Henry Brainerd McClellan facts for kids

Henry Brainerd McClellan (born October 17, 1840 – died October 1, 1904) was an important officer in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was an adjutant general, which means he helped a general manage their army. After the war, he became a teacher and author. He taught at the Sayre Female Institute in Lexington, Kentucky for 35 years.

Early Life and Family

Henry Brainerd McClellan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 17, 1840. His family had a history of military service. His great-grandfather, Samuel McClellan, was a general during the American Revolutionary War.

Henry's father, Samuel McClellan, was a surgeon. Interestingly, Henry had four brothers who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War. One of his brothers, Carswell, was an assistant adjutant general for Union Major General Andrew A. Humphreys. Henry was also a cousin of Union Major General George B. McClellan, who led the Army of the Potomac.

Henry studied to become a minister at Williams College and graduated in 1858 when he was 17. After college, he moved to Stony Point Mills in Cumberland County, Virginia, and became a schoolteacher. On December 12, 1863, Henry married Catherine Macon Matthews. They had nine children, but only five lived longer than Henry.

Civil War Service

Soon after the Civil War began, Henry McClellan joined the Confederate army. On June 14, 1861, he enlisted in the 3rd Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment in Ashland, Virginia. By May 18, 1862, he became a lieutenant and the adjutant general for his regiment.

Working with General J.E.B. Stuart

McClellan was promoted to major on April 15, 1863. On May 2, 1863, he became the adjutant general for Major General J.E.B. Stuart. This happened after Stuart's previous adjutant general died at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

McClellan played a key role at the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863. A large Union force surprised the Confederates. General Stuart left McClellan and a few others at Fleetwood Hill to organize his troops. Union soldiers began to climb Fleetwood Hill. McClellan quickly ordered the last few cannon shells to be fired, even though they were thought to be faulty. This slowed down the Union troops just enough. It allowed the 12th Virginia Cavalry Regiment to arrive and fight for the hill. More soldiers joined the battle, and the Confederates eventually secured the important position.

As Stuart's chief of staff, McClellan was a great help during the Gettysburg Campaign. During "Stuart's ride" around the Union army, McClellan and other officers were eating breakfast. Union riders suddenly appeared. McClellan and others quickly escaped to their main group.

After Stuart's Death

On May 11, 1864, General Stuart was badly wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern. He gave command to Major General Fitzhugh Lee and asked McClellan to help Lee. McClellan went to Stuart's bedside and was there when he died. Stuart even gave his horse to McClellan, showing how much he trusted him.

After Stuart's death, McClellan served on the staff of General Robert E. Lee for three months. On August 11, 1864, he became a major and assistant adjutant general for Major General Wade Hampton III. Henry McClellan was released from service in Greensboro, North Carolina, on April 26, 1865.

Life After the War

After the war, McClellan lived in Cumberland County for three years. In 1869, he moved to Lexington, Kentucky. He accepted a job as a professor at the Sayre Female Institute. He became the principal of the institute in 1870. He continued teaching at Sayre until he died in 1904. He also took part in activities for Confederate veterans.

In 1885, Henry McClellan wrote a book called The Life and Campaigns of Major General J. E. B. Stuart. Henry Brainerd McClellan passed away from a stroke in Lexington, Kentucky. He is buried in Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, Kentucky.