On October 1, we left Washington by special train to Harpers Ferry to visit General McClellan at Sharpsburg, Maryland. The president was furious with his commanding general. He had intended for General McClellan to puruse and crush General Lee's army. Instead, McClellan's army was still in Sharpsburg, weeks after the September 17th battle.
Our train, carrying Gen. McClernand, Capt. Wright Rives, Ozias M. Hatch, John W. Garrett (president of B. & O. Railroad) arrived in Harper's Ferry at noon. General McClellan arrived and reviewed the troops stationed at Bolivar Heights with Mr. Lincoln. Prior to spending the night in Harper's Ferry, Mr. Lincoln asked me to send a telegram to his wife. I carried it to the telegraph office in the lower town. The message was as follows: "General McClellan and myself are to be photographed by Mr. Gardner if we can be still long enough. I feel General McClellan will have no trouble at his end but I may sway in the breeze a bit."
Upon reaching Sharpsburg, President Lincoln was indeed the subject of several photographs. I myself was in one photograph sitting on a chair in a group setting.
Mr. Lincoln complained to General McClellan for his lack of action. The general had a whole list of excuses as to why his men were still in Shaprsburg.
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