A report on Nathaniel P. Banks, Political general and Second Battle of Bull Run

At the outbreak of the Civil War, President Lincoln appointed Banks as one of the first 'political' major generals, over the heads of West Point regulars, who initially resented him, but came to acknowledge his influence on the administration of the war.

The first three volunteer generals whom Lincoln appointed, John Adams Dix, Nathaniel Prentice Banks and Benjamin F. Butler, were all Democrats.

The II Corps, under Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks

Nathaniel Prentice Banks, former Governor of Massachusetts, held numerous commands during the war. He commanded the original V Corps (later XII Corps) at First Winchester, and also fought without distinction at Cedar Mountain and Second Bull Run as part of the Army of Virginia. He was transferred to the Department of the Gulf, and took part in the capture of Port Hudson, as well as the Red River Campaign. After that disastrous campaign, he was relieved of command.

During the Second Battle of Bull Run, Banks was stationed with his corps at Bristoe Station and did not participate in the battle.

They were widely considered one of the army's weak links; with Sigel, though being a trained and experienced military officer, being seen as an inept political general.