Video: 'Lincoln: The Pivotal Year 1863' (Nov. 5, 1862, at 21:37)

(Wednesday, November 5, 1862, during the American Civil War) — The day after the midterm elections, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln removed General George B. McClellan, 35, as commander of the Army of Potomac today for the second and final time.

McClellan had ably built the army in the early stages of the war but was a sluggish and paranoid field commander who seemed unable to muster the courage to aggressively engage Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

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A major contributing factor in Lincoln’s decision was McClellan’s failure to pursue Lee’s army following the tactically inconclusive but strategic Union victory at the Battle of Antietam outside Sharpsburg, Maryland.

McClellan wrote to his wife, “Those in whose judgment I rely tell me that I fought the battle splendidly and that it was a masterpiece of art. … I feel I have done all that can be asked in twice saving the country. … I feel some little pride in having, with a beaten & demoralized army, defeated Lee so utterly. … Well, one of these days history will I trust do me justice.”

Major General Ambrose Burnside assumed command of the Army of the Potomac two days later (on Nov. 9, 1862).