John Cochrane to unknown regarding capturing Richmond - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC05028
From Archive Folder	Unassociated Civil War Documents 1862
Title	John Cochrane to unknown regarding capturing Richmond
Date	3 July 1862
Author	Cochrane, John (1813-1898)
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Says the Union army "is inadequate to the capture of Richmond. I have at no time thought that it was" able to do so. Written just after the Seven Days, as the Union forces begin to withdraw and the Peninsula campaign comes to an unsuccessful close. McClellan's attempt to take Richmond from the South has failed, even though his force greatly outnumbered the Confederates. Many historians argue that it was the trepidation of McClellan and some of his officers that caused the Union failure at Richmond. Cochrane's view is similar to those expressed by McClellan. Of the president, says "The country must make its greatest effort against mediation & the opponents of this administration who are beginning to emerge from their gloom as the shadow strikes us." Discusses his poor health and his hopes for re-election, possibly to Congress. Feels McClellan is "an able General I think and has so far saved the army from extermination." Addressed to "My dear judge." 2 black and white bust engravings of John Cochrane included.
Subjects	Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks Station) Battle Union Forces Confederate General or Leader Confederate States of America Military History Civil War Union General Battle of Richmond President Election Congress Democratic Party Politics Health and Medical
People	Cochrane, John (1813-1898) McClellan, George B. (1826-1885)
Place written	Harrison's Landing, Virginia
Theme	The American Civil War; Government & Politics; Health & Medicine
Sub-collection	Papers and Images of the American Civil War
Additional Information	John Cochrane was a brigadier general. Previously served as New York congressman.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945
Civil War: Theater of War	Main Eastern Theater
Transcript	Show/hide [illegible] [illegible] Army- Harrisons Landing Thursday July 3d 1862 - My dear Judge You see that I am with the army. Though far from well I could not be absent where [illegible] of battles were heard and I hastened hither. Though weak & unwanted I choose to partake of the fortunes of my comrades. Our condition I am afraid is precarious. This army as it is is inadequate to the capture of Richmond. I have at no time thought that it was. I must be doubted. The country must make its greatest effort against mediation & the opponents of this ad[2]ministration who are beginning to emerge from their gloom as the shadow strikes us. However I need not write you on this subject who so well understand it & so intimately. - About you see that I am not passed over this session on the list of nominations. If I am not reelected among those confirmed it will be thought to be a second rejection and this could be grievous - I know that you will do all that you can. Pardon my anxiety for you are aware how nervous one in my position must be after having been once so roughly treated. I will write you [3] in a few days details of affairs. The country has nothg to charge against McClellan. He has approved himself an able General I think and has so far saved the army from extermination. All praise to him in my opinion. But we must rally to the greatest effort - and we can do it and effect all I am Your Servt. Jno Cochrane

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