Maryland free press., 1862-11-21
THE CHANGE OF COMMANDER.
How Gen. Mcclellan Received Ithe Order to
Report at tTrcpton--Sceness and Incidents
in Camp.

|
from the command of the Army of the Potomac,
and directing hin 70 report at Trenton, New Jer'
sey. Itwas entirely unexpected by ever yono.-
The correspondent of Che New York Herald, wri'
ting from Headquarters, gives the following inter-
esting account of the scenes enacted there:
Had be remained in command, General McClel-
Ian Hoald undoubtedly soon have won glorious
victory over the Rebel army. Our troops were
never in better condition than they are now, nev-
er more devoted to Mcclellan, and nsver more
anxious to fight under his leadership, and deter
mined to crush the rebellion With one grand deci-
sve blow. al felt SO confident" be said, in a
touching tone, "tbst we would have been victo-
rious." And we all deeply sympathized with the
General in this expression of regret.
Th, Presidents order appointed Major General
! Burnsides to McClellsns late command. McClel-
| Ian had an immediate interview with Burnside,
| when the sorrowful intelligence was dis
closed. II is difficult to decide whoh was the
more affected-McClellan to leave the noble men
! who had grown up TO be intrepid soldiers under
him or Burnside, to assume the fearful responsi.
hilities which were thus unexpectedly placed NJ on
: him. Tears coursed down McClelan's classic
features, and Burnside, with his stout and heavy
! frame, grieved like a sorrowing child. There
they sat and wert., Both have always been warm
personal f.iends. They have lived and labored in
the walks of civi. life tog ther In the estab,
lishment, and, with patriotic feelings in common
! with each other apd. us all, have fought for the
Union bene ath the silken folds of the beloved
banner. Burnside was at irst disposed to decline
assuming the command; but, in view of the posi-
tion of affairs, with the army confronting the ene
/ my in the cid, he was Induced to relinqu'sA per-
sonal considers atons with the hope of promoting
tie public good. .NeClellan is we'll pleased with
! his successor. Bu I ide is 6 splendid fellow
/ "He will do better" sail AcCle.laE, ''tSan nine
out of ten may suppose. He has sound sense and
integrity Of purpose, and where these qualities
are combined success is certain" Mcclellan has
requested his officers to give Burnside their Ger
dial co operation and support.
THE EFFECT ON his oFFIcERs. 80,
/ On Saturday the mournful news was known
! throughout eadquarters. His staff officers were
| not iess Amazsa THAI MECH Ian Was himself-
! There was not single officer who could compre-
| bend the meaning rather the justice of the
matter. In answer to inquiries propounded to
himself, Mcclellan simply said, "All l know
about it is that received the order, dated on the
| 7th, Immediately after the results of the State
elections were announced"
! Da Saturday Mcclellan was closeted all day with
Burnside, unfolding to him all his plans of the
campaign. He has been giving all the Information
and suggestions within bis power, to insure sue
cess to the army. The whole of yesterday wa.
devoted to that purpose. When he had given him
his plans, Mcclellan signiied his intention of
leaving the field Immediately to report at Tren-
| ton, in compliance with the order. Burnside,
| ~ n to
remain little longer--the interest of the country
demanded that be should. "Well," said McClel-
Ian to some officers around him, "I'll remain just
as long as Burn wants me-. ."No you WON'T"
replied Burnside "for if you do you will remain
with US altogether Everybody felt that yesterday
was very unsatisfactory Srnday: Sorrow, dis
appointment and doubt we're depicted on every
countenanco. Throughout the day officers kept
themselves in their tent. Headquarters locked
dismal and deserted. .,~
;, H'cLELLANs FAREWELL oy,nIs OFFICERS.
On Sunday evening q mo ttouching scene took
place. After having concluded his arrangements
with Burnside, Mcclellan sent an invitation to all
his own staff officers, requesting them to come in
to his tent at Q O'Clock that evening, to drink
glass Of wine with him before be should bid them
all adieu. They appeared in full uniform. A
large log fire was blazing within the enclosure
formed by the headquarter tents. The Officers
were assembling in the court. Mcclellan stood
just inside the door of his marduee, the curtains
of which were parted and throSn up on either
side. Promptly at the appointed hour his staff
officers appeared. He grasped each warmly by
the hand, and, with a kindly word, ushered h:t2
inside. The tent was soon crowded to ita utmos:
limit, and many were compelled to remain outside,
Among them were a number Of officers from diff
ferent divisions of the army, particular friends of
the General, who had come to seek personal in
terview with hir before he should leave the field.
They participated in the interesting and solemn
scene that ensued.
The wine was produced and the glasses were
supplied. The large log Gre in front Of tho tent
tent brilliantly illuminated the court, bringing
into full view every form within it, and throwing
O halo of encbantment OYER the strange and solemn
scene. Deep silence now prevailed. Mcclellan
raised his glass aud proposed the only toast cf the
evening, "Here's to the Army of the Potomac"
an officer in the company appropriately adding.
"And to its old commander" The sentiment
thrilled Though every heart az. the wine was
quatfed. Here we're officers ofrank and education
genial gentlemen and brave soldiers Most Of
them had known Mct tlellsn in private life, and all
of them had lsbored with him in the public SER
vice. Everybody felt the deep solemnity of the
occasion. Tears we're shed in profusion. An hou
or two was passed in pleasing social converse, du
ring which General McC lellan had q kind and
cheering word for every one. The officers passed
around and formally bade their cherished General
adieu.
ATyECTfoNATE FAREWELL OF HIS SOLDIERS.
This morning 1t was arranged that he should
visit the troops near by, and proceed to Washing
top by special train in the evening. splendid
photograph Of the General and his personal staff
officers, forming handsome group, in front ofhis
tent, and another Of the General on horseback,
were taken before starting, When just abeut to
60 he said: ~ can hardly bear to see my soldiers
sgain." Then, accompanied by his officers and
escort, magnificent cavelcade, he rode of to take
last farewell of his troops. The infantry and
cavalry attached to his headquarters were taste.
fully disposed on an adjacent hill. They prc.sn-