Sunday, April 27, 2014

Alexander K. McClure to Abraham Lincoln, June 30, 1863

Time 11 05 AM
United States Military Telegraph,
War Department,
Washington, D. C., June 30 1863

Philadelphia June 30

President Lincoln

Have been twenty four hours from home Hoping to hasten the organization of troops It seems impossible to do so to an extent at all commensurate with the emergency Our people are paralyzed for want of confidence & leadership & unless they can be inspired with hope we shall fail to do anything worthy of our State or Govt I am fully persuaded that to call McClellan to a command here would be the best thing that could be done He could rally troops from Penna & I am well assured that New York & New Jersey would also respond to his call with great alacrity with his efficiency in organizing men & the confidence he would inspire early & effectual relief might be afforded us & great service rendered to the Army of the Potomac Unless we are in some way rescued from the hopelessness now prevailing we shall have practically an inefficient conscription & be powerless to help either ourselves or the National Govt After free consultation with trusted friends of the Administration I hesitate not to urge that McClellan be called here – He can render us & you the best service & in the present crisis no other considerations should prevail without military success we can have no [political] success no matter who command In this request I reflect what seems to be an imperative necessity rather than any preference of my own

A K McClure

No comments: