President Lincoln and a military advisor boarded the ship U.S.S. Ariel to visit General George McClellan and his men. They docked at Harrison's Landing, Virginia. McClellan has just completed the Peninsula Campaign which in the president's mind had been a complete failure.
Mr. Lincoln said the trip was to elevate the president's spirits and in turn, hopefully also raise the spirits of the soldiers in the Union Army. A three hour troop review was received boisterously by the men in blue. He also met with General Ambrose Burnside for dinner aboard the steamer "Alice Price".
Following the three day trip, the president returned to Washington City. Upon his return to the capital, the president named General Henry Halleck General in Chief. It was a position General McClellan had vigorously sought.
Mr. Lincoln met with representatives of the Border States and suggested they consider a release of their slaves upon the government paying them compensation for their loss of property. He also signed legislation creating a national award of valor to be known as the Congressional Medal of Honor.
No comments:
Post a Comment