No surprise here. A Seneca County newspaper that was strongly oriented in favor of the Democratic Party is unhappy with President Lincoln and his administration for the removal of George McClellan as commander of the Army of the Potomac. This editorial realizes that the timing of the change of command shortly after the November 4, 1862 elections in many states (including New York – the biggest) was politically motivated. The newspaper foresees another sanguinary battle in the near future and prays that God will spare the Northern army from disaster and defeat.
From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1862:
same idea disastrous 3 months ago
The Removal of Gen. McClellan.
The last crowning act of perfidy on the part of the President, and his intriguing, treasonable Abolition advisers, is the removal of the brave and gifted MCCLELLAN, from the command of the Army of the Potomac. No event since the inauguration of ABRAHAM LINCOLN has caused more indignation and alarm. The manner of his removal is unworthy of a great occasion like the present, and unworthy of the President of the United States, but, withal, characteristic of the present weak and vascillating incumbent of that once high and honorable office. The result of the late elections, may have had, and doubtless did have, much to do with Gen. MCCLELLAN’s removal. It was demanded by the Abolitionists of the country, and agreed upon soon after the October elections, but delayed until the present time, lest it should injure the chances of the candidates placed in nomination by the Republican party. The enemies of Gen. MCCLELLAN may rejoice at the triumph which they have temporarily achieved over the gallant Chieftain, but the thousands throughout the loyal North, who have sons and brothers in the Army of the Potomac, will bow their heads in sorrow in view of the awful responsibility which the President assumed in his removal. Thousands and tens of thousands of the bravest and best in the land have been wickedly slaughtered to appease the infernal spirit of Abolitionism. MCCLELLAN was once before stripped of his command, and POPE placed in his stead. We all know the terrible result. And now, when the army is about to engage the enemy in another and sanguinary conflict, and when the plans of the General in command are matured for a brilliant victory, he is again disgraced and removed from his high office. May God spare the Army from disaster and defeat in the coming conflict.
When the history of this war shall have been written, it will be found that the intrigues and machinations against MCCLELLAN, in the cabinet and out, are more damnable and disgraceful than any that ever characterized the annals of civilization. – That he will survive the calumnies of his enemies, we do not for a moment doubt. – His day is coming, as sure as the sun rises and sets in the heavens. The day of retribution will not long be delayed. Then his accusers, from the President down, will be brought to an account before the bar of an outraged and indignant People.
