Lincoln and His Generals Book Report Essays

Lincoln and His Generals Book Report Essays Lincoln and His Generals Book Report Paper Lincoln and His Generals Book Report Paper Lincoln and His Generals Book Review Lincoln and His Generals is a book by Thomas Williams that focuses on the Civil War as being the first modern war and the way President Lincoln lead his divided nation during this dark historic time. Williams introduces the Union army as one that has no shape to it. This includes the lack of any plan of attack, as the thought of war had not been converted into any type of scheme. The armies lacked organization and communication, and existing generals were old and incompetent. The first task that Lincoln had was the immediate selection of Generals. Lincolns selection process was sometimes based on political and personal grounds, and he was in the position of selecting from a pool of generals that had no experience leading a large army. Williams tells us that even if the selection was for political reasons, Lincoln had the best interest of the nation in mind. It appears that control was an important factor in Lincolns selections, however, Williams continually argues that if Lincoln had had generals who were more competent he would not have interfered as much. In Lincoln, one sees a willing amateur, one who had the ability to bring out the best in some men, and also learn from them. Williams gives us insight into Lincolns thought process. Williams supports this with various examples and numerous interactions that Lincoln had with his Generals. One example of this is Lincolns selection of General Scott, the first General of the Union forces. When Lincoln interacted with Scott, he showed an admiration for Scotts age and knowledge. This allowed Scott to show his skills, this humility was shared by General McClellan. Lincoln later changes his approach towards McClellan, trying to boost his confidence and courage. Williams continually shows McClellan as an egotist, who eventually replaced Scott as General in chief. McClellan is depicted as unsure, indecisive, self-centered and fearful of declaring war. Lincoln continually defends McClellan but is not afraid of tactfully sending criticism his way. One could easily be lead to believe that Lincoln was more of an appeaser. Williams shows us that Lincoln never hesitated in making difficult decisions based on results. Lincolns people skills are clearly established in Williams’s writings. Lincoln seems keen at applying pressure as well as giving his generals a free hand when necessary. Williams shows that Lincolns patience does wear thin when there are no early victories and the lack of aggressiveness on the Union side. Williams shows a gradual transformation on Lincolns selection process. Initially each general was selected on characteristics such as battle experience and political backing. As the enemy holds out and there is inaction, Lincoln starts to doubt the ability of his generals and starts to seek generals who can win without excuses. Williams describes the pressure that is placed on Lincoln. The union government and the public were questioning the inactivity of McClellan and his troops. Lincoln was willing to absorb most of this pressure but eventually seeks answers to the same questions. Williams shows the desperate side of Lincoln. Lincoln starts to recklessly allow attack plans that he did not always agree with, just because he was desperate to see action from McClellan. Williams indicates that Lincoln is a misunderstood man through the eyes of his Generals. His chief general McClellan thought little of him and had doubts about Lincoln early on. Union Generals sometimes failed at getting information back to Lincoln. Often a simple suggestion was taken as a direct order. I feel that Williams fails to argue that there might have been a certain awe that people felt towards Lincoln since he was their president. This relationship of a superior officer versus a junior officer is ignored by Williams. There could have been a small amount of intimidation that Generals felt towards Lincoln, especially later on with his reputation for getting rid of officers and generals who did not perform. Lincoln is painted as an intellectual maverick, a great statesman, and yet human enough to make mistakes and feel deterred at times. Williams also shows us a pessimistic side of Lincoln; when McClellan was sick and resources were low, Lincoln confides in his Quartermaster General Meigs, about the futile future. Williams constantly points out Lincolns strategic planning abilities against the fact that Lincoln had never had any formal training in war. I believe Williams does this due to fact that Lincolns WestPoint educated generals had such large egos as compared to a simple yet assertive Lincoln. This allows the reader to truly appreciate the humbleness of Lincoln. Williams might have served the reader better if he had focused on a number of issues. Williams could have put less emphasis upon the detailed descriptions of battle plans and strategy. The book tends to bog down in this area, especially when other books have touched upon this topic in a deeper sense. Despite the use of maps and footnotes, it seemed easy to get lost in this area. There is no doubt that reference is required to the history of the war to tell Lincolns story, but the author does tend to give more detail than necessary. More information on the selection process would have provided a better story for the book. Williams has done this exceptionally, but additional information might have thrown more light on both the generals as well as Lincoln himself. Williams leaves questions as to his objectivity in his true assessment of certain Generals. Williams sometimes seems to be so fascinated with Lincoln that he occasionally takes his side when analyzing questionable war tactics taken by some of the Generals, especially McClellan. Also, he does not offer any speculations as to why McClellan withholds certain battle plans from Lincoln. This question, though a small one, seems like it would deserve some time spent on it. The portrait that Williams paints of Lincoln is that of a frustrated patriot. Time and time again he expects action. It’s here that Williams shows us the greatness of Lincoln; compassion and patience. There are a number of instances when he is really frustrated with his generals, yet he reprimands them gently. Williams brings out this characteristic of Lincoln skillfully. The private Lincoln is deeply affected by the slow movement of war, but in public he almost never criticizes a public figure. Williams gradually unfolds this private compassionate Lincoln. First as a brilliant strategist, then as the father of a broken nation. Williams says that this change is largely due to General Grant. As Grant emerges as the key Union player in the war theater, Lincoln is glad to take a lesser role. This ties in well with what Williams had originally suggested; Lincoln was willing to relinquish control to someone qualified. Williams portrays Lincoln in a very positive light, allowing the reader to realize the greatness of Lincoln, in his compassion, strategy, statesmanship and humbleness. Williams has provided numerous instances where he provides ample support to his arguments and facts. In spite of the unnecessary detail and wordiness that Williams sometimes uses, there is no doubt that this book is a remarkable insight into Lincolns character. Dawson, Joseph G. III. T. Harry Williams. Dictionary of American Biography. Vol. 17, 431-446 Williams, T. Harry. Lincoln and His Generals. New York: Dorset Press, 1952.