CREATING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC

My General in Chief, Winfield Scott who is a brillant but aged 
veteran of the War of 1812 and the war with Mexico is a loyal 
member of my staff.  I value his opinion and knowledge regarding 
warfare to no end. 

He has a high-opinion of George McClellan and has urged me to call 
McClellan to Washington and entrust him with the organization of the 
defenses of the capital and of the principal army of the Republic.  
I have done so and now McClellan, who is a talented, untiring 
organizer, has thrown himself into the work with considerable skill 
and energy.

McClellan is doing his job well, although he does not always agree 
with Scott, nor is he inclined to share the limelight with his aged 
mentor.  Nonetheless, he has a good idea of the problems which have to 
be dealt with, and all the work that is necessary before the mass of 
raw manpower in the many camps of Washington will be turned into an army.  

I have great faith that through the remainder of 1861, with General 
George B. McClellan’s  expertise and organizational abilities, the 
Army of the Potomac will emerge a well formed, well defined, well trained 
and well disciplined force with which we will win!