Gen. McClellan

One of the strongest supporters that Gen. McClellan has had since being placed in command of the American forces, has been the Cincinnati Commercial.  It has defended him in every position; through his long and tedious tarry on the Potomac, it has stood at his side and repelled every charge for inaction preferred against him.  It is not without surprise that we observe the following paragraph in the last number of its issue:–

It is consoling to learn that one of the divisions of the army of the Potomac was reviewed near Fairfax Seminary, in sight of Washington, yesterday by Gens. McClellan and McDowell.  We were informed some day since that Gen. McClellan, with a very formidable army, had actually departed for “the decisive battle field.”  It seems he is still on the old stamping ground.  His actions certainly do appear “strange.”  There may have been generalship in the movement to Manassas, and the subsequent delay, but we confess we do not see it.  The country is waiting impatiently for the redemption of the promise made in Gen. McClellan’s proclamation.  We hope there are sufficient reasons for the unexpected and unaccountable procrastination which is regarded with so much distrust.  Gen. McClellan says the army is magnificent and competent.  The fault must then be elsewhere.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 1, 1862, p. 2