o retire from your high position at this
momentous period of our history. Although you are not to remain in
active service, I yet hope that while I continue in charge of the
department over which I now preside I shall at all times be
permitted to avail myself of the benefits of your wise counsels and
sage experience. It has been my good fortune to enjoy a personal
acquaintance with you for over thirty years, and the pleasant
relations of that long time have been greatly strengthened by your
cordial and entire co-operation in all the great questions which
have occupied the department and convulsed the country for the last
six months. In parting from you I can only express the hope that a
merciful Providence that has protected you amid so many trials will
improve your health and continue your life long after the people of
the country shall have been restored to their former happiness and
prosperity. I am, general, very sincerely,

"Your friend and servant."

In his first annual message to Congress, Mr. Lincoln deplores the
physical necessity that compelled the retirement of Scott in the
following language:

"Since your last adjournment Lieutenant-General Scott has retired from
the head of the army. During his long life the nation has not been
unmindful of his merits; yet, in calling to mind how faithfully and
ably and brilliantly he has served his country, from a time far back
in our history, when few now living had been born, and thenceforward
continually, I can not but think we are still his debtors. I submit,
therefore, for your consideration what further mark of consideration
is due to him and to ourselves as a grateful people."

In virtue of this act and in pursuance of the foregoing request on
November 1, 1861, the lieutenant general having been retired from
active service, General Orders No. 94 announced that "the President is
pleased to direct that Major-General George B. McClellan assume
command of the Army of the United States." On assuming the important
command to which he had been designated, General McClellan on the same
day issued his General Orders No. 19, in which he gracefully and
feelingly alludes to the retiring commander:

"The army will unite with me in the feeling of regret that the weight
of many years and the effect of increasing infirmities, contracted and
intensified in his country's service, should just now remove from