"It is the Army of the Potomac, I suppose," was the wondering
answer. "So it is called," replied the President, in a tone of
suppressed indignation. "But that is a mistake. It is only
McClellan's bodyguard." On November 5, 1862, McClellan was
relieved from command, and this ended his military career.
There were others almost equally trying. There was General
Fremont, who had been the Republican candidate for President in
1856. At the beginning of the war he was given a command at St.
Louis and charged with the important duty of organizing the
military strength of the northwest, holding the State of Missouri
true to the Union, and leading an expedition down the Mississippi
River. Instead of accomplishing all that had been hoped for, his
pride of opinion and unwillingness to accept help or take advice
from those about him, caused serious embarrassment and made
unending trouble. The President's kindness and gentleness in
dealing with his faults were as marked as they were useless.
There was the long line of commanders who one after the other
tried and failed in the tasks allotted to them, while the country
waited and lost courage, and even Mr. Lincoln's heart sank. His
care and wisdom and sorrow dominated the whole long persistent
struggle. That first sleepless night of his after the battle of
Bull Run was but the beginning of many nights and days through
which he kept unceasing watch.
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