McClellan, George Brinton (1826-1885) to William Dennison
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02902 Author/Creator: McClellan, George Brinton (1826-1885) Place Written: Grafton, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 June 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
McClellan, Major General of the Ohio Volunteers updates Dennison, Governor of Ohio, on the condition of troops, supplies, and other military matters. Reports that upon receipt of a previous letter from Dennison, "I at once [struck: write] telegraphed the [Secty] of War asking for a commission in Carrington's Regt for your son." Relates his initial trouble with organizing wagons, rations, and troops. Reports that the soldiers are in good spirits, and most difficulties have been resolved. Mentions assuring [General Chase?] that no misunderstanding existed between them. Possibly referring to a disagreement with Simon Bolivar Buckner, states "In regard to the Buckner letter I have the statement (by telegraph) of Gill present at the Chicago interview, & Douglas at the Cairo meeting- both supporting my view & upsetting Buckners. I have taken steps to prevent any harm from being done in Washington & shall probably be contented to let the matter rest there & trust to the future to convince people that I am not quite such an ass as B. would make me out to be." Requests that Dennison inform him when more state cavalry are ready for service. Send his regards to General Carrington (possibly Henry Beebee Carrington).
Buckner was instrumental in building up the state guard of Kentucky. Initially supporting Kentucky's neutrality in the Civil War, he eventually turned to the Confederacy and was commissioned as a brigadier general in the Confederate army. General Carrington was noted for organizing Ohio militia regiments during the Civil War. Simon Cameron served as Secretary of War 1861-1862.
[excerpt]
On receipt of your telegram I at once telegraphed to Secty of War [Simon Cameron] asking for a commission in Carrington's Regt for your son.
I have had some trouble about delays in getting up wagons & rations - railroads got mixed up - everything [raw?] - no officers etc - things are straightening out now, & I hope to make the first dock tonight. Ohio troops in excellent spirits - some deficiencies in tents & canteens - hope to make them good today.
It is difficult to ascertain truth about the enemy - they may be in large force - [2]
I wrote to Gov Chase a day or two ago assuring him that there had been no misunderstanding between us - as I inferred he thought there had been from a letter sent by [Greeley ?] - stating that you had worked hard for the troops etc etc -
In regard to the Buckner letter - I have the statement (by telegraph) of Gill present at the Chicago interview, & Douglas at the Cairo meeting - both supporting my view & upsetting Buckners. I have taken steps to prevent any harm from being done in Washington & shall probably be contented to let the matter rest there & trust to the future to convince people that I am not quite such an ass as B. would make me out to be.
Please let me know when you have any more state cavalry ready for service - I shall need more of it, & would prefer it to the other states ...
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