desperate battles with the enemy. This was the way the War
Department carried on the war at that time. Now, my son, it is my
purpose to so instruct you that you will know the whole truth
concerning the way the war was carried on.

The detention of General McDowell and his corps, while it
illustrated the great anxiety of the President and Secretary of War
for the safety of Washington, caused the failure of the campaign on
the Peninsula. All the sophistry in the world, my son, cannot change
that decision.

General George, with his army, was driven to the James River, and as
the enemy, then at Richmond, was between him and General Pope, and
might strike either at his pleasure, the government's fears about
Washington so increased that General George was finally recalled
from the James, to save the capital. The result was, as I have told
you before, that General Pope was driven back with the wreck of his
army to the very gates of the capital, and General George arrived
barely in time to save it. Yes, my son, General George, not only so
saved the capital, but extricated the government and the Chief of
Staff out of the difficulties they had brought on themselves.

When, then, the victorious rebel army turned aside from the
fortifications of Washington, and marched triumphantly into
Maryland, strong garrisons were left in the forts, and more troops
were poured into the city to insure its safety. It was, indeed,
resolved by the government, which began now to profit by experience,
and by the fact that the capital of the nation had twice been placed
in extreme peril, that for the future, come what might, it should at
least be made secure. Experienced officers of rank were placed in