McLean, Nathaniel Collins (1815-1905) [To historian John C. Ropes on the topic of the Battle of Second Manassas]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01740.05.01 Author/Creator: McLean, Nathaniel Collins (1815-1905) Place Written: Bellport, New York Type: Typed letter signed Date: 6 October 1897 Pagination: 7 p. : docket ; 28.2 x 21.9 cm. Order a Copy
GLC01740.05.01 and .02 were originally bound together. Accompanied by a docketed wrapper. In a letter from 6 October, McLean, who was a Union General during the Civil War, responds to a letter from Ropes requesting reminisces of the August 1862 Battle of Second Manassas. Mentions Generals John Pope (commander of the Army of Virginia at Second Bull Run), Reynolds (possibly John Reynolds, commander of the 3rd Division Pennsylvania Reserves/III Corps), and Franz Sigel among other officers. Recalling events of the battle, states, "The object in sending me there was to help General Reynolds maintain his position on Bald Hill, but he had now left without a word, excepting a warning that a heavy force was coming through the woods to attack us and advising me to take care of myself. It was a very hard position..." Expresses anger at having to fall back in the face of a strong Confederate force. Felt that his troops had been sacrificed. Was joined on the hill by General Robert Cumming Schenck at the end of the day. In answer to a question posed by Ropes, writes, "...I say without hesitation, in my judgment, if Reynolds division had remained with my brigade, even without the regiment brought by Schenck we could have successfully held the hill." Was joined late in the day 30 August by General Stahl (possibly Julius Stahel). Written on Potter & Price, Real Estate and Insurance stationery (Patchogue, New York).
Ropes was an American military historian and founder of the Military Historical Society of Massachusetts. McLean was a Colonel during Second Manassas.
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