Storm not over yet; snows P. M. . . . News of retreat of
enemy after leaving Manassas. If McClellan pursues vigorously he will thrash or
destroy them. A victory that crushes the Rebellion as a power. It may be a
great annoyance afterwards but nothing more. Vigor, energy now for a few weeks
and the thing is done. He (McClellan) ought not to have allowed them to steal
away from him, but if he now crushes them he redeems it all and becomes the
Nation's idol. I hope he will do it. I do not quite like his views of slavery
if I understand them; but his cautious policy if now followed by energy will be
vindicated by the event.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 213-4
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