Union general (1826–1885) removed from command by Lincoln for his failure to exert pressure on Lee’s army during the crucial Peninsula Campaign. He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1864 and later served as Governor of New Jersey. ALS signed “Geo. B. McClellan,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 7.5 x 9.75, Illinois Central Railroad Company, Vice President’s Office letterhead, February 4, 1858. Letter marked “Private” at the top to J. W. Ferrey. In full: “I find there is quite a fair chance of raising…3 regts by a bill introduced in the House by Liutman with the promise that Volunteers may be raised. I have written to Douglass a letter that I hope may either induce him to keep quiet or to vote for it. I have written to John to try to get the Del & New Jersey Senators to go for the New Regts. I think I can get Trumbull either to remain quiet or go for the bill. Friends of mine can probably get Ky & N.Y. all right.
If you can exercise any influence on Douglass or other Senators in this matter, without compromising yourself, may I ask you to do it. If the Regts are raised it by now means follows that I will get back but the interest…I think…that if the regts are raised I am quite certain of a field officer’s commission. My friend Douglass sends his regards to you, with his warmest wishes for your success.”
Trimmed left edge, intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning, a few trivial brushes to text, and light show-through from writing on reverse, otherwise very good condition.
In 1857, McClellan joined Illinois Central as an engineer and was quickly promoted to vice president in January 1858, but despite a successful civilian career, he really wanted a continuation of his earlier military career. He became heavily involved in regimental recruiting, enlisting help from local politicians including Illinois Senators Lyman Trumbull and Stephen Douglas. By 1860, he was considered the most prominent, powerful lawyer and lobbyist for the railroad industry despite his earlier failures in creating new Illinois rail lines. The incumbent senator had pushed through the 1850 land grant railroad bill which made it possible for the construction of the Illinois Central and had not squandered $12 million in taxpayer money for transportation subsidies as Lincoln had, making Douglas the more viable candidate for McClellan. As Illinois Central's vice president he secured a free pass for the Democrat and a railroad car for his campaign as the senator stumped across the state during the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858. Two political rivals sparred over the issue of slavery when Lincoln opened the debates with his famous "House Divided” speech in Springfield, and while Lincoln lost to Douglas, it brought the lawyer national recognition, propelling him to victory over Douglas in the 1860 presidential campaign. When McClellan became a major-general of volunteers in Ohio, the president became his Commander-in-Chief, setting up a confrontational relationship that eventually led Lincoln to relieve McClellan of his command on March 11, 1862. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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