Gen. McClellan’s troops were, furthermore, of the opinion that his plans had been interfered with by the Washington authorities, and promised reinforcements withheld at the very moment he most needed them. Finally, they believed that he could lead them to victory.
When we speak of this enthusiasm for General McClellan, we do not, however, imply that it was universal. Not only Burnside, but his whole Ninth Army Corps, began to question his military capacity, when he failed to “push the enemy to the wall,” on the day succeeding the battle of Antietam. The troops who had previously been attached to the Department of Virginia proper, as well as the new levies, were to a certain extent indifferent as to who might be their leader.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Gen. McClellan’s Departure.—Gen. Burnside’s Address.—March to Fredericksburg.—Reasons for choosing this Route.—Randolph Estate.—Failure of the Pontoons to Arrive.—Stafford Court House.—The Thirty-third preparing Winter Quarters.—Scouting Parties.—The Ashby Family.
Gen. McClellan took his departure for Washington on a special train from Warrenton, Tuesday noon, and Gen. Burnside assumed command, after issuing the following address:
“In accordance with General Orders No. 182, issued by the President of the United States, I hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac. Patriotism and the exercise of my every energy in the direction of this army, aided by the full and hearty co-operation of its officers and men, will, I hope, under the blessing of God, ensure its success.
“Having been a sharer of the privations, and a witness of the bravery of the old Army of the Potomac in the Maryland campaign, and fully identified with them in their feelings of respect and esteem for Gen. McClellan, entertained through a long and most friendly association with him, I feel that it is not as a stranger that I assume command.
“To the Ninth Army Corps, so long and intimately associated with me, I need say nothing. Our histories are identical.
“With diffidence for myself, but with a proud confidence in the unswerving loyalty and determination of the gallant army now entrusted to my care, I accept its control, with the steadfast assurance that the just cause must prevail.