The country is very desponding and much disheartened. There
is a perceptibly growing distrust of the Administration and of its ability and
power to conduct the war. Military doubts were whispered on the Peninsula by
McClellan's favorites before his recall, and when he was reinstated public
confidence in the Administration throughout the country was impaired. Citizens
and military, though from different causes, were distrustful. It is evident,
however, that the reinstatement of McC. has inspired strength, vigor, and hope
in the army. Officers and soldiers appear to be united in his favor and willing
to follow his lead. It has now been almost a week since he left Washington, yet
he has not overtaken the enemy, who are not distant. There is doubt whether he is
thirty miles from Washington. Perhaps he ought not to be, until he has gathered
up and massed the dispersed elements of his command. I shall not criticize in
ignorance, but insist it is the duty of all to sustain him. I am not without
hopes that his late experience and the strong pressure of public opinion will
overcome his hesitancy and rouse him to thorough work. He is never rash. I fear
he is not a fighting general. Stanton is cross and grouty. A victory for
McClellan will bring no joy to him, though it would gladden the whole country.
Rev. Dr. Patton of Chicago, chairman of a committee
appointed in northern Illinois, desired an introduction with his associates to
the President, to advise with him on the subject of slavery and emancipation.
The President assented cheerfully.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30, 1864,
p. 129-30
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