Original Photographs Taken on the Battlefields during the Civil War of the United States — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Original Photographs Taken on the Battlefields during the Civil War of the United States
John Stuart Mill · en
WHEN Lincoln visited the battlefield of Antietam, he was accompanied by
Allan Pinkerton, chief of the Secret Service, known under the alias of
Major Allen. On the morning of the third of October, 1862, when he was
leaving McClellan's tent to look over the army in camp, he again stood
before one of the war cameras and this rare photograph is the witness.
Comparatively few of this generation have any clear idea of how the real
Lincoln looked as he passed through the heart-rending ordeal from 1861
to 1865. This photograph shows him in his characteristic attitude. At
his right stands Pinkerton, one of the shrewdest detectives that the
world has produced. The officer in uniform is Major John A. McClernand,
who was appointed to command the Army of the West and fought at Fort
Donelson, Shiloh and Vicksburg, but who was in the East at this time.
From Lincoln's visit resulted McClellan's deposal. Never before or since
has such a scene been witnessed in any army as the one when McClellan
took leave of his officers and soldiers. Seated on a magnificent steed,
at the head of his brilliant staff, he rode down the lines, lifting his
cap as the regimental colors fell into salute. Whole regiments dropped
their muskets to cheer their hero. The tears came to McClellan's eyes
and the vast army shook with emotion. As he was boarding the train
troops fired a salute. Impassioned soldiers wildly insisted that he
should not leave them, and uttered bitter imprecations against those who
had deprived them of their beloved commander. It was a moment of fearful
excitement. A word, or a look of encouragement, would have been the
signal for a revolt, the consequences of which no man can measure.
McClellan stepped to the platform of the car. He spoke slowly but
appealingly: "Stand by General Burnside as you have stood by me, and all
will be well!" A calm fell over the soldiers and they bade farewell to
their idolized commander. McClellan, upon reaching Washington, remained
less than an hour and proceeded at once to Trenton. From that time he
never again saw Lincoln, or Stanton, or Halleck.
[Illustration: PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN WHILE LINCOLN WAS PASSING THROUGH CAMP
AT ANTIETAM IN 1862]