Year: 1863




Pursuant to announcement, the deputatlon
Of citizens of Washington charged with the
dutv OF presenting to Major General MeCel-
Ian copv of mplimentary resolutions adopt
Cd by the Common Council of thai city waited
unon that officer, at his residence IN New
York, and formally made the presentation.


General Mcclellan stated that 1t was with
unusual pride and satisfaction that he received
this token Of the confidence and esteem OF the
Common Council and citizens Of Washington,
not onlv because it is Capital of the nation,
but because its people were the first thrown
into the path this civil war and the tlrst to en-,
counter its dangers Had your people (sald
he) not been loyal, then our Capital Would
have been gone forever. History would 90
chem Justice for their noble conduct IN that
crisis of the country. But he hoped no neces-
sty would ever arise to question the loyalty OF
the people of Washington. Their fidelity to
the Union was too well known to permit any
one to doubt it for an instant. 1t was true
shat he General McClellan) had once found
Washington threatened by armed Rebels and
in danger Of being captured


He took very little credit to himself, SO far
as related to the saving of the National Cap
ital from destruction. Whatever was done at
that time was due to the noble army which he
had the honor to command. TO them it was
due, and he knew they would feel themselves
we'll rewarded IL knowing that those who were
most interested In saving " ashlngton from
the enemy were satisfied with their conduct. lie
felt doubly honored that SO many respectable
citizens of Washington had taken the trouble
TO come such a long distance for the purpose
of presenting him with such a complimentary
testimonial and he begged them to receive his
most heartfelt thanks, and also to convey to
the people Of Washington the assurance OF his
appreciation Of this token Of their esteem and
conhdnce. In conclusion, he hoped that the
fortunes Of war would never again make it ne
cessary that he should be called to the detences
OF " ashlngton against the assaults OF an IN
vadlug army, either foreign or domestic.


The short speech Of the General was listened
TO with the protoundest attention, and not un-
til be concluded the last syllable did his au-
dence indulge in the slig ghtest demonstration OF
applause.


A general conversation next followed. The
General inspected the magnihcently framed
copy Of the resolution, and expressed himself
highly pleased and gratihed. Wine next
came, and for an halt hour Or more deputatlon
indulged in the most agreeable festivities,
drinking the health Of General Mcclellan, per-
petulty of the Union, and success to the army
Of the Potomac. General Mcclellan and
General Porter were asked many questions rel
ative to the state of the country, and replied
with the utmost frankness.


Some one asked if there was any doubt
about the death Of "Stonewall Jackson. =
General Mcclellan replied tuat he thought not
and expressed himself much grieved at the
event. mo ont, said he can help admiring
man like Jackson. He was sincere, and
true AMI valiant Yet no one has disappoint-
ed me more that he has jackson was one Of
my classmates, and at college never promised
to be the man he has proved himself. He was
always very slow, and acquired lesson only