Emancipation and Colonization Considered as Important Battle Looms

August 24, 1862

The command structure is confused as Union forces move north to confront Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee.     Union General George B. McClellan telegraphs General Henry W. Halleck: “Until I know what my command & position are to be, & whether you still intend to place me in the command indicated in your first letter to me, & orally through Genl Burnside at the Chickahominy I cannot decide where I can be of most use.”

At the White House, President Lincoln meets with Orestes A. Brownson, a prominent New England intellectual and editor of  Brownson’s Review.  The two men  talk about emancipation proclamation which Lincoln is contemplating  and colonization which Lincoln thinks is necessary to quell northern apprehension.   To accelerate colonization efforts, Lincoln names Kansas Senator Samuel Pomeroy as commissioner of colonization.  It would prove a poor choice.

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