44 Union

Union by Becky Brown

This block, which dates back to the late 19th century, may have been known as Union or Union Square back then, a commorative Civil War design. We can use it to recall an important change in the Union Army 150 years ago. General Winfield Scott resigned as general in chief during the last week of October, 1861.

Scott's last meeting with the Cabinet

from Harper's Weekly, 1861

His replacement was General George B. McClellan, who had served under Scott in the Mexican-American War of the 1840s. After the Union's Bull Run disaster was blamed on rookie soldiers, McClellan had earned a reputation creating an army with discipline. He won some minor battles throughout the summer.

 November 3, 1861

Alfred Waud's drawing of a torch light parade in front of McClellan's house to celebrate his promotion to General in charge of the Union Armies. Torchlight parades were popular political events, as were "illuminations" in which householders put a light in each window facing the street. The fireworks display includes an eagle, flags and a portrait of the General.

On the morning of November 3rd McClellan wrote his wife a letter:

"I have already been up once this morning—that was at four o'clock to escort Gen. Scott to the depot. It was pitchdark and a pouring rain ; but with most of my staff and a squadron of cavalry I saw the old man off. He was very polite to me; sent various kind messages to you and the baby; so we parted. The old man said that his sensations were very peculiar in leaving Washington and active life. I can easily understand them; and it may be that at some distant day I, too, shall totter away from Washington, a worn-out soldier, with naught to do but make my peace with God. The sight of this morning was a lesson to me which I hope not soon to forget. I saw there the end of a long, active, and ambitious life, the end of the career of the first soldier of his nation; and it was a feeble old man scarce able to walk; hardly any one there to see him off but his successor. Should I ever become vainglorious and ambitious, remind me of that spectacle."

For a while McClellan was the man but his arrogance and cautious leadership caused Lincoln to fire him months later.

September 17, 1862

Lincoln visiting McClellan in camp

From the Library of Congress

One of my favorite Civil War pictures shows the woven coverlet McClellan slept under in his tent. McClellan and Lincoln held each other in contempt. McCellan ran for President against Lincoln in the 1864 election, promising peace negotiations with the Confederacy. Lincoln won.

Union (BlockBase #2056) was given that name by the Ladies' Art Company in the late 19th century. Other names are Union Square and Four Crowns.

Cutting an 8" Finished Block

A Cut 4 background squares 1-7/8"

B Cut 4 background and 8 dark squares 2-1/8". Cut each into 2 triangles with one diagonal cut. You need 8 background and 16 dark triangles.

C  Cut 1 background and 1 medium square 3-7/8". Cut each into 4 triangles with two diagonal cuts. You need 4 of each.

D  Cut 2 medium dark squares 3-1/2". Cut each into 2 triangles with one diagonal cut. You need 4 triangles.

E Cut 1 dark square 3-1/8".

Campaign art from the 1864 Presidential election

Union Square by Pam Mayfield

Pam Mayfield loves this block.

She's made several---with more squares inside of squares in the center.

Union Square top by Pam Mayfield