The Saddest Affair: A Case Study of the Investigations into the Crater Disaster at Petersburg

Abstract

Perhaps one of Congresses most jealously guarded powers is the right to oversight and investigation. However, American history demonstrates that this power can be used to both great effect and abuse. Understanding congresses role in oversight and investigation of government agencies is crucial to the citizen?s right to police their government. During the Civil War, the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg on July 30, 1860 was one instance in which the power of congressional oversight was utilized. As a case study, the Committee on the Conduct of the War, and the Official Court of Inquiry on the Mine Disaster before Petersburg can be used to demonstrate the forces which influence the theoretically impartial function of congressional oversight.