***Correction11-16-2011: According to this report at the Richmond Daily Dispatch the torchlit parade by Blenker’s division occurred on November 11, 1861. Sorry about that.
Could use a sword, along with 'forbearance, patience and confidence'
President Lincoln has recently promoted George B. McClellan, a native Philadelphian, to general-in -chief of all the Union armies. McClellan also retains direct command of the Army of the Potomac.
From The New-York Times November 4, 1861:
SPEECH OF GEN. McCLELLAN.; Presentation of a Sword by the City Councils of Philadelphia. Gen. McClellan Thinks the War will be Short.
WASHINGTON, Sunday, Nov. 3.
The following is the speech of Major-Gen. McCLELLAN, on the presentation of the sword yesterday by the Committee of the City Councils of Philadelphia:
I ask you, Sir, to give my warmest and deep thanks to the honorable body you represent for this entirely unmerited compliment. I could thank you better if I thought that I deserved it, but I do not feel that I do. Nothing that I have yet accomplished would warrant this high compliment. It is for the future to determine whether I shall realize the expectations and hopes that have been centred in me. I trust and feel that the day is not far distant when I shall return to the place dearest of all others to me, there to spend the balance of my life among the people from whom I have received this beautiful gift. The war cannot be long. It may be desperate. I ask in the future forbearance, patience and confidence. With these we can accomplish all, and while I know that, ‘in the great drama which may have our hearts’-blood, Pennsylvania will not play the least, I trust that, on the other hand, she will play the highest and noblest part.
I again thank you, and again ask you to convey to the councils my most sincere thanks for the sword Say to them that it will be my ambition to deserve it hereafter. I know I do not, now.
The company loudly applauded these sentiments after which the members of the Committee were introduced to Gen. MCCLELLAN, who introduced them to the officers of his staff.
The sword was admired by all, and pronounced to be a magnificent weapon.
This article reminds me of President Obama’s remarks upon winning the Nobel Peace Prize less than eight months into his presidency. General McClellan’s words seem pretty humble.
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In another apparent celebration of promise and potential it is said that 150 years ago tonight there was a celebration in front of McClellan’s Washington, D.C. house. From The Library of Congress description of the image:
“Caption typed on mat: Torchlight parade by General Blenker’s Division in honor of General McClellan’s promotion to Commander-in-chief of the Army, Washington, D.C., Nov. 3, 1861.”
Parade for a promotion
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