The hills
were dotted with tents, and the officers and men were discontented and
almost in a state of mutiny. The demand for the restoration of
McClellan was almost universal. There can be no doubt that he was then
adored by the troops. In six months that feeling had given place to a
feeling of indifference or positive distrust as to his capacity of
integrity of purpose.
During the preceding week, I had made many attempts to secure an
interview with the President in regard to the appointment of collectors
and assessors, as they were to commence their duties under the law
September 1. Finally he gave me Sunday at 11 o'clock. He canvassed
the papers and considered the merits of the candidates with as much
coolness and care apparently, as he would have exhibited in a condition
of profound peace. When the business was ended, he asked me what I
thought about the command of the army. I said unhesitatingly that the
restoration of McClellan seemed the only safe policy. I had seen and
heard so much, that I was apprehensive of serious trouble in the army
if he should again be superseded. I then said that emancipation
seemed the only way out of our troubles. He said in reply:
"Must we not wait for something that looks like a victory? Would not
a proclamation now appear as _brutum fulmen?"_--the only Latin I ever
heard from the President.
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