erefore the
contrast to the _grande guerre_. Some of our generals, as Grant,
Rosecrans, Reno, Reynolds, and others, and as I hear likewise of
Warren, made and make up in enthusiasm for the deficiency of
the West Point education. But the majority of the _educated_
Potomac commanders and generals were not, and are not much troubled
by enthusiasm.

_October 12._--In his answer to the Missouri patriotic deputation,
Mr. Lincoln, with one eye at least to the re-election, proves to
the observer that he, Lincoln, has not yet found out which party
will be the stronger when the election shall be at the door. Mr.
Lincoln has not yet made his choice between the radical, immediate
emancipationists and those who wish a slow, do-nothing, successive,
_pro rata_ emancipation. Not having yet found it out, Mr. Lincoln
has not yet fully decided which direction finally he has to take;
and therefore he shifts a little to the right, a little to the left,
and tries to hush up both parties. Our so characteristic military
operations are closely connected with the vascillating policy and
with the hesitation to cut the knot.

_October 13._--Unparalleled in the world's history is the manner in
which the war is conducted here, from May, 1861, to this day. The
annals of the Asiatic, ancient, and of modern Tartar warfare, the
annals of Greece, of Macedon, of Rome, the annals of all wars fought
in Europe since the overthrow of the Romans down to the day of
Solferino, all have nothing similar to what is done here. This new
method henceforth will constitute an epoch in military _un_-science.

_October 13._--General Meade in full and quick retreat. The most
contradictory rumors and explications of this retreat; some of the
explications having even the flavor of official authority. One thing
is certain, that when a general who confronted an enemy at once
begins to manoeuvre backwards, without having fought or lost a
battle, such a general is out-manoeuvred by his enemy. O for a young
man with enthusiasm, and with inspiration! Suggested to Stanton to
shun the men of Williamsport, or to look for enthusiasts such as
Warren.

Chaos everywhere; chaos in the direction of affairs, and a
disgraceful chaos in the military operations. But as always, so this
time, it is nobody's fault.

Fetish McClellan finally and distinctly showed his hand, and joined
the Copperheads in the Pennsylvania election. McClellan is now ripe
for the dictatorship of the Copperheads