The National tribune., 1907-10-24

our own, as attested by the thousands
OF dead and wounded left on every field,
whlie his subsequent inaction shows in
what condition the survivors reached
the protection to which they fled"
Jefferson Davis proclaimed a day of
genera! thanksgiving for the people Of
Richmond, aitho the Army of the Po-
tomac. at Harrison's Bar. was a far
more dangerous menace to the Confed-
crate Capital than it had been when
astride the Chickahominy.
Mcclellan on the Gunboat.
There was much acrimonious and un-
just criticism of Gen. Mcclellan for hay-
lng. been on gunbOat during the fight
McClellan's bitter enemies tried to make
1t appear that this had in it susgcs-
ton of cowardice, a most uniu t ,spcr-
s;or. 1t mcy be said as to Mcclellan
ina fe had a full share of soldierly
courage. and manifested personal in
tre2idity of a nigh order on many occa-
sions His trouble was not of that ma
turc. but of indecision and of a moral
timidity in taking responsibilities
lack OF the aggressiveness which the
commander of great army should dis
play. Undoubtedly he went on board the
Gaiena because he was absolutely worn
out by the excitements and heavy re-
spoasihiifties of the seven momentous
days, and physical rest was absolutely
needed. AS soon as the firing rose to
a heavy roar, which Indicated the Sc
verify of the engagement, Mcclellan
and Franklin went ashore, going in the
direction of the firing. There they
found Porter, who assured Mcclellan
hat ne vas taking care of things in his
front very satisfactorily, and that he
(McClellan) had better go to the ex-
-reme right, where there were grave
of danger. Mcclellan did
20. That the right was not heavily at
acked was no proper reproach to Nc
rleilan.
COngratulatory Order.
Gen. Mcclellan thought that the Ma
ional anniversary was a fitting oeca-
ion to issue the following congratulate
ory order TO his troops:
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
amp near Harrison's Landing, Va,
uly 4. 1852
Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac:
Your achievements of the last 10
ays have illustrated the valor and en-
urance of the American soldier At
acked by vastly superior forces. and
'ithout hope of reinforcements, YOU
ave succeeded in changing your base
operations by a flank movement. al
rays regarded as the most hazardous
military expedients. You have saved
II your material, all your trains and
II Your guns except a few lost in bat
e, taking in return guns and colors
rom the enemy. Upon your march
ou have been assailed day after day
'itn desperate fury by men of the same
ace and Nation, skilfully massed and
ID, and under every disadvantage of
umbers, and necessarily of position
lso. you have in every conflict beaten
ack your foes with enormous slaugh-
r.
Your conduct ranks you among the
elebrated armies of history No one
Ill now question that each of you may
ways say with pride, I belonged to
lie Army of the Potomac
You have reached this new base
'mplete in organization and unimpair-
in spirit. The enemy may at any
oment attack You. We are prepared
receive them. 1 have personally es-
bllshed your lines. Let them come,
Id we will convert their repulse into
final defeat. Your Government is
YOU with the resources
great people.
"On this our Nations birthday, We
clare to our foes, who are rebels
ainst the best interests of mankind,
at this army shall enter the Capital
their so-called Confederacy. that our
ltioEal Constitution shall prevail, and
at the Union, which can alone insure
-ernal peace and external security to
ch State, must and shall be preserved,
st what it may in time, treasure and
,od.
gorge 3. Mcclellan, Major-General,
Commanding
ITO he continued)