ACW: Battle of Malvern Hill - “McClellan’s Final Stand” - Part 1/2

[@MatthewChenault]

Malvern Hill, out of most every battlefield, is one of the most well-preserved battlefields of the American Civil War. Virtually all of the major fighting areas were purchased in the initial NPs acquisition in the 1930’s and that has been expanded upon since then to include the mustering areas to the south and north. The landscape has been preserved to such an extent that every local marker can be easily identified and has not changed much since the 1880’s. After having gone there twice over this summer and having been there multiple times prior, it’s safe to say that it has captured what Varina used to be like 100+ years ago; farm houses with large, open fields of corn and wheat growing, all while being surrounded and penetrated with the history of the region. If anyone visits, the only thing they’ll have to concern themselves with is the occasional low-flying private plane or larger commercial airliner. Outside of those, it’s very easy to get lost in your own imagination of what happened there. It’s also worth mentioning that there are a few, special hidden gems there, most notably the battlefield burials in the woods in between Carter Mill Road and Willis Church Road.

[@shrapnel77]

I remember when I went there, it is not a very noticeable hill from the confederate attack view. When you are on the Union side, the left flank is guarded by a very steep slope. It is a nice battlefield, I would like to go back one day. Antietam is very well preserved because it is massive and largely untouched, unlike Gettysburg. Another battlefield that I was impressed with and hope WH does a video about is New Market. Awesome geology and very well preserved.

[@WarhawkYT]

its a beautiful battlefield, when i went there, i just at the union position and stared at the confederate position for an hour

[@MatthewChenault]

@@WarhawkYT, I’ve been through the main trail several times now. There’s a few battlefield burials (or, at the very least, presumably exhumed battlefield burials) along the main trail.

[@MatthewChenault]

@@WarhawkYT, funny part was that I made a video about it and the general overview of the battle a couple days ago specifically about the battlefield burials.

[@zoanth4]

I have to agree. I was there earlier this year and it was just one big ol farm with some cannons and trails. You can see exactly what the csa was up against, unlike Fredericksburg or cold harbor which are mostly built over. Gaines mill impressed me too, tho I read it is more wooded now than back in 1862

[@johnpotts8308]

I am continually surprised by how much Generals (on both sides) seemed more concerned with taking the credit/their personal honour than actually winning battles!

[@goodsolonius7305]

You need to have more subscribers man, this is very detailed and in depth

[@Zogerpogger]

I am loving this series. It is great to have someone dedicating their time and effort to a series on solely the American Civil War, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge with each video (as opposed to creating shorter less-detailed videos on disparate topics). The soundtrack is also great, helping to convey the magnitude and drama of the events unfolding (as it does with Epic History TV's Napoleonic series). So much is evoked by just blue and grey squares! It is also nice to near your accent, clearly that of someone who lives in the region where this war was fought, which I imagine gives you a more intimate perspective on the conflict, and gives these documentaries a more personal feel. As someone who used to live near Harper's Ferry, I saw many sites that were important during this era, but I never put it all together into a concrete interest in this war, rather focusing more on "exotic" European History. This series is helping me to understand the military history of the Civil War in far greater depth than I otherwise would have, and is giving me a greater appreciation for the ground upon which this history unfolded. Thank you for making this!

[@WarhawkYT]

Glad you like it Harpog! EHTV inspired us greatly, and we thought showing the regiments will be a great idea so people will get a good perspective of the battle being shown.

[@gallantcavalier3306]

Ah Malvern Hill, where Henry Hunt, the Union Army’s master Artillerist won the day!! The Union’s Superiority in artillery is shown!!

[@WarhawkYT]

soon Cavalier, soon

[@doublepoet7852]

Give me rebel infantry and Union artillery and we’ll whip the world

[@lawsonj39]

It would have been so interesting if McClellan had exhibited the slightest aggressiveness once he got near Richmond instead of spending the entire seven days backing away. His timidity verged on outright treason.

[@WarhawkYT]

But then we won’t have hilarious scenes about McClellan being a schizophrenic

[@michaelmccabe3079]

The Little Napoleon is stuck in his "Retreat from Moscow" phase...

[@michl4800]

Thanks!

[@moach57]

Excellent video, THANK YOU SARIS AND WOODY. Keep up the excellent work.

[@WarhawkYT]

love you too maggy

[@deadlyoneable]

I take hikes pretty frequently in this park/battlefield. When I walk out of the tree line at malvern hill, and up the hill where the cannons were set up. I close my eyes and I swear I’ve heard faint voices as continue to walk even though I’m alone out there.

[@michaelmccabe3079]

The Union artillery officer, Henry Hunt, was a major reason for the Union Army's superiority in artillery employment. The Confederates scattered their guns in penny packets while the Union massed theirs. Lee made no provision to coordinate his guns, which were destroyed in detail, while Hunt coordinated the guns expertly and showed why artillery is the king of battle.

[@Wsushocks33]

Your vids are awesome, super informative and gives you real perspective of troop movements. Keep it up!

[@WarhawkYT]

Thanks, will do!

[@jayfelsberg1931]

The waterways effectively channeled the CSA attack into the Union artillery across open terrain. Every now and then Lee "got his blood up." He certainly did here. Plus, not all his commanders were in proper communications, some were not up to the moment, and others were badly deployed. McClellen had indeed lost his nerve and was only trying to save us army, but no army in the war could have cracked this position. An epic disaster awaits.

[@WarhawkYT]

The confederates could have had a chance at winning if their artillery situation worked. The 2 grand batteries was a good idea but was executed poorly.

[@jayfelsberg1931]

@@WarhawkYT The Union artillery was heavier and way better sited with a big advantage in elevation.

[@jonrettich4579]

The quotes and information clarify much of what took place. Better and more extensive than anything I have experienced before. It amazes me that the same number of words can either be extremely illuminating or useless. Thank you so much for your clear and succinct presentation

[@WarhawkYT]

Glad you like it Jon!

[@davidsabolek9105]

Love your details. Excellent series!

[@WarhawkYT]

Thanks David!

[@robertdelaney4332]

I love this series. Keep up the great work

[@WarhawkYT]

thanks Robert

[@cal4837]

2:48 - you sure about this Warhawk? From what I can find, McClellan was inspecting Harrison's Landing , where he intended to locate the base for his army. Bad to not be present, but not as pointless as shelling Holmes from a boat lol.

[@paulceglinski3087]

This has been an outstanding series! I hope that the vids are put into a long video. If not, no worries though. I put them on my own playlist and let it ride. Since I've already pressed the like button, it's all for the algorithm. All hail the Algorithm! Cheers.

[@WarhawkYT]

Thanks Paul, I do have a playlist of my own for the specific campaigns.

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

I think we can call this battle for McClellan, he will counterattack and win

[@MatthewChenault]

McClellan: *Sits on a boat, sweating profusely.*

[@WarhawkYT]

for sure

[@michaelmccabe3079]

Our glorious gunboat candidate awaits! :P

[@jaredjosephsongheng372]

Uhhhhh idk about that one.....

[@Michael-ws7rc]

Once again outstanding.

[@donchichivagabond1578]

The lead up to this battle has my taste buds tingling!

[@WarhawkYT]

hold on my brother, soon

[@charlessaint7926]

Union soldiers, "It's over, Johnny Reb! I have the high ground!" Confederates, "You underestimate my power!"

[@WarhawkYT]

ayo i want to see a meme of this

[@charlessaint7926]

It will be done, My Lord.

[@Wsushocks33]

Holy hell that’s hilarious 😂

[@charlessaint7926]

I have a meme finished. Where can I post it?

[@WarhawkYT]

@@charlessaint7926 here discord.gg/uEefwDkR

[@Shicksalblume]

Honestly, I think saying they FORCED McClellan to retreat is inaccurate. Retreat was McClellan's secondary mode of field command. His main mode of field command being sitting on his butt and wailing for reinforcements.

[@rctommy3200]

It begs a comparison between McClellan's generalship and the generalship of a better commander like Grant. Little Mac undisputedly won at Malvern Hill and should have done everything within his power to regain the initiative, but threw away anything the victory gave him through retreating. Two years later, Grant arguably lost the Battle of Wilderness but kept up the offensive anyway; he never lost sight of the big strategic picture and understood the importance of holding the initiative over the enemy. The best way to distinguish a good general from a bad general is to look at what they do after encountering setbacks. I don't think McClellan was as comedically incompetent as a lot of people make him out to be, but he was still a bad general who had little business leading an army in the field.

[@WarhawkYT]

McClellan is here to win the day

[@elmascapo6588]

@@rctommy3200 he still had a higher k/d ratio than grant

[@rctommy3200]

@@elmascapo6588 True, but k/d ratios don't matter if you retreat the first time you encounter a setback.

[@elmascapo6588]

@@rctommy3200 -imolying this shit was only a minor setback

[@dave.c42]

My great, great grandfather was in the 33rd NY, company D and fought in this battle.

[@charlesa.7550]

IS there a map key anywhere for these videos? Why are some regiments red ringed? Why are some beige and others grey? And so on. Thanks!

[@WarhawkYT]

The colors denote their uniforms colors

[@charlesa.7550]

@@WarhawkYT What about the colored borders? It seemed like the green represented Irish? For example, the Confederate Hamptons have a red outline, but so do the Union 44th NY. Thank you!

[@WarhawkYT]

The borders represents the piping of the uniform, so yes green is Irish, red is usually Zouave if not just regular red piping

[@charlesa.7550]

@@WarhawkYT Thank you!

[@AbdulrahmanAlfozan]

Awesome video like the rest of the series! Can’t wait for the next one! Also I noticed the music has changed 🎶 - personally I thought the previous soundtrack were fitting

[@deteon1418]

Interesting, a great introduction to the battle.

[@WarhawkYT]

youre welcome Deteon!

[@ericcrawford3453]

Cool, thank you!

[@WarhawkYT]

you're welcome Eric!

[@responder2246]

The graphics are great. Is it possible to put a scale of feet/yards/miles with the movements of units. A range card overlay would work also. Good job. Thanks

[@WarhawkYT]

I dont think that would be possible.

[@JefferyMckay-qy8tc]

Having grown up in Mechanicsville and finding bullets bayonet and bodies on my moms property, i feel that no one won. As a battle hardened marine, no wins at war, esp when its against his own countrymen

[@illinoismotionpicturestudi5065]

8:03 Yep, even a top Malvern Hill, our guns are still out of range to find you some bitches

[@WarhawkYT]

dang :(

[@robertreisner8132]

The CSA General that you call Ugee was Benjamin Huger not Ugee. Please correct this.

[@Fitch93]

It's actually pronounced Ujay but a popular South Carolinian pronunciation of it is Ugee.

[@micahistory]

another battle I never heard of. Interesting

[@WarhawkYT]

Surprised you never heard of Malvern hill, it’s sometimes called the precursor to Pickett’s charge

[@honorharrington9707]

So great ❤❤❤❤

[@chidy9699]

@Warhawk i know the goal of each sides generals was generally to try and completely destroy tge opposing army like some instances of the napoleonic wars. My question to you is do you eber think this was a real possibility? Did it never happen because of the leaderships qnd strategy, or was it never a real possibility due to the state of warfare at the time, or something else. As someone who obviously knows a lot about this war, im really curious as to your thoughts.

[@avenaoat]

I hope you have in safe place in these days in Texas!

[@alanpattee4383]

Great great job

[@WarhawkYT]

you're welcome Alan

[@markfutchll8141]

Not to be critical I love your show but it would be awesome if you showed these roads

[@Stiglr]

Or rather, labelled them? Also, wouldn't the "roads" crisscrossing the West and Crew farms be "cartpaths", and not roads?

[@paladinbob1236]

cant wait to the second part :) now i am upto date :P

[@WarhawkYT]

nice!

[@drakeheeley5995]

subscribed

[@WarhawkYT]

welcome aboard Drake!

[@esem8500]

[@JefferyMckay-qy8tc]

Numbers only.

[@christhedixiecrat3668]

Nice!👍

[@WarhawkYT]

thanks Chris!

[@Stiglr]

Half the time you pronounce Glendale as "GlnDALE" and the other half as "GLENdale". Which is the proper local pronunciation? Whichever it is, THANK YOU yet again for such a wonderfully illustrated and explained history of this important set of Seven Days battles. I can't thank you enough for providing what will be some primary sources in a related project I am undertaking. In these battles, with the constant mixing of division and brigade assets among the combatants, it is so hard to "keep things straight" in one's head. It's nice sometimes to SEE IT in front of you, rather than read a list of brigade commander names and regiment names and locations!!!

[@Philbert-s2c]

As great as this channel is, the continual mispronunciation of proper nouns is rather jarring.

[@MatthewChenault]

Glendale. Also, Malvern is pronounced how it is written “Mal-Vern.”

[@Stiglr]

@@MatthewChenault I figured as much. But with multiple pronunciations within the same vid, you begin to doubt your own judgment. Also, in these same battles, there are a number of names that can trip you up. Look at the aforementioned Staunton (STANT'n") battery. The Meagher ("Marr") brigade. And perhaps most (in)famous, the many interpretations of Huger (my feeling is, one respecting one's French Huegenot roots would pronounce it, "ooo-ZHEY'r") . In my readings of this stage of the 7 Days, there's a funny side-story of how one of those troublesome "Quaker" roads was spelled completely different, but the person for whom it was named, for some odd reason, obstinately clung to another name's pronunciation, but spelled it differently for legal/property claim reasons.

[@WarhawkYT]

Its Glendale, i dont recall any other time that I have said differently.

[@Stiglr]

@@WarhawkYT Have a listen to your voiceover, in this Malvern Hill episode, and also for the Glendale battle itself. Half the time you say, "Glen-dale" with nearly even emphasis on the two syllables (as I might guess it would be), but just as often, it's pronounced "Gl'nDALE" (emphasis on -dale). The disparity is the reason I ask.

[@Spiderfisch]

So when Lee does it its ok but when Grant does it he is immediatly called a Butcher

[@WarhawkYT]

Yeah that’s the lost causers for you

[@Philbert-s2c]

@@WarhawkYT Amen.

[@The_Unrepentant_McClellanite]

Yo Warhawk why you calling the Battle of Poindexter Farm, "Malvern Hill?"

[@dubsy1026]

shut up poindexter

[@davidstorey7541]

What does Poindexter Farm have to do with this battle? What was object the of the battle? Where were the Federalists?

[@deteon1418]

Because that is the correct name.

[@DanielD727]

Maybe if you had won the war, we’ll call it using the rebel name

[@MatthewChenault]

Most people know it as “Malvern Hill.” The Poindexter Farm name is certainly less-prominent compared to Fraizer’s Farm or some of the other alternative battle names.

[@cpt191021]

early civl war had sooo many screw ups by commanders its crazy like multiple every battle. I think by 63 they had ironed out most the kinks though

[@petenorton883]

If Grant had been in command in Lee's place he would have been called butcher

[@last_american445]

You should play war of rights .

[@WarhawkYT]

uhhhh lol

[@blakefrazier9991]

Just got done playing that yee yee

[@celston51]

The planning for this sounds almost...prophetic considering what happened a year later. Pendleton can't be found. Confederate artillery isn't' situated properly. A major-general is given 'discretion' to call off the attack if the artillery isn't effective. A defense in-depth Union lined with well-situated fields of fire.

[@WarhawkYT]

not a major general but a brigadier general

[@celston51]

@@WarhawkYT I stand corrected.

[@OhioDan]

Why did certain confederate regiments, like the 4th GA, continue to dress in blue at this stage of the war?

[@WarhawkYT]

They are zouaves, we talked about their unique style in the Oak Grove Video.

[@OhioDan]

Ah, OK. I'll have to read up on their history.

[@benpalombi3069]

I know it wouldve been horrible but I wish so much I could of been soldier in the civil war. For the Confederacy. I think I wouldve died at Shiloh

[@lukeskywalker3329]

McClellan was never up to the task .

[@bz1mm]

it’s pronounced “Malvern” not “Malvern”.

[@Stiglr]

Oh, THAT was helpful [sarcasm]... can you phonetically clarify that, with emphasis in all caps???? It could be "MAHL-vern, "MALL-vern" or (unlikely) "Mul-VERN". The other mispronunciation I know I heard was for the Staunton battery, which in those parts is pronounced like, "STANT''n", not "STAWN-t'n" as the spelling suggests.

[@WarhawkYT]

@@Stiglr I was told by people who live in that area of Virginia on how to say it.

[@nicolaibrynildsen5987]

Could you please start uploading on odysee?

[@WarhawkYT]

whats that

[@OhioDan]

Odysee is an alternative video streaming platform to YT.

[@nicolaibrynildsen5987]

@@WarhawkYT A free speech platform. A bit like youtube used to be years back, but it lacks a lot of good content. Think its easy to sync with youtube. Its a free speech principle thing, where i no longer like to use youtube as much.

[@michaelglueckert7662]

McClellan was a very poor general!!

[@JefferyMckay-qy8tc]

But think about this 6out of7battles were won by the smaller less experienced army. Just didnt have the man power of the north. Think about if the roles were reversed. Dont talk crap wont be no crap

[@davidpaull7612]

What happened to the senses of the Confederate command? Should have called the whole thing off and tried for a flanking maneuver. What a futile performance with no regard for the men.

[@WarhawkYT]

As we discussed in the video. No artillery commanders present, superior federal guns, and you’ll find out that ar misread started the entire fight based on skirmishing alone