Customer center

We are a boutique essay service, not a mass production custom writing factory. Let us create a perfect paper for you today!

Example research essay topic: Harpers Ferry General Lee - 1,208 words

NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote

The Civil War, the battle of Antietam; what comes to mind when it is mentioned? To me the first thing that comes to mind is a bloody battle in our nations history. But what were the Leaders like? What did they think? How did they win and loose their battles? Having visited the battlefields and living in the area for 6 months, I've come to learn more about it and realize its purpose.

General "Stonewall" Jackson is one pertinent general that comes to my mind. Another would be General Robert E. Lee then George B McClellan. These great leaders fought for a cause and used their battle tactics and strategies that won and lost battles.

What were those strategies and how were they useful? That question will be answered or explained in my words to a certain extent in this paper. First, here is a little information about the Leaders in the Civil War. General Lee was a highly decorated officer in the Military. Lord Wolseley commented, Lee is stamped in my memory as a being apart and superior to all others in everyway. He graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1829, ranking second in his class out of 46 students.

His role was as an Engineer. He served in the Mexican War with the Rank of Captain and Colonel. Lee resigned his commission to the United States Army on April 20, 1861 for the reason that he was bound by the act of the state We are now in a state of war. The South in a state of Revolution. , I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home Wrote Lee in his resignation. He was then made a Commander-in-Chief in the Virginia State Forces until the Confederate Government was removed; he was then made a full General soon after. General George Brinton McClellan also attended West Point Military Academy, specializing in engineering, just like Lee.

His first assignment was the Mexican War as a brevet second lieutenant in the engineering corps. McClellan distinguished his great leadership and order in his positions which brought him up to the rank of Captain. After the Mexican War he became an instructor at West Point until 1852. McClellan made General faster than any other ranking officer.

His time as a lower ranking officer didnt give him the experience that other officers would have. If I was in a position lower than McClellan and having served longer than him, I would be a little upset at him and whomever makes those decisions. However, after seeing his performance in battle, I would quickly understand why he was promoted so quickly. These two men will be the focal points in this paper as I discuss their tactics, strengths and weaknesses, and overall role in the Antietam Battle. They were both gifted in the engineering department and have a great history of battle experience. They were loved and appreciated by their superiors.

General Lee received personal recognition from Lord Wolseley. General McClellan received it in a way that he was promoted quickly through the ranks to General. After the Glorious victory at Cedar Mountain and Bull Run, General Lees army was badly beaten and exhausted. They were short on provisions and equipment; being, shoes, clothing, transport animals, and food. His army was so badly cared for, that they had to keep moving and be extremely aggressive or the North would out-number and crush them quickly.

General Lee and Jackson both agreed that an attack on enemy soil was necessary to be aggressive and to ensure confederate victory. Maryland, although classified as Southern Sympathizers was already controlled by the Union Forces in the East in Washington and Baltimore, But General Lee had the idea to go in between Harpers Ferry and Washington up the Potomac midway and work his way up to the town of Frederick. Lee was also attempting to draw Union forces away from Washington and Baltimore. With this being the first battle on Northern soil, Lee hoped for support from the people of Western Maryland. So to have support and gain enlistments, his men were given strict instructions to be polite to all and pay for all supplies and goods. This brought a few hundred troops in, but those few hundred quickly left.

Unfortunately, Lees 60, 000 troops were not in good condition. They had been pushed to walk a great distance which is a given in any war, but with that they were poorly fed and most were barefoot. General Lee had a Marvelous plan to bring victory to the confederacy and gain democratic support in Congress and end the War. He also needed this victory to create a supply line from the south to the north. It involved his 60, 000 troop force meeting in Frederick and splitting off in four groups in four different directions. Lee sent General Jackson with 22, 000 men down to dismantle Mcclellan's 12, 000 troops in Harpers Ferry, which was just across the Potomac in Virginia.

Lee then would send the remaining troops northwest towards Hagerstown and Boonsboro, across the mountain ranges which would be used in his plan later on to protect his army. After Mcclellan's forces were defeated in Harpers Ferry, General Jackson would then regroup with Lee and his troops. With General Lee having around 60, 000 men under his command, he could follow the rail line northeast to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Harrisburg being a key Union town mainly for the railroad.

Now this plan conjured up by General Lee seems to be well planned and thought out. He sent a division to destroy and army down south which would open the valley for future reinforcements, and was going to go over the mountains and up to Harrisburg to capture a key union city. The railroad rich city would be very useful in obtaining munitions, supplies and men from the south. And he would use the mountains to protect the right flank of his army. It seemed like it should have worked out just fine, with a few bumps here and there because nothing works out as it should, perfectly that is. From the sources I have, they seemed to not only favor McClellan, but criticize Lee and his Judgments, to me at least.

Like I mentioned earlier, Lee was second in his class and admired by his superiors; he was not a stupid man, but very intelligent. I cant be sure on the amount of troops that Lee brought with him into Maryland either. Why didnt it work out like it was thought? Unfortunately, General Lee made a few mis assumptions, mistakes, and negatives.

Lee claimed to know McClellan well enough to a point that he was a slow mover. Even if McClellan got wind of Lees plan, it would be too late for him to react to what was already in motion. One of Lees men, D. H. Hill, dropped or left behind the orders which were wrapped around three cigars. (I have two sources that say one of each) So McClellan got one of the hard copies of what was really going on, which of course gave him more time and motivation to move fast...


Free research essays on topics related to: union forces, military academy, harpers ferry, general lee, mexican war

Research essay sample on Harpers Ferry General Lee

Writing service prices per page

  • $18.85 - in 14 days
  • $19.95 - in 3 days
  • $23.95 - within 48 hours
  • $26.95 - within 24 hours
  • $29.95 - within 12 hours
  • $34.95 - within 6 hours
  • $39.95 - within 3 hours
  • Calculate total price

Our guarantee

  • 100% money back guarantee
  • plagiarism-free authentic works
  • completely confidential service
  • timely revisions until completely satisfied
  • 24/7 customer support
  • payments protected by PayPal

Secure payment

With EssayChief you get

  • Strict plagiarism detection regulations
  • 300+ words per page
  • Times New Roman font 12 pts, double-spaced
  • FREE abstract, outline, bibliography
  • Money back guarantee for missed deadline
  • Round-the-clock customer support
  • Complete anonymity of all our clients
  • Custom essays
  • Writing service

EssayChief can handle your

  • essays, term papers
  • book and movie reports
  • Power Point presentations
  • annotated bibliographies
  • theses, dissertations
  • exam preparations
  • editing and proofreading of your texts
  • academic ghostwriting of any kind

Free essay samples

Browse essays by topic:

Stay with EssayChief! We offer 10% discount to all our return customers. Once you place your order you will receive an email with the password. You can use this password for unlimited period and you can share it with your friends!

Academic ghostwriting

About us

© 2002-2024 EssayChief.com