles of South Mountain and Antietam, forcing Lee to retreat across
   the Potomac. Removed November 7, 1862, for failure to pursue Lee, and
   succeeded by Burnside. Nominated for the Presidency in 1864, on "The
   war is a failure" platform, and defeated. Retired to the business of
   civil engineer. Elected Governor of New Jersey in 1877, for the term
   1878-81. Died at Orange Mountain, N.J., October 29, 1888.