His work cut out for him
George McClellan his own spin doctor?
150 years ago yesterday, the U.S. senate confirmed Edwin M. Stanton as Secretary of War to replace Simon Cameron. General McClellan appeared before the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War as part of the administration’s strategy of “popularizing” the army.
From The New-York Times January 16, 1862:
IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON.; The Nomination of Mr. Stanton as Secretary of War Unanimously Confirmed. Mr. Cameron’s Nomination to Russia Held Over for Consideration. Gen. McClellan Before the Joint Committees on the War. His Faith in an Early and Utter Overthrow of the Rebels. A Three-hours’ Statement of His Experience and Policy. … THE ARMY TO BE POPULARIZED….
OUR SPECIAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The Senate in Executive session to-day, unanimously confirmed the nomination of Mr. STANTON as Secretary of War. He will enter upon the discharge of his duties on Saturday.
The President stated to-day that Gen. MCCLELLAN knew nothing of STANTON’s appointment till it was made.
The nomination of Mr. CAMERON as Minister to Russia was not confirmed, but laid over for further consideration. …
It is the purpose of the President and Gen. MCCLELLAN to popularize the army, and challenge the nation’s confidence by adopting salutary improvements in its organization.
Chairman of Joint Committee on Conduct of the War - B.F. Wade
Gen. MCCLELLAN was, to-day, before the Joint Committee on the conduct of the war. For three hours, they listened to a patient and candid account of his operations in the responsible office to which he was so suddenly, and without his knowledge or procurement, summoned by the President and by the nation’s voice. The difficulties of his position; the embarrassments of questions arising; the amount of labor to be done; the ferocity and strength of the rebellion he has to vanquish — were grouped together in a manner so effective, as to win a sympathy from members who had imbibed prejudices against him; and the modest and steady assurance he manifested of an early and utter overthrow of the rebels gave confidence in his capacity and generalship, that had not before existed.
Gen. BUTLER was also before the Committee to-day.
Secretary WELLES sent to the Senate to-day a defence of himself in the matter of charges preferred against him. …
34 star envelope
The snow that fell yesterday has been iced over to-day by a freezing rain, and camp life in Virginia is giving Southern Hotspurs rougher usage than their whole lives have furnished before. …
The Post-office Committee of the Senate will not report favorably the House bill abolishing the franking privilege. They favor reforms, but not the total abolition of the privilege.
The Postmaster-General to-day advertises for the furnishing of stamped envelopes, letter sheets and envelopes combined, and newspaper wrappers, required by his Department for the next four years. Propositions for new devices of stamps are asked for. …
Going to his head?
You can read a description of this image at the Library of Congress.
