Diary of Edward Bates, Tuesday March 11, 1862

C.[abinet] C.[ouncil]. Secy. Stanton made a report (the very first thing we have had like a report) of the army, shewing great ignorance, negligence and lack of order and subordination – and reckless extravagance.

This report gives our first appro[a]ch to a knowledge of the number of men in govt employ – almost 700.000!!

The money part of the business has been shamefully managed – Requisitions come, for his signature, from the Q.[uarter] M.[aster] G[eneral]'s office – He signs, not doubting that the Q[uarter] M.[aster] G.[eneral]²² can explain, but, on enquiry, finds that he too knows nothing about it.

The Secy, protested that he will not bear the responsibility, except his general share with the other members of the adm[inistratio]n.

That Genl. McClellan, assuming to be "General in Chief" has caused all reports to be made to him, and he reports nothing – and if he have any plans, keeps them to himself. I think Stanton believes, as I do, that McC.[lellan] has no plans but is fumbling and plunging in confusion and darkness.

I made a short speech, assuming my share of responsibility, which I said was little, considering the nature of my office, and, as heretofore urging the Prest. to take his constitutional position, and command the commanders – to have no "General in Chief" – or if he wd. have one, not allow him to be also a genl. in detail i.e. not command any particular army.²³

The upshot was that McC.[lellan] being in the field, commanding the army of the Potomac, is relieved from being "Genl. in Chief" and all genls. commanding armies, [are ordered] to report directly to the Secy, of War.

__________

²² Montgomery C. Meigs: supra, Dec. 31, 1861, note 68.

²³ See supra, Dec. 31, 1861, note 65; Jan. 10, 1862.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, The Diary of Edward Bates, published in The Annual Report Of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930 Volume 4, p. 239