The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-10-09

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The hate Of the radicals Of the country
against MCCLELLAN grows venemous with
indulgence. The very qualities which
commend the gallant man to the admira-
ton of the virtuous and intelligent, engen-
der the ill-will Of the whole race of Lar
row-minded bigots. Gen. MoCLELLAN is
in retirement--a seclusion forced upon
him by the fanatical element of the coun-
try. He bears this seclusion with unex-
ampled patience and dignity. Not word
Of reproach has escaped his lips or his pen
since his devoted army was taken from his
leadership, and given over to the horrible
slaughter at Fredericksburg, and to still
more horrible slaughter at Charlottesville,
under the lead of rash and incompetent
commanders. 1t is this very patience and
dignity that irritates the fanatics. If Mo
OLELLAN would only show himself annoyed
by their prosecutions, that would, at least,
be a tribute to their power, and so feed
their vanity but the cool indifference of
the man they have wronged, his unbroken
reticence under their assaulM, chafes them
beyond endurance, and their hate finds
vent in rawlings, which to the fanatic are
as natural and necessary as to the lunatic.
The last excuse for fanatical assault
against MCCLELLAN is the fact of the con-
tinued devotion of the Army of the Po-
tomac to their favorite General. Every
thing has been done that could be by the
authorities, to weaken and destroy that
devotion Under the two Generals who
in turn succeeded him, the army was re-
organized with particular reference to the
extirpation of the MCCLELLAN feeling
throughout rank and file. To cherish
faith in MCCLELLAN after his removal was
the sure road to disfavora at the War office !;
and, as far and as fast as circumstances
would allow, the officers who believed in
him wore relieved from command, or
transferred to other fields. But, it has
been found that MoCLELLAN's hold upon
the army did not rest upon the good will
of officers. The men themselves loved
him and had faith in him; and no change
of commanders has been able to disturb.
much less to destroy, that confidence and
affection.
This regard has lately manifested itself
in most earnest and touching manner.
Deprived against their will of the leader
ship of MCCLELLAN; having no opportu-
nifty to testify their love and faith by
devotion to his person in camp or on the
field; the brave men of that noble army
have conceived the project of rendering
testimonial to their favorite chief, which
shall evidence their affection. and in which
all may participate. This scheme is now
in progress, involving the contribution of
small sum from every soldier and officer
OF that army. The list is headed by Major
General MEADE, as the General command
ing, by subscription of fifty dollars; and
from this, the sum is to graduate, accord
ing to rank, to the dime which the COM
mon soldier pays. A more earnest,
unselfsh, generous, spontaneous move
ment was never started in any army; but
that fact, and the further fact that
MCCLELLAN is its object, brings down
upon it and him the full measure of fanat-
ical abuse. .....
MCCLELLAN can well afford to laugh at
the howlings of these fanatical dogs. To
have awakened and retained the devotion
of an army like that of the Potomac. is
consolation enough under any persecution
which can be waged against him by the
mad bigotry of the land; it is more, it is
glory enough to satisfy the demands of a
! lifelong pursuit of fame. The fanatics
may madden their rage into frenzy-they
cannot harm MCCLELLAN. i2
The Fair at Fort Snays5,,., q