First Bull Run McDowell, was he the Scapegoat?

[W. Richardson]

As showed in a prior post, https://civilwartalk.com/threads/lincoln-dodges-responsibility-for-the-loss-at-1st-manassas.163739/, that Lincoln attempted to dodge blame for the loss of 1st Manassas, did Lincoln then use General Irvin McDowell as the Scapegoat?

Lincoln, under pressure, public, and politically rushed the army and General Irvin McDowell into a battle. The "green United States soldiers" were defeated by the "green Confederate States soldiers". Both McDowell and General Winfield Scott had asked for more time to prepare, but was denied...........


Respectfully,
William

 

[Andy Cardinal]

I voted no.... The "scapegoat" for the defeat was Robert Patterson, who failed to keep Johnston's army from reinforcing Beauregard.

 

[Kyle Kalasnik]

I voted no, Patterson was, which is why his military career ended shortly thereafter.

McDowell later was made a division commander in the Army of the Potomac. And when corps were authorized he commanded the I Corps.

 

[Saint Jude]

I also voted no, as I've never seen any evidence to support that assertion.

 

[Carronade]

I voted no.... The "scapegoat" for the defeat was Robert Patterson, who failed to keep Johnston's army from reinforcing Beauregard.

Isn't a scapegoat usually someone who is blamed unfairly? Patterson deserved the blame and the loss of his career.

 

[Andy Cardinal]

Isn't a scapegoat usually someone who is blamed unfairly? Patterson deserved the blame and the loss of his career.

Yes I think technically you are right. Either way, Patterson took the fall and McDowell actually got a promotion, although he now served under McClellan.