President Deals with Problem Generals

January 22, 1863

President Lincoln tries to pacify General John A. McClernand, an influential Illinois War Democrat who is upset with his dismissal from command: “Yours of the 7th, was received yesterday. I need not recite, because you remember the contents. The charges, in their nature, are such that I must know as much about the facts involved, as you can. I have too man family controversies, (so to speak) already on my hands, to voluntarily, or so long as I can avoid it, Take up another. You are now doing well–well for the country, and well for yourself–much better than you could possibly be, if engaged in open war with Gen. Halleck. Allow me to beg, that for your sake, for my sake, & for the country’s sake, you give your whole attention to the better work.” The president added: “Your success upon the Arkansas, was both brilliant and valuable, and is fully appreciated by the country and governments.

President Lincoln writes another Illinois general, Stephen Hurlbut who wants to come to Washington: “Yours of the 17th. to Mr. [E.B.] Washburne has been shown me. As your friend, which you know I am, I would advise you not to come to Washington, if you could safely come without leave. You now stand well with the Sec. of War, and with Gen. Halleck, and it would lessen you with both for you to make your appearance here. I advise you by all means to dismiss the thought of coming here.”