Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-05-16
of the Union, the speaker concluded, by form
ally presenting the resolutions.
The speech of Mr. Utermehle was frequently
and heartily epplauded.


Gen. Mcclellan replied as follows:
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen: tits with un-
usual pride and satisfaction that receive This
testimony OF the confidence of the citizens OF
Washington, not only because il is the capital
Of orr nation, but because, as your chairman
hae hardly adequately expressed, you were
of this civil war, and thus made to bear the
first hunt Had you not proved faithful to
scur trust and truly loyal, our capital would
have gene before the North could have raised
it's hand to save it. never have thought that
81 fficient iustca has been done to the citizens
OF W ashing gton in this regard, but history will
do you Justice rs your own consciences do
now. hope no instance will ever arise when
you shall feel called upon TO defend your lev.
atty; that thought is too universally conceded
10 permit any one to be base enough to doubt
it. It is true once did find Washington
thrt atened by n victorious army. II is true
that most of the anxious hours Of my life and
probably my most harassing labors have been
spent in trying to secure the safety Of Wash
jngton. That 1t was secured was due entirely
TO the gallant troops I had the honor to COM
mand. / take this high honor as one paid 30
them, and regard myself in this case as merely
their representative or exponent, TO whom YOU
choose 10 present this. know they will feel
well rewarded for all their dangers and trials
when knowing thatthose most vitality interested
in the safety of Washington were satisfied with
what we did. feel doubly honored that 90
many OF you have taken the trouble to make
this long journey to do me this honor. have
not words toexpress my feelings in this case
l.
serve. trust you will receive my most heart
felt thanks, and convey to the Boards Of Alder
men and Csun cilmen and to the citizens OF
Washington my warm and sincere thanks; and
L nope that the fortunes of war shall never
again make II necessary that shall be called
to the defence OF the capital. hope Washing
ton shall never again be threatened by any hos.
tile force, either springing from the bosom OF
our own country or coming from some foreign
iand, and that your dangers and trials are over
forever.
The short speech of the General was listened
10 with the profoundest attention, and not until
he concluded the last syllable did his audience
indulge in the slightest demonstrations OF ap.
plause
A general conversation next followed. The
General inspected the magnificently framed
copy OF the resolution, and eX expressed himself
highly pleased and gratified. Wine next came
and Tor half an hour or more the deputation
ndulged in the most agreeable festivities
drinking the health OF Gen. Mcclellan, per
petnity OF the Union and success to the Army
of the Potomac.
Gen. Mcclellan and Ger Porter were asked
many questions relative 10 the state OF the.
country, and replied with the utmost frank
ness.
Some one asked if there was any doubt about
the death of sStonewall Jackson" General
Mcclellan replied that he thought not, and
expressed himself much grieved at the vent
mo one said he, 'can help admiriag a man
like Jackson. he WAS sincere, and rrue and
valiant Yet 10 one has disappointed me more,
than he has jackson was one OF my class
mates. and ut college never promised to be the
man lie has proved himself. He was always
very slow. and acquired 4 lesson only after
great labor. And yet his determination was
great that he ne yer gave anything up until
he had succeeded. His character seems to have
changed since: for he has exhibited great celer-
ity in all his naetemen1s while in aom.rrud OF
the rebel torces"
Il suppose" remarked a gentleman, "Jacl-
son was the ablest General in the South;
HE is undoubtedly a great loss to the reb-
els,'' replied Gen. Mcclellan. .sIee is per-
haps the most able commander they have, and
jackson was their best executive officer''
The conversation next turned on the famous
flight of President Linco from Harrisburg 10
Washington, and the state of the National
Capitol at the time of the Inauguration Gen.
Mcclellan, IN reply to various questions. stated
that at the time referred TO he did not think
there was much danger either to the person of
President Lincoln TO the Capital. Since
then he had however obtained information
which led him TO believe that there really was
a conspiracy to seize the person of Lincoln
and gain possession of Washington. Had
either event occurred, the effect might have
changed the whole character of events, and re-
suited in the Southern conspirators becoming
the de facto Government. Possession OF the
National Capital, he thought, would have
given The Rebels moral force equal to three
hundred thousand men.
gentleman inquired if there would be any
lmpropriety in asking whether the rumor thai
General Mcclellan had rendered his resigna-
tion 10 the President was.true or falsel
The General promptly answered. "The ru-
NOR has not the slightest foundation in fact
After some further conversation the depu.a-
lion withdrew his hly delighted with the result
of their interview.
Alderman Lloyd received letters during the
day inviting the committee to visit the Park,
public asylums, Board of Education, Poli,e
Headquarters, and other public buildings.
The deputation visited Niblos Garden lat
evening. in compliance with an invitation from
Miss Bateman.