to me criminal indifference in the very capital they had returned to
save. They muttered their discontent at the loss of their favorite
commander, but were ready again to go forth, struggle with the
enemy, and fight for the life of the nation. But not a voice was
raised by the government to thank them for what they had done, not a
cheer to welcome their return. You must know, my son, that the
government was dumb with fear. The ghost of its errors so haunted it
that its lips were sealed. The people looked on and saw it, in its
very feebleness, asking for stronger hands to come and help it out
of its trouble.

There was, my son, but one army and one general that could save the
nation then. General George was that man, and the army was the good
old Army of the Potomac. And the government, as if to confess its
folly in the past, restored General George to his army. And there
was great rejoicing over the land when this good news went forth to
the people. And the army took more heart, and rejoiced also; and
great was its rejoicing. The soldiers had confidence in him, and
knew he could lead them to victory. Then he placed himself at their
head and marched out in pursuit of the enemy, who was advancing
triumphantly into the North. And who among us can tell what changes
there would have been in our political and social condition had not
the advance of this bold and triumphant enemy been checked by some
strong hand? I have often thought, my son, that if the people of a
republic were as ready to credit great men with the good they really
do, as they are to search their characters for faults, we should
have less pretenders and a better government.