The Battle of balls bluff was one of the first battles of the Civil War. The battle took place on October 21 1861 (History). In the end it was a minor loss for the Union compared to battles to come later in the war. This loss also led to the formation of a committee to manage and handle the war(History). After the battle of Bull Run the Army of the potomac was in shambles and needed knew troops to function. Bull run was a devastating loss for the Union both morally and strategically. There were three main people involved Maj. Gen. McClellan, Maj. Gen. Charles Stone, Col. Edward Baker. McClellan was under pressure to reorganize the defeated army of the Potomac and take action against the Confederates across the river (History ND). as winter approached he had to make a move or the river would freeze over and no boats or men could easily cross. McClellan had spent the fall training troops and reorganizing the army. He sent Gen. McCall to scout …show more content…
The confederates by comparison only suffered 36 killed, 117 wounded, 2 missing/captured (Trust ND). After the news of Bakers death he became a Martyr, and it was said Lincoln who was close friends with Baker even naming one of his sons after him had tears rolling down his face as he walked to the executive mansion (This week Oct-23-11). Baker became The first US senator to be killed in battle and became a cause of the Union even though he caused the defeat at Ball’s Bluff. Most officers blamed baker but republican politicians who favored tough war policy blamed McClellan and Stone (This week Oct-23-11). Eventually Stone became the scapegoat. People denounced hims and spread rumors that he conspired with the south and returned slave to their owners (This week OCt-23-11). Soon he was convicted of treason and arrested. He was arrested for six months which ended his military career and negated the chance for a political