Mrs. Lincoln Visits with Former General-in-Chief Winfield Scott

November 2, 1862

A quiet day at the White House as Mrs. Lincoln is in New York visiting with former General-in-Chief Winfield Scott.  Much of the North prepares for elections on Tuesday and President Lincoln prepares to replace General George B. McClellan, commander of the Army of the Potomac.  Mrs. Lincoln writes to complain that she has not heard from her husband:

I have waited in vain to hear from you, yet as you are not given to letter writing, will be charitable enough to impute your silence, to the right cause. Strangers come up from W– & tell me you are well — which satisfies me very much– Your name is on every lip and many prayers and good wishes are hourly sent up, for your welfare — and McClellan & his slowness are as vehemently discussed. Allowing this beautiful weather, to pass away, is disheartening the North–

Dear little Taddie is well & enjoying himself very much– Gen & Mrs Anderson & myself called on yesterday to see Gen Scott–4 He looks well, although complaining of Rheumatism– A day or two since, I had one of my severe attacks, if it had not been for Lizzie Keckley, I do not know what I should have done– Some of these periods, will launch me away– All the distinguished in the land, have tried how polite & attentive, they could be to me, since I came up here– Many say, they would almost worship you, if you would put a fighting General, in the place of McClellan– This would be splendid weather, for an engagement– I have had two suits of clothes made for Taddie which will come to 26 dollars– Have to get some fur outside wrappings for the Coachman’s Carriage trappings– Lizzie Keckley, wants me to loan her thirty dollars — so I will have to ask for a check of $100 — which will soon be made use of, for these articles– I must send you, Taddies tooth– I want to leave here for Boston, on Thursday & if you will send the check by Tuesday, will be much obliged–

One line, to say that we are occasionally remembered, will be gratefully received — by yours very truly

McClellan telegraphs President Lincoln: “A good deal of artillery firing on the right & Front.  I do not yet know whether it is at Snicker’s gap or Pleasonton at Uniontown.  I go towards the sound at once.  It seems that there will be serious resistance not far from here, but you can fully rely upon it that the Army of the Potomac will retain its reputation.  The troops are not all yet up, but are moving as rapidly as they can.  I directed Franklin to remain near the Potomac today, ro a part of it, to obtain necessary articles of clothing. We are still entirely too weak in cavalry — [crossed out: every step in the power of the Govt should be taken to strengthen us in this army at once] but I will do the best I can with what I have got — as I close the artillery firing is heavy.”

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