December 29, 1861 (Saturday): Johnson & Maynard Frantic, Lincoln Excited

Congressman Horace Maynard

                       HEADQUARTERS,

Washington, D. C., December 29, 1861.

Brig. Gen. D. C. BUELL, Louisville:

   Johnston, Maynard, &c, are again becoming frantic, and have President Lincoln’s sympathy excited.  Political considerations would make it advisable to get the arms and troops in Eastern Tennessee at a very early day; you are, however, the best judge.  Can you tell me about when and in what force you will be in Eastern Tennessee?  Is Schoepf competent?  Do you wish any promotions made from your colonels?  Better get the Eastern Tennessee arms and clothing into position for distribution as soon as possible.  I will write you fully as soon as I am well enough.  Please answer by telegraph.

                                                                      GEO. B. MCCLELLAN,

                                                                                Major-General, U. S. Army

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 7, Part 1, Page 926.

McClellan had contracted typhoid fever during a visit to Fitz-John Porter’s camps.  It was unfortunate timing, as the new Committee on the Conduct of the War was pressing Lincoln on the inaction of the armies.  The Maynard and Johnson referred to are Congressman Horace Maynard and Senator Andrew Johnson, both of Tennessee who were urging a quick advance into Eastern Tennessee.  Maynard, with a reputation both for intellect and lack of manners, had urged General Thomas to move east to no avail in the wake of bridge burnings by Union sympathizers.