John A. McClernand

John A. McClernand was a prominent Democratic politician from Illinois and a controversial Union Army major general during the American Civil War. A close political ally of President Abraham Lincoln, his military career was marked by ambition, political maneuvering, and significant conflict with professional officers like Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman. Despite his role in major Western Theater campaigns, his insubordination ultimately led to his removal from command.

Early life and political career

John Alexander McClernand was born in Breckinridge County, Kentucky, and moved to Shawneetown, Illinois, as a young man where he studied law. He quickly entered politics, serving as a Illinois Militia colonel during the Black Hawk War and winning election to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1836. A staunch Jacksonian Democrat, he was elected as a U.S. Representative from Illinois's 6th congressional district in 1843, serving until 1851. In Congress, he was a vocal advocate for Manifest destiny and supported the Mexican–American War, while also maintaining a political friendship with his Illinois colleague Abraham Lincoln. He was a prominent figure at the 1860 Democratic National Conventions, supporting Stephen A. Douglas and opposing secession, which positioned him as a valuable pro-Union Democrat at the war's outbreak.

American Civil War service

Appointed a brigadier general of volunteers in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln, McClernand commanded a brigade at the Battle of Belmont and a division at the critical Battle of Fort Donelson, where he performed credibly. He also led his division at the Battle of Shiloh. Ambitious and politically well-connected, he secured Lincoln's permission to raise an independent force for a campaign against Vicksburg. This created immediate tension with his superior, Major General Ulysses S. Grant, who commanded the Department of the Tennessee. McClernand's independent Army of the Mississippi captured Fort Hindman during the Battle of Arkansas Post in January 1863, but the operation was seen as a diversion from the main objective at Vicksburg. Subsequently placed under Grant's command during the Vicksburg campaign, McClernand led the XIII Corps but repeatedly clashed with Grant and William T. Sherman. After he issued a congratulatory order to his troops following the Battle of Champion Hill that was published in Northern newspapers and disparaged other corps, Grant relieved him of command in June 1863 for insubordination. Although he was later exonerated by a court of inquiry, he saw no further field command and resigned his commission in November 1864.

Postbellum life and death

After the war, McClernand returned to Illinois and resumed his legal practice in Springfield. He remained active in Democratic politics, serving as a judge and presiding over the 1876 Democratic National Convention that nominated Samuel J. Tilden. He also served on the board overseeing the Illinois State Capitol construction and was a member of the Illinois Supreme Court reorganization commission. McClernand spent his later years writing and defending his Civil War record. He died at his home in Springfield on September 20, 1900, and was interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Category:1812 births Category:1900 deaths Category:People from Breckinridge County, Kentucky Category:Illinois Democrats Category:Union Army generals Category:People of Illinois in the American Civil War