tely well compiled military
books. Their acquiescence redounds to their credit; but their continued
and comparatively calm submission in after times, when that General,
regardless of soldierly merit, placed in high and honorable positions
relatives and intimate friends, who could be but mere place-men,
dependent entirely upon him for their honors, and committed to his
interests, is strong proof of devoted patriotism. Slight hold had these
neophytes upon the stern matter-of-fact fighting Generals, or the
equally devoted and patriotic masses in ranks. In their vain glory they
murmured and muttered during and subsequent to this week at Warrenton,
as they had threatened previously, in regard to the removal of
McClellan. They knew not the Power that backed the Bayonet. In the eye
of the unreserved and determined loyalty of the masses, success was the
test of popularity with any Commander. Not the shadow of an excuse
existed for any other issue. Our resources of the materiel of war were
well nigh infinite. Men could be had almost without number, at least
equal to the Rebels in courage. There was, then, no excuse for inaction,
and none knew it better than our reflecting rank and file.

The effort to inspire popularity for McClellan had been untiring by his
devotees in position in the army. In the outset it was successful. Like
their friends at home, the men in ranks, during the dark days that
succeeded Bull Run, eagerly caught at a name that received such
honorable mention. That this flush of popularity did not increase until
it became a steady flame like that which burned within the breasts of
the veterans of the old French Empire, is because its subject lacked the
commanding ability, decision of character, and fiery energy, that made
statesmen do reverence, turned the tide of battle to advantage, and
swept with resistless force over the plains of Italy and the mountains
of Tyrol.

It was with mingled feelings of pleasure and uncertainty, caused by the
change, that the Regiment broke to the front in column of company, and
encamped on a beautifully wooded ridge about two miles north of
Warrenton. Pleasure upon account of the change--as any change must be
for the better,--uncertainty, as to its character and extent. In their
doubtful future, Generals shifted position, and succeeded each other,
very much as dark specks appear and pass before unsteady vision. Who
would be the successor? Would the change be radical? were question