Hi everyone,
Couple of very basic questions on the Peninsula campaign.
1) Why didn't the US navy just steam all the way up the James until its guns could siege Richmond? Is the river too shallow or narrow? If the concern is river fortifications, why couldn't the army's sole focus have been to tightly march along the river and clear out installations along the way?
2) McClellan's right flank was under heavy pressure. Why not send cavalry on the left or recon in force to see if you could smash through to Richmond? Was this because he truly believed he was outnumbered 2:1 and Lee's line was impenetrable at every point? Were any of his lieutenants petitioning to do this?
3) When it was clear that Jackson was coming to reinforce Lee, why didn't Halleck order the Valley commands to march onto Richmond overland and either take it, or force Lee to divert forces and relieve Mac?
Mike
Couple of very basic questions on the Peninsula campaign.
1) Why didn't the US navy just steam all the way up the James until its guns could siege Richmond? Is the river too shallow or narrow? If the concern is river fortifications, why couldn't the army's sole focus have been to tightly march along the river and clear out installations along the way?
2) McClellan's right flank was under heavy pressure. Why not send cavalry on the left or recon in force to see if you could smash through to Richmond? Was this because he truly believed he was outnumbered 2:1 and Lee's line was impenetrable at every point? Were any of his lieutenants petitioning to do this?
3) When it was clear that Jackson was coming to reinforce Lee, why didn't Halleck order the Valley commands to march onto Richmond overland and either take it, or force Lee to divert forces and relieve Mac?
Mike