McClellan did theatrics. 47 does too.
Following the first Battle of Manassas, George McClellan staged a massive troop review to boost morale. On November 20, 1861, the parade route stretched along Leesburg Pike from Bailey’s Crossroads to Munson Hill. Hundreds of soldiers bivouacked at Camp Bailey’s Crossroads. Lincoln and his entire cabinet came out from Washington to review 60,000 troops with their horses, carts, wagons, and cannons — the show went on all day and into the evening.
Among the 20,000 visitors was a young poet, Julia Ward Howe. Riding back to the Willard Hotel that night, with soldiers marching alongside singing “John Brown’s body lies a-moldering in the grave…” a traveling companion, Boston Unitarian minister James Freeman Clarke, suggested she write new words to the tune. Back in her room, she penned The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
This happened right here in Bailey’s Crossroads. Where today we have The Asylum.
Looking east out my window, I may yet witness the start of The American Civil War 2.0.
General McClellan was better at theatrics than at fighting to win. One can only hope the same is true of 47.
I rode the Civil war century this morning. THurmont, over to Sharpsburg, up to Gettyburg then bag. 104 miles, 8600 feet of climbing. I think the size of the Antidem national cemetery would change anyone’s mind on war.