The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1874-01-15
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The following is from Gideon Welles.
member of Mr.. Lincoln's Cabinet Wills
It needs no comment, it confirms many
things said by as during the war, and re-
calls many memories when Washiuston
came within an ace OF being overcome by
the confederates, and would but for the
fact related below. The period alluded to
ls immediately after the defeat of Pope in
front Of Washington, and when the ad-
vance OF the victorious enemy upon the
National Capital carried dismay through
out the country
At the stated Cabinet meeting on Tues-
day, the q Of September, while the whole
cummunity was stirred up and IN confu-
sion, and affairs were gloomy beyOnd auv-
thing that had previously occurred
Stanton entered the councll-room A few
minutes In advance of Mr.. Lincoln. and
said, with great excitement. be had lust
learned from General HaIIecE that the
Frest. had placed Mcclellan In command
Of the forces IN Washington. The infor-
nation was surprising, and in view of the
prevailing excitement against that officer
alarming. The President soon came in.
and, IN answer to an inquiry frem Mr..
chase confirmed what Stanton had stated.
Ienerai regret was expressed, and Stan
Ion with some feehng remarked no order
to that effect had issued from the War
Department. The President calmly, bat
with some emphasis said the order was
his. ana he would be responsible for it 10
Inc coahsry With retreating and de-
l9ora4izee 7oi'4 army tum5iing IN upon US, and
alarm and panic IA the cofaaunity II was
necessary, the President sac. MAJ cone
thing should be done, bnt there seemed
to be no one to do it. He therefore had
directed Mcclellan who knew this whole
grounGS who was the best orpanizer in
tbs army, whose faculty was Do erganizs
and defend, and who would hers act upon
she defensive, to take this defeated and
broken army and reOrgaaize IL. -'--.-.
The st. Louis RePJSbLlca1l contributes an
anecdoIe relating TO this crisis:
r. AcC4eiian, stripped OF his command
and LETT mere spectators Of disasters he
was PoBerless to avert, had retired TO
Washington. and was sitting one evening
IN me once, IN company with Delos
y. lSackettsl new Inspector General of the
army. This officer had been on McCiel-
lan's staff during the PeniEsulsr campaign.
& was consequently perfectly familiar WITH
the ennbRrrasanents under which he lad
plabored. They were couversing upon the
gloomy sltuatlon Of affairs. and Inducing
IN those reflections which that situation
would naturally give rise to, whsn there
was q sharp ring at the door bell. The
ssrvaH te6me in and announcsd the PFesi-
dent and Gen. HAlleck. Mcclellan rose
at once and seeing hisI distinguished Visi-
tors in the hall. ushered them into pri-
vats reception room in the rear. After
brief consultation he accompanied them 10
q carriage in waiting, returned 10 the Of
fce and remarked quietly: 1'Wen Sackett.
lam IN command of the Potomac again. %
HIS friend started up in surprise. and ex-
claimed instinctively. az hope. General
you did not accept it without suitable
guarantees r-meaning guarantees against
further interference on the part of the Ex-
ecutive. Mcclellan looked at him with a
peculiarly solemn expression be could
never afterwards forget, and said very
slowly and deliberately "Sir, when the
President OF the United States tells me
with tears in mis- eyes that 1 am the only
man who can take command Of this army
and save the country, 1t is no time TO ask
for guarantees. We will leave for the
front e omorroW morning at daylight.
They did leave at daylight, and the
campaign Of Antietam did save the coun-
trY - tff a -ttA ~ r