And then began the search to find the man once more to weld the shattered army into an efficient fighting force.
Abraham Lincoln asked himself this question with a sense of the deepest and most solemn responsibility. He must answer at the bar of his conscience before God and his country. Again he brushed aside every adviser inside and outside his Cabinet and determined on his choice absolutely alone.
Early on the morning of September 2nd John Vaughan looked from the window of General McClellan's house and saw the giant figure of the President approaching, accompanied by Halleck.
When his aide announced this startling fact, the General coolly said:
"It means my arrest, no doubt. I'm ready. Let them come."
The President was not kept waiting this time. His General was there to receive him.
The rugged face was pale and drawn.
"General McClellan," he began without ceremony, "I have come to ask you to take command of all the returning troops for the defense of Washington."
The short, stalwart figure of the General suddenly straightened, his blue eyes flashed with amazement and then softened into a misty expression. He bowed with dignity and quietly said:
"I accept the position, sir."