Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-11-04
The Death Of Gen. Mcclellan.
HIS CAREER AS SOLDIER AND CITIzEN-UNI-
i vERsAL REGRET AT HIS DEATH
Especial to the Baltimore Sun

Especial to the Baltimore Sun
NEW YORK, October 29.-The sudden
death of Gen. George B Mcclellan caused
the deepest sorrow in this city among all
classes of citizens, but especially among the
of that splendid army which the dead
commander organized, and which it was
the good fortune of Gen. Grant two years
later to lead to vic DRY. Flags are flying
at half-mast from all the public buildings
and there will be a universal manifestation
of respect to the memory of the dead. Gen
Mcclellan, though nominally a citi
zen of New Jersey, lived during severa
months of the year at West Washington
Park, aud this city was accustomed tC
claim him among its citizens. For two
ye ars indeed he was chief engineer of the
dock department here aud devised a system
of docks which, though costly, would have
been a splendid acquisition to the city il
the plan had been contaminated. The Gen.
was familiar figure on our streets and was
in universal demand at all public ceremon-
les, banquets and meetings. The bitterness
that was engendered by the events of his
military career were removed by time, and
the General lived to see his patriotism vim
dicated, and his great services to his country
generally acknowledged. Steps will be
lie and other military, as well as civil or
ganisations, to participate in his funeral
services. One by one the heroes of the
great war are dropping from the ranks OF
the living. Gen. Grant has scarcely been
laid at rest and his monument has not yet
been reared, and his distinguished predeces-
sor, the hero of Antietam, dies. That he
will rank in military history as one of the
very first generals there can scarcely be a
doubt. His public career really ended with
his defeat TOR the presidency, in 1864, but
he served with credit one term as Governor
of New Jersey from 1878 to 1881. In
Orange, N. j., where he resided during
most of the year he was highly esteemed
by his neighbors. Last May he celebrated
in this city his silver wedding. Gen. Nc.
Clellan was president of the Grand Belt
Copper Company, No. AZ Broadway, which
be visited for the last time about two weeks
ago. Complaining of dyspepsia, he discon.
tinued smoking, which he thought caused
the trouble, aud concluded to take rest
He intended to have returned to the Office
Yesterday, but concluded not to do SO, and
on Tuesday sent telegram stating that he
would not be in town for three or four days
yet 1t is evident that he had no idea thai
his end was SO near. Those who have seer
him at Orange within a day or two speak
of him as looking badly but cheerful, anG
by no means seriously ill.
Rev. DR.. Paxton, of this city warm
personal friend of Gen. Mcclellan, made a
most interesting statement to-day in review
of the dead soldiers life. He says that
since the war Mcclellan led happy and
prosperous life. He had an ample income,
his salary from the copper company being
SIS, 900 year yet he said to DR.. Paxton
not long ago that an evil genius seemed tC
have baked his best efforts. 1t appeared
throughout his army career and in one in
cident of his later life. Mcclellan worked
for five years collecting almost priceless ma.
terial for a history of his military career.
This material he left in storage warehouse
on a departure for foreign trip, and it was
destroyed by fire. He never had the heart
to begin again the work of reconstructing
his memoirs. His home life was perfect
picture of domestic happiness. He always
felt that his military career had been mis-
judged, but that lid not sour him. As
commander in-chief, Mcclellan had no
thought for future political preferment.-
He did not fight with one hand on his sword
and the ether outstretched to the people for
votes. Gen. Mcclellan was the victim of
circumstances. He shared the fate of most
pioneers. Others reaped the fruits of Nc
Clellan's successes and mistakes. His or
ganisation of the Army of the Po- omac
made possible its victories under Grant,
He always had high opinion of the sim
cerity and ability of President Lincoln, and
the latter's opposition to his plans was due
to the intense partisan influence of STAN
ton.