...men of enlarged military experiences. It cast reflections on his predecessors. " I hear," said he, " of taking strong positions and holding them, of lines...let us discard such ideas. Let us study the probable line of retreat of our opponents, and kave our own to take care of themselves." This want of respect...

...McClellan's direction by suggesting that there would be no more "phrases ... in vogue amongst you" like "'taking strong positions and holding them,' of 'lines of retreat,' and of 'bases of supplies.'" "The strongest position a soldier should desire," he preached, "is one from which he can most easily...

...capabilities.36 Earlier, Pope's 14 July 1862 order, calling for his command to "discard such ideas" as "taking strong positions and holding them, of lines of retreat, and of bases of supplies"37 was a bombastic appeal to discard a cautious style of operations in favor of bolder action.38...