George B. McClellan
George B. McClellan
George Brinton McClellanwas an American soldier, civil engineer, railroad executive, and politician. A graduate of West Point, McClellan served with distinction during the Mexican-American War, and later left the Army to work in railroads until the outbreak of the American Civil War. Early in the war, McClellan was appointed to the rank of major general and played an important role in raising a well-trained and organized army, which would become the Army of the Potomac; he served a brief periodas...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSoldier
Date of Birth3 December 1826
CountryUnited States of America
When this sad war is over we will all return to our homes, and feel that we can ask no higher honor than the proud consciousness that we belonged to the Army of the Potomac.
Stand by General Burnside as you have stood by me and all will be well.
By some strange operation of magic I seem to have become the power of the land.
Here is a paper with which, if I cannot whip Bobbie Lee, I will be willing to go home!
The Union, which can alone insure internal peace, and external security to each State, Must and Shall be Preserved, cost what it may in time, treasure, and blood.
The President is no more than a well-meaning baboon. I went to the White House directly after tea, where I found "The Original Gorilla", about as intelligent as ever. What a specimen to be at the head of our affairs now.
It is not given to our weak intellects to understand the steps of Providence as they occur: we comprehend them only as we look back upon them in the far-distant past.
The moment for action has arrived, and I know that I can trust in you to save our country.
All quiet along the Potomac.
As far as military necessity will permit, religiously respect the constitutional rights of all.
I find myself in a new and strange position here: President, cabinet, Gen. Scott, and all deferring to me. By some strange operation of magic I seem to have become the power of the land.
I will not move my army until I am absolutely ready.
Conscious of my own weakness, I can only seek fervently the guidance of the Ruler of the Universe, and, relying on His all-powerful aid, do my best to restore Union and peace to a suffering people, and to establish and guard their liberties and rights.