official Records of the Rebellion

Official Records of the Rebellion: Volume Eleven, Chapter 23, Part 3: Peninsular Campaign: Letters

The Document

WASHINGTON, August 10, 1861.

His Excellency the PRESIDENT:

Sir: The letter addressed by me under date of the 8th instant to Lieutenant-General Scott, commanding the U. S. Army, was designed to be a plain and respectful expression of my views of the measures demanded for the safety of the Government in the imminent peril that besets it at the present hour. Every moment’s reflection and every fact transpiring convinced me of the urgent necessity of the measuresthere indicated, and I felt it my duty to him and to the country to communicate them frankly. It is therefore with great pain that I have learned from you this morning that my views do not meet with the approbation of the Lieutenant-General, and that my letter is unfavorably regarded by him.

The command with which I am in trusted was not sought by me, and has only been accepted from an earnest and humble desire to serve my country in the moment of the most extreme peril. With these views I am willing to do and suffer whatever may be required for that service. Nothing could be further from my wishes than to seek any command or urge any measures not required for the exigency of the occasion, and, above all, I would abstain from any conduct that could give offense to General Scott or embarrass the President or any department of the Government. Influenced by these considerations, I yield to your request and withdraw the letter referred to.

The Government and my superior officer being apprised of what I consider to be necessary and proper for the defense of the national capital, I shall strive faithfully and zealously to employ the means that may be placed in my power for that purpose, dismissing every personal feeling or consideration, and praying only the blessing of Divine Providence on my efforts.

I will only add that as you requested my authority to withdraw the letter, that authority is hereby given, with the most profound assurance for General Scott and yourself.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN.

See Also

Books on the Napoleonic Wars | Subject Index: Napoleonic Wars | Napoleonic Homepage

How to cite this article

Official Records of the Rebellion: Volume Eleven, Chapter 23, Part 3: Peninsular Campaign: Letters, pp. 6-7

web page Rickard, J (20 June 2006), http://www.historyofwar.org/sources/acw/officialrecords/vol011chap023part3/0003.html


Help - F.A.Q. - Contact Us - Search - Recent - About Us - Privacy