The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-11-18
LEE AND MCCLELLAN.
An Old Soldiers "Reminiscences Touching
the Early History of the Rebellion.
special to the Globe Democrat.

Special to the Globe Democrat.
washington, Nov. 9.-An old army officer,
giving his "reminiscences in the SUNDAY Her
aid. says: After Colonel Robert L. Lee
declined the command OF the army
that was being raised 10 put
down the Confederacy, General Scott
was extremely anxious about its
commander. He felt that he was too old to
take the field himself, and that some one
should be placed in command who would be
able to mobilize the newly raised forces of
volunteers at once, and fit them for service.
General Scott was much grieved at Colonel
Lees declination. Indeed, it must have
been great temptation. Lee was in his
prime. and was regarded by all who
knew him as the ablest officer of
his age in the service. After much
consideration and consultation, General
Scott asked the venerable +. =. Blair. ST., TO
visit Colonel Lee and say 10 him that as he
General Scott was too oid and feeble TO
take the field in person, if Lee would accept
the position, he would recommend that he
be made general officer and given the high
est position open in the nited States
Army. At one step, therefore, he
could have attained the summit OF
say that since Christ stood upon the noun
tain no human being had ever undergone
more trying ordeal or met it with higher
spirit of heroic sacrifice than did Robert
Lee IL he succeeded coEqueror's crown
awaited him, and, win or lose, he would have
been the foremost man of a mighty Nation"
Ibid Mr.. Lincoln know OF General SCOTS
offer?'' was asked.
''He must have known and approved it,"
was the reply, ''for General Scott would
never have made it without the consent of
the highest authority. Very early-it must
have been day or two after the proclama-
ton calling out $4,000 men-a delegation OF
of that state in behalf of General Mcclellan.
The First Regiment OF Ohio Volunteers
had just been accepted, and it was neces-
sary to- commission some general Off
GERS. These gentlemen were large stock
owners in The line OF railway from Cincin-
natl to St. Louis, of which Mcclellan was
President They told the GOVERNOR think
it was Dennison, but ] am not sure-about
the ex-captain Of cavalry, of his capacity
and ability in organization. He is just the
man you need, they said, as they concluded,
and so effective was their presentation OF his
case that they took back TO Cincinnati George
Il. McClCllaD's commission as u Major Cen
eral of Ohio troops. General Scott had lost
sight of Mcclellan after he had LETT the
army but his success in West Virginia
called to the venerable General-in-Chief his
former engineer aid-de-camp.
zone hot July afternoon-I do not know
the date, but ] remember the incidents per-
fectly-General Scott went over to see the
President. He seemed very pale and feeble
as be left his Office. MIR. President, he said.
If the army which we are gathering here is
to do anything, it must have a man at its
head capable of quick, effective organ
ration. have gone over the army
list very thoroughly, and while there
are many able men left, there is
no one Of whom | can recommend tor the
place. / have thought anxiousy over the
matter, and | recommend that General Me
Clellan he ordered here to undertake this
work After consultation with the Secre-
tary of War; Mr.. Cameron. who knew moth
ing of military matters, but wished to do
what was best, the President wrote 6 dis
patch directing the young 0hioan, who was
then Major General, to come to Washing
ton at once. The rest is history"