Abraham Lincoln . Scott, the President called him to Washington toorganize the troops arriving in that city and make preparations for avigorous campaign. He established his headquarters in an elegant mansion and appoint-ed a large staff. His coming, however, did not diminish the troublesexperienced by the President, but increased them. McClellan informed General Scott there were 100,000 Confederatetroops at Manassas, and urged that all available regiments be hurried toWashington regardless of other localities. He wanted a very large sec-tion of the Northern States merged into one department an
Abraham Lincoln . Scott, the President called him to Washington toorganize the troops arriving in that city and make preparations for avigorous campaign. He established his headquarters in an elegant mansion and appoint-ed a large staff. His coming, however, did not diminish the troublesexperienced by the President, but increased them. McClellan informed General Scott there were 100,000 Confederatetroops at Manassas, and urged that all available regiments be hurried toWashington regardless of other localities. He wanted a very large sec-tion of the Northern States merged into one department and placedunder his own control. () He intimated to the President that GeneralScott was remiss in his duties and incompetent to command.() The•venerable heutenant-general could not condescend to reply to a letterwhich he regarded as very offensive and insulting. He asked the Presi-dent to retire him from further service. Mr. Lincoln endeavored to restore amicable relations between the FIRST MONTHS OF THE WAR. 269. GEORCtK B. MoCLBLLAN. two commanders—one old and honored, the other young and inexperi-enced. The President called in person upon the venerable addressed a kind and conciliatory letter to McClellan, who replied,desiring to withdraw the letter he had written reflecting* upon Scott received a second letter from McClellan, which he re-garded as offensive. General McClellan was subordinate to General Scott, but he madeno report of his proceedings. He consulted with members of the Cab-inet, and not with his superior commander. He is, wrote Scott tothe Secretary of War, in frequent conversation with portions of theCabinet on matters pertaining to me. That freedom of access and con-sultation have, very naturally, deluded the junior into a feeUng of indif-ference towards his senior. With such supports on his part, it would 270 LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. be as idle for me as it would be against the dignity of my years to betiling daily complaints aga
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