PHILADELPHIA, June 30,
1863.
(Received 11.05 a.m.)
His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President of the United States:
SIR: Have been twenty-four hours 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 and leadership, and, unless they can be inspired with hope, we shall
fail to do anything worthy of our State or Government. 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 Pennsylvania, and I am well assured that New
York and New Jersey would also respond to his call with great alacrity. With
his efficiency in organizing men, and the confidence he would inspire, early
and effective relief might be afforded us, and 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, and be
powerless to help either ourselves or the National Government.
After free consultation with trusted friends of the
Administration, I hesitate not to urge that McClellan be called here. He can
render us and you the best service, and in the present crisis no other
consideration should prevail. Without military success we can have no political
success, no matter who commands. In this request I reflect what seems to be an
imperative necessity rather than any preference of my own.
A. K. McCLURE.
SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
27, Part 3 (Serial No. 45), p. 436; The Abraham Lincoln
Papers at the Library of Congress, Washington D. C.
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