January 21, 1862 (Monday): By Whose Authority?

Senator Benjamin Wade of Ohio

COMMITTEE ROOM, &c.,

Washington, January 21, 1862.

Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,

                    Secretary of War:

   SIR:  I am instructed by the joint committee upon the present war to inquire of you whether there is such an office as commander-in-chief of the Army of the United States, or any grade above that of major-general.  If so, by what authority is it created?  Does it exist by virtue of any law of Congress, or any usage of the Government?

    Please give the information asked for at your convenience.

         I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                            B. F. WADE,

                                                                    Chairman, &c.

Official Records, Series III., Vol. 1, Part 1, Page 804.

With each passing day the war was becoming more politicized.  The Committee on the Conduct of the War was driven by radical Republicans who had a profound distaste for the Democrat McClellan.  They found him timid and believed also he and his commanders were too easy in relations with Southerners in areas occupied by the Army.  Meeting with the Committee in a few days, McClellan would leave believing (or at least telling associates) the meeting had gone well.  But as seen here, the Committee was already sharpening its knives.