MARCH 5, 1862:
W.C.
Dodge writes to Ignatius Donnelly regarding the possible removal of General
McClellan from command:
“Washington March
5/62
Hon I. Donnelly
My Dear Sir,
We are again in the midst of an intense
excitement, and on the eve of stirring events!
Probably before this reaches you, the telegraph will have flashed the
results – in part at least.
On Saturday a very exciting and stormy Cabinet
meeting was held, at which were present members of the House and Senate, and
who, with three members of the cabinet – Stanton, Chase and Smith insisted on
McClellans removal! At least in private
circles it is so reported and believed here.
It is also asserted that the President went to McClellan and told him,
in substance as follows, – Sir, I will give you one week in which to take
Manassas – and if it is not taken in this time, or a satisfactory reason given,
I will remove you and appoint a man who will take it!
So at last, thank God, the people, acting thru
their representatives, have triumphed, and brought to bear an influence that
the cabinet, army officers, contractors, and sympathizers with the rebels
combined, cannot withstand! This is the
greatest victory of all – and ensures others on the battlefield. […]“
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