Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-07-18
THE PRESIDENTS VISIT TO GEN.
MCCLELLAN

The object Of the president in visiting Gen.
McClellan's army seems to have been to see
for himself the condition of the army, and
consult with its commander as to future
movements. He returned in better spirits
than he went, which is good indication.
The New York Iribmo's correspondent gives
the following account Of the visit
On the arrival Of the Ariel at Harrisons Landing,
with Iteedent Lincoln and Postmaster General Blair,
Cen Mcclellan, with several other military gentlemen,
visited him ON board after which the president and the
general hold private conference for about half hour.
They then proceeded in ambulance Gen. Sumner
headquarters, when they took horse with She view Of
visiting the line Of entertainments When the prcsi-
dents visit became known there was on all hands the
'eicst interest manifested TO see him. and wherever he
went he was greeted with the widest enthusiasm. Com
ng INTO me henches the president dismounted and.
cendng me ramparts Of the newest fertilization briefly
addressed the soldiers lie said he had to FOR
himself and t. know the situation Of al irs. and that he
should 30 back satisfied. II said they had been
whipped II was not so and never would be- He knew
the men ne saw around lin would prove equal 10 the
iask hcotc Them and give up without going into
Richmond He had been unable 10 sleep from anxiety
but after he had and heard he should 20 back to
Washington satisfied that It all right with the army
oi The Potomac He declared his confidence in the army
ana IT, commander, iva all the and all the officers
anu sad they were all alike men deserving the confidence
OF ihc country The president said he did not to
make speech, but be could not resist saying few
words Tie was chcctcd az every sentence. kcmount-
ins lue gtrsdeta party continued their ride along the
lines andat9 otlock n the evening returned 10 Gen.
McColan's headquarters after having been In the sad
ae seven hours In The morning there conference
held at Gen. McClolau's headquarters
" The president found the troops well rested ahor
Their terrible series NJ battles and ready for
another Eight whenever the enemy choose 70 attack them
The position the river bank absolutely impreg
habc aud the roads thence 10 Richmond direct dry aud
pa every way favorable for the march OF an army The
distance 20 The rebel capital by land nineteen miles
ont so irregular is The course Of the James that boat
has to sail sixty miles TO reach the destination
Al one point the stream makes such sweep the
Wau that the c9Tsr Is twenty miles around in ascent
of onY two miles. The president seemed iu excellent
spirits on We re'ufa 10 Fortress Monroe and greeted
zen burnside WITH much cordially The Ariel came
alongside with Alice Price and the president dined on
board with Gems Burnside, Van Vhet, Dix Nagee Re
No, and PaIke the Assistant Secretary Of War. Col.
Frank i. Blair and the captain VI the English frgae
Jason Immediately after dinner the presidential party
re-. cmharkcd, aud the Ariel steamed for Washington
The English fired the usual salute of twcntvone guns as
the pretty steamer with lis streaming flags moved swift.
The Heraids Washington correspondent
says:
During the several days spent in the army " the
Potomac the President had an opportunity IN see for
himself it, condition and capacity. On Tuesday he
viewed the whole army passing along the front sight
OF the reoe pickeis Everywhere he received with
oeaiemng cheers At point Of the line he could not
refrain from lcayus his horse mounting parape ia plain
view ui hc enemy and making brief speech the sol
defs OF the Union he president is satisfied that affairs
on the peninsula are in much better condition than they
have been represented lie gives credit Gen McCle
Ian iofhavug n no way exaggerated facts He has
or himself the necessity Of reinforcing the army Of the
Potomac, and returns with the conviction Gen. Me-
Clean is in his proper posion that the army is devoted
10 im and full Of confidence in his ability and that all he
recures should and shall be done without DELAY. The
president Expresses himself delighted with his visit On
the way up the Potomac the boat aground Tor
The president ayaed themselves Of the opportunity
take a swim in the river