November 13, 1861 – President Abraham Lincoln called upon new General-in-Chief George B. McClellan, who refused to see him. This symbolized the evolving relationship between Lincoln and McClellan.
Federal Major General George B. McClellan | Image Credit: Histmag.org
Federal Major General George B. McClellan | Image Credit: Histmag.org
With Winfield Scott retired, McClellan now commanded all Federal armies while continuing to directly command the Army of the Potomac. Despite the slight embarrassment at Munson’s Hill and the defeat at Ball’s Bluff, McClellan still enjoyed immense popularity among northerners and his troops. This was exemplified by an enormous torchlight parade observed by Lincoln, in which participants honored McClellan as the savior of the Union.
Over the past few months, Lincoln had made a habit of occasionally dropping by McClellan’s home to discuss military strategy. For Lincoln, McClellan sometimes waived the social and military custom of requiring a prior appointment. On other occasions, Lincoln had called on McClellan only to be turned away for various reasons.
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