Halleck, H. W. (Henry Wager) (1815-1872) to Elizabeth Halleck
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01689 Author/Creator: Halleck, H. W. (Henry Wager) (1815-1872) Place Written: Corinth, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 July 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes his wife a lengthy description of events that led to his appointment as General in Chief of the Union Army. Explains how he avoided quarrels between Edwin Stanton and George McClellan by refusing to mediate when asked to go to Washington, D.C. Finally, Abraham Lincoln ordered him to Washington as General in Chief. The following January, Halleck asked to be relieved from the position (see GLC01688). Part of page three is missing.
Corinth, July 13th 1862
My dear wife
The events of the last two weeks have been truly momentous. The failure of McClellan before Richmond has taken us all [shock] and greatly complicated the events of the war. Two messengers were sent to me one from the President & one from McClellan inviting me to go to Washington, & the President & Sectry of War both telegraphed me to the same effect, but I declined the invitation, knowing that the object was to involve me in the quarrel between Stanton and McClellan. One of the Messengers said I was the only man in the U. States who could reconcile the present difficulties. I replied that if that was the case I was probably the only man in the U.S. who would have nothing to do with these cabinet quarrels and that I would not go to Washington if I could help it! [2] When Co & behold the President issues an order making me Genl-in-chief and ordering me to Washington to assume command of McClellan and all the other generals of the army! In fact; putting me in Genl Scott's place. This is certainly a very high compliment, but I doubt very much whether I shall accept the promotion. I fear it may bring me into conflict with McClellan's friends. Every body who knows me, knows that I have uniformly supported him, and I do not wish to be placed in a false position. Nevertheless, I must obey my orders & shall start for Washington some time next week. I must go to St Louis for my baggage. If this finds you at Utica or Saratoga telegraph me where you are & will be when I come one as I must see you at least for a few hours before I go to Washington.
Dont say any thing about what I have written to you. My staff do not [3] So long as such resolutions stick to the Union I shall be very glad to have them, but the moment they descend to party politics, I will have nothing to do with them.
I have just received a private letter from Genl McClellan about the attempts of abolitionists to create jealousies between us. It is very frank and at the same time very complimentary. I do not think our enemies will succeed in creating any discord between us.
Kisses to yourself & Harry
Yours ever
H.W.H
[4] Yours ever
H.W. Halleck
[docket]
July 13/62
HWH [illegible]
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