The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-11-14
Gen. McClellan's Removal.

The country was taken by surprise on
\1ord.v nv the announcement that Gen. Nc
Cle]lan had been removed from the command
of the army O! the Potomac and that Gen.
AMBROSE EVERETT BURNSIDE had succeeded
to his command.
We know nothing of the motives which
actuated the President in taking this step,but
we have no doubt but they were good and
pure. There is not particle Of evidence
tina, it was for political reasons or on account
Of outside pressure that this change was
made. We have some data from which We
can draw certain conclusions let us see what
those are.
1t is we'll known that soon after the battle
of Antietam President Lincoln visited the
amy and had a private interview with Gen.
Mcclellan. His friends announced when he
returned-and we have never seen tie state
ment contradicted- an advance upon the
rebel army was planned and ordered. Lees
army was then in adisorganized and dem IRA
lied condition, consequent upon terrible
battle which had jast been fought and the
hasty retreat which it had made. The coun-
try has looked in vain tor that advance.
But we have better testimony in regard to
this matter than hearsay talk or the assertions
of confidential friends.
Gen. Haleck is General in-chief of all
the Federal armies, made so by the appoint
ment of the President. Gen. Mcclellan is
subject to Gen. Halleck who in turn is subject
to President Lincoln.
Gen. Haileck has made a written statement
to the secretary of war in answer to certain
interre gatories put to him. This statement
has been made public and throws a great deal
of light upon the cause of the removal OF
! Gen. Mcclellan This cause was nothing
more nor less than persistent and continued
| disoJelience of orders.
! Gen. Halleck states that " soon after the
battle of AnIetam, Gen. Mcclellan was urged
to give me information of his intended move
ments, in order that, if he moved between
the enemy and Washington, reinforcements
could be sent from this place. On the lst OF
October, finding that he purposed to operate
from Harper's Ferry,l urged him to cross the
river at once and give battle to the enemy
pointing out to him the disadvantage of de-
LAYING till the autumn rains had swollen the
Potomac and impair I'd the roads. On the
9Th of October he was peremptorily ordered
to cross the Potomac and give battle to the
enemy, or drive him south. Your army
must move now while the roads are good |,
will be observed that three weeks have elapsed
since this order was given"
Gen. McClellan's only excuse for not obey
ing these peremptory orders was that certain
corps in his army needed shoes, clothing and
shelter tents. Gen. Haleck introduces quar-
termaster-gencral Meigs to prove that every
requisi,ion upon his department had been
promptly and faithfully filed and Gen. Hal
leck further states" In my opinion there has
been no such want of supplies in the arm,
under Gen. Mcclellan as to prevent his com
pliance with the orders to advance against the
enemy.
The conclusion of the whole matter is just
/ this: The President, as the acknowledged
head of the Government, ordered through
! Gen. Halleck. his military adviser and gene
ral-in- chief, Gen. Mcclellan to ilnmediatel,
advance his army against the enemy. After
waiting between three and four weeks to
him to obey he has very properly removed
him from command of the army. And all TIT
people should say Amen. Because Gen.Mc
Clelan has been removed from his command
it does not follow that he is either traito
or fool. 1t is not the proper time to lndg
the man. He has twice reorganized the arm
after defeat and decentralization. The splen
did condition to which he brought tn
army these two times sufficiently attest
his ability. Let us give him credit for wha
he Las done and cheerfully acquiesce in tn
order of the government.
; God save the Nation