The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-10-27

round about and n heavy reserve also
the cavalry and artillery, IN the capital
itself. This, with an elaborate system
OF fortlhcatlons, rendered Washington
secure from attack
either IN front or on the tanks, a con-
dltion at which Mcclellan had been
aiming ever since he took command.
Tho position of Stone at Poolesyille
is especially worthy of note, for 1t was
n portion Of his army which fought
the disastrous battle Of Balls Blum
in the following week II should be
that General N. G.. Evans
Confederate brigade was then near
Leesburg, Va, opposite Poolesville,
Evans had gone there Of his own mo-
tion. but Beauregard granted him per
mission to remain in the hope that
lie might be able to annoy Banks or
possibly separate him entirely from
McClellan's main command. 1t was
portion Of Evans force that defeated
the Federals at Balls Bluff MeClel-
Ian was pushing out accommodating
parties at this time, and small bands
of the Confederates were retiring in
consequence. At one time it was re-
ported that Leesburg had been aban-
doned, but this proved n costly error
A rather interesting point is brought
out in an article by General Joseph
L. Johnston written after the war.
On oct. l consultation was held be-
tween Jefferson Davis and Generals
Johnston, Beauregard and G.. W.
Smith. Says General Johnston:
"In discussing the question Of CIV
ing our army (the Confederate army
Mt Manassas) strength enough to as
sumo the offensive in Maryland, 1t was
proposed to bring to 1t from the south
troops enough to raise it to the required
strength. The president Davis asked
what was that strength. General
Smith thought $4,000 men, General
Beauregard 10000 and l G00o0, all of
us specifying soldiers like those around
us. The president replied that such
re-enforcements could not be furnish
ed. He could give us only as many
recruits as we could arm. This decid-
ed the question"
General Johnston also states that
never had there been a purpose Of
into Maryland and in a let
ter Of that time says, THUS far the
and condition of this army
have at no time justified our assuming
the offensive"
So much for McClellan's nervous
fears of an attack and stories then cur
rent in the north to the effect that the
had 100000 men in the
of Manassas.
Mcclellan Attacks Administration.
Some rather Illuminating side lights
are also furnished in General McClel-
lan's letters at this time. These letters
are all dated early in October. Here
are few characteristic sentences:
81 cannot tell you how disgusted l
am becoming with these wretched pol
iticians."
I'VE shall be ready by tomorrow to
fight a battle there NIunson's hilD if
the enemy should choose to attack,
and l don't think they will care to run
the risk. presume shall have to so
after them when l get ready, but this
getting ready is slow work with such
an administration. wish were well
out of it."
Il am becoming daily more disgust
ed with this nistration-perfectly
sick of it. If l could with honor re-
sign l would quit the whole concern
tomorrow
This has a rather peculiar sound now,
when we know that at the very time
Mcclellan was writing these letters to
his wife abusing the administration it
in turn was preparing to place him in
command of all the armies
IF the United States.
President Lincoln was having his
)wn troubles. The course of events
lad made it imperative that he sup
plant two prominent commanders,
General Winfield Scott, the head Of
he United States army, and General
Fremont, commander in Missouri.
Neither event occurred for two weeks,
1ut both were being considered Dur
ng this very week Secretary of War
Cameron and the adjutant general had |
rome west to hold a consultation with |
Fremont and possibly to discover the
ruth Of the charges against him.
Cameron overlook Fremont at Upton,
No.. on the 18th. after which he re-
urned Immediately to Washington.
AS for General Scott, he had ex-
PRESSED the desire to be relieved as
,arly as August. He was old and un-
.qual to the physical and mental bur-
len Of conducting a great war. Ere
tuent MISUNDERSTANDING with Genera!
Mcclellan. then commanding the lar
rest army in the field and charged |
With the defense Of Washington, |
doubtless intensified his desire to be
ut Of it all
ruH rgy..,z. u7o,.,,ns- co., Gala