WASHINGTON, February 12.
A fierce conflict appears to be raging between various Journals here and in the Northern cities, the question at issue being the actual status of Gen. McClellan’s military power, and whether that status has been recently affected by the Lincoln or Stanton modification. After some inquiry relative to this matter, I am convinced that –
1. Practical and important changes have been made in the superior organizations of the army.
2. Both those who claim that Gen. McClellan has as much real power as he had before Mr. Cameron resigned, and those who say that he has been subjected to any degradation against his own honor and wishes, are equally far from the truth.
3. Two motives influenced the President and Secretary of war in consenting to the changes which have occurred: First, the promotion of Gen. McClellan’s own requests and usefulness; second, the opportunity of entirely satisfying the views of those Northern statesmen now most influential in both branches of Congress.
4. The change, made, being so happily in accordance with the desires of all parties concerned, and one dictated by sound common sense, no occasion is apparent for the exultation, sympathy, or officious comments of any party’s friends or foes.
The fact that a double motive brought about this change is probably the basis of the whole dispute. Some people have been confidentially admitted to a view of the silver side of the shield; others, with equal caution have been shown the golden.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3
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