Existing comment:
Winfield Scott:
A hero of the Mexican-American War, Scott was considered one of the ablest commanders of his time. By the time he was called to command forces during the Civil War, he was nearing 80 years old.
Scott devised the Anaconda Plan that served as a blueprint for Union victory, but was too elderly and infirm to implement it himself.
Irvin McDowell:
Despite having never commanded troops in battle, the West Point-educated McDowell was put in charge of the Army of Northeastern Virginia.
Pushed into battle with an inexperienced army, he presided over the Union rout at the First Battle of Manassas, or Bull Run. |