Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-08-24
Gen ERAL MCCLELLAN.

From the 1fontreal Witness
This young oiIi' rr has had a peculiar preparn
tion for the his posion be now hods--a posi-
second only 10 that Of t;eners Scott, and we rath'
or think second only in name. Any authentic
information concerning this rapidly rising man,
whose influence over the future Of the United
States is likely TO be great must he very inter
estng, aud we are happy to he in a situation TO
give such information. The Rev. DIR Dutiield. Of
Detroit, one of the most eminent and influential
ministers Of the Presby teran Church in the Uni.
ted States, was present ut the last Sabbath after.
noon meeting in the Bonaventure Hall, in this ci'
ty, and being asked to communicate any facts
concerning the present war, Of interest in reli'
eions or temperance point OF view, spoke in sub
stance as follows =
ut is delicate thing for me- a stranger among
strangers, to speak of the which RACES in my
own country, but feel that IN such an a,mos'
phere OF Christian union and love as this, am
among Christian brethren who will appreciate de-
tails that in other circumstances, it would I've in.
appropriate to give. Rev. DR.. Thomson, Of Gin
cinnati. pastor Of Geneial Mcclellan, communca'
ted to me the following interesting particulars,
which, though only intended for the private ear,
may lie productive o good, especially among the
| young men whom see in this meeting :-Gene'
raj Mcclellan is of Scotch descent, and has been
brought up with respect for religion; but never
| shown any decided resolution to fJllow Jesus -
| After his career of victory in Western Virginia,
he was suddenly summoned to Washington to
take command there; and had to go round bv
| Cincinnati aud Philadel ia,-the more direct
roads being interrupted.
AT Cincinnati he sought an interview with his
pastor. who asked him if his rapid ascent had no,
made him dizzy "Rather," replied he, Il have
been sinking for feel my self a lost sinner. and
came to know what must do to he saved" DR.
! Thomson then faithfully and clearly uninlded tG
! him the only way Of salvation, as set forth in the
| Scriptures, to which the General gave most ear
nest heed, appearing to have spiritual apprehen
sion of the great truths he was hearing. AT the
cl"se Of this interesting conference, DR. Thomson
and the General knelt together, and the furme,
| prayed most earnestly with him and for him. a
the cnse OF this prayer General Mcclellan re
NAMED upon his knees, evidently under deep emo
tion-aid Dr. Thomson also continued kneeIing
I'LL after about two minutes passed thus in silence
Dn Thomson laid his head upon the General.
shoulder, and said, Mcclellan. pray for your
self"
Thus encouraged, the young soldier began il
almost smohered tones to pour out hi, soul tC
God; and when he arose there was glow o
spiritual life in his countenance IL had already,
! said he, given myself to my county hut now.
give myself TO God, and pray that be will use mt
Tor my eountry's good" Thus terminated thi
singulorly interesting interview; and Gene,a
! Mcclellan hurried OH TO Washington, whero h,
Immediately introduced order aud discipline; re
quiring, not only everv man, but every officer to
he in his place-a matter in which there has blh
to been great lack of discipline in the United
States army. He also required Congress to pas,
law prohibiting the sale of intoxicating qIor
t. soldiers, by which The crowd of vuItures Iha
I,li e a..
DIR. Dufiielj added that General Mcclellan wa
ONLY 81 years old. instead of 35. as commonly re
| ported, and that it was remarkable coincidence
that this religious young man should I've called t.
command the thousands of religious young mel
who had been brought TO the Lord IN the Grea
revival Of 1857 8. aud who now had taken ,hci
muskels on their backs and their Bibles in thei
knapsacks to 90 and fight for their country. and
| he trusted that it would turn out--tur the ute
destruction OF that terrible system of oppression
which has caused all these troubles