Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1862-11-18
COLUMBUS OHIO, TUESDAY MORNING NOV l8 1860

ny
New Jersey. II was entirely unexpected by
everybody here. -
Had ne remained in command, Gen. McClel
Ian would undoubtedly have soon won glor
GUS victory over the rebel army. Our troop
were never in better condition than they arr
now, never more devoted TO Mcclellan, ant
never more anxious to fight under his leader
snip, and determined TO crush the rebellion
with one grand decisive blow. "I felt go conf
dent," he said in touching tone, "that We
would have been victorious" And We all deem.
y sympathized with the General in this expires
sion Of regret.
The Residents order appointed Major G. en-
burnside to McClellan's late command Nc
Cleiian had an imme ediate interview with Burn
slde, when the sorrowful intelligence was dis
closed. IL s difficult to decide which was the
more aifected-McClelan, 10 leave the noble
men who had grown up to be intrepid soldiers
under him, or Burnside, to assume the fearful
responsibilities which were thus unexpectedly '
placed upon him. Tears courscd down McClei.
lan's classic features, and Burnside, with his
stout and heavy frame, grieved like sorrow-
lug child. There they sat and wept. Both
have always been warm personal friends They
have lived and labored In the walks of civil
lie together, In the same establishment, and
with patriotic feelings in common with each
other and us all, have fought for the Union
beneath the silken folds OF the same beloved
banner. Burnside was at first disposed to de.
cline assuming the command, but in view of
the position OF affairs, with the army confront
ing the enemy In the field, he was induced to
relinquish personal considerations with the hope
oil promoting the public good. Mcclellan is
well pleased with his successor. Burnside is a
splendid fellow. "IIe will do better" said Nc
Clellap, ethan nine out Of ten may suppose.
lie has sound sense and integrity Of purpose,
and where these qualities are combined sue
cess is certain" Mcclellan has requested bis
officers to give Burnside their cordial co opera
ton and support
After receiving the order relieving him from
command, Gen. Mcclellan sat down to write o
lew farewell words to bis soldiers. How diff.
cult task. lie dictated the frat few lines to
Major Webb, and then wrote tho last few lines
with his own hand. They are beautiful, appro.
pirate and affectionate words
M'cLELLAN's FAREWELL ADDRESS.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoroMAo,l
CAMP NEAR REcToRTowN, Va, Nov. 7.
To the Officers and Soldiers Of The Armv of The
Potomac:
An order from the President devolves upon
Major. General Burnside the command Of this
army. In parting from you | cannot express
the love and graft ude bear you. As an
army you have grown up under my care. In
you have never found doubt or coldness The
battles you have fought under my command
will proudly live In our nations history. The
glory you have achieved, our mutual perils and
fatigues, the graves of our comrades fallen in
battle and by disease, the broken forms of those
whom wounds and sickness have disabled, the
strongest associations which can exist among
men unite US still by an indissoluble tie. We
shall ever be comrades in supporting the Consti
tuition OF our country aud the nationality of our
people.
GEO. B. MCCLELLAN.
Major General U. S. A.
This farewell address was not read to the
troops until this morning.
So OF midnight on Friday Mcclellan hat
gracefully sheathed his sword, and Burnside ss
sumed command.
THE EFFECT ON HIS OFFICERS
On Saturday the mournful news was know
throughout headquarters. His staff officers
were not less amazed than Mcclellan was him.
self. There was not single officer who could
OohPhOhShN VIZ hSuuiu6 VI Luo JubblCt
Of the matter. In answer to inquiries pro.
pounded to himself, Mcclellan simply said-
"All know about it is that l received the order
dated the 7th, Immediately after the results oil
the State elections were announced"
Saturday was gloomy day about these head
quarters. Mcclellan was closeted all day with
Burnside, unfolding to him all his plans of the
campaign. He has been giving all the informa,
ton and suggestions within his power, to insure
the success Of our army under the leadership Of
its new commander. The whole of yesterday
was devoted to that purpose. When he had
given him his plans, Mcclellan signified his in
tention OF leaving the field Immediately to re-
port at Trenton, in compliance with the order
Burnside, reluctant to part with him 80 soon
urged him to remain little longer-the in.
terest of the country demanded that he should
"Well," said Mcclellan, to some officers around
him, oil remain just as long ss Burn wants
me-" "No you won't." replied Burnside, "fol
if you do you will remain with US altogether >
Everybody felt that yesterday was very un
satisfactory Sunday. Sorrow, disappointment
and doubt were depicted on every countenance
Throughout the day officers kept themselves it
their tents. Headquarters looked dismal ani
deserted
M'CLELLAN's FAREWELL To HIS OFFICERS.
On Sunday evening most touching seen,
took place. After having concluded his ar
rangements with Burnside, Mcclellan sent al
invitation to all his own staff officers, request
ing them to come into his tent at nine O'CLOCK
that evening, to drink glass of wine with him
before he should bid them all adieu. They ap
peared In full uniform. A large log fire was
blazing within the enclosure formed by the head
quartar tents. The officers were assembling il
the court. Mcclellan stood just inside the dool
of his marquee, the curtains of which wer,
parted and thrown upon either side. Promptly
at the appointed hour his staff officers ap
preached. He grasped each warmly by ths
hand, and. with o kindly word, ushered him
inside. The tent was soon crowded to its
utmost limit, and many were compelled to re.
main outside. Among them were number oil
officers from different divisions Of the army, par.
ticulsr friends Of the General, who had come
to seek an interview with him before he should
leave the field. They participated in the in
teresting and solemn scene that ensued. Tht
wine was produced and the glasses were sup
piled The large log fire in front of the ten
brilliantly illuminated the court, bringing Il
full view every form within it, and throwing
halo Of enchantment over the strange and sol
emn scene. Deep silence now prevailed. Nc
Clellan raised his glass and proposed the only
toast Of the evening, "Here's to the Army O
the Potomao'-an officer in the company ap
propriately adding, "And to its old commander
The sentiment thrilled through every heart al
the wine was quaffed.
Here were officers of rank and education
genial gentlemen and brave soldiers. Most
them had known Mcclellan in private life, AM
all of them had labored with him In the publi
service. He and they were bound to each othe
by the double bonds Of friendship and compan
ionship in arms in o just and holy cause :
Friendship is one Of the most beautiful rela