In the early months of the Civil War, a small group of Union troops unsuccessfully attacked the Confederates. One
month later, President Lincoln made a decision. He decided that it was time to stage a major offensive. The First
Battle of Bull Run (called the Battle of Manassas in the South) was the first major land battle of the Civil War.
Brigadier General Irvin McDowell was chosen to lead the charge. At first, McDowell protested. He said that his
soldiers were too inexperienced. Lincoln reminded him that the Confederates were also inexperienced.
lincoln tried to _____ McDowell.
A:praise
B:reassure
C:ignore
D:capture