Sunday, May 20, 2012

May 21, 1862 (Wednesday): McClellan Burns More Bridges Politically




WASHINGTON, May 21, 1862.
Major-General McCLELLAN:
    I have just been waited on by a large committee, who present a petition signed by twenty-three Senators and eighty-four Representatives, asking me to restore General Hamilton to his division. I wish to do this, and yet I do not wish to be understood as rebuking you.
    Please answer at once.


A. LINCOLN.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 11, Part 3, Page 185.

Hamilton had been removed from command of his division due to insubordination, but McClellan had not informed Lincoln of the cause.  A native of New York state who had fought with distinction in Mexico, Hamilton was living in Wisconsin before the war and had political connections.  McClellan refused to yield on the issue, and Hamilton was sent west and given a series of promotions.  But he incurred the wrath of Grant because of his political intrigues and was relieved from duty. 

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