G. S. Hillard, Life and Campaigns of George B. McClellan, Major-General , U. S. Army

At nine o'clock on the evening of Sunday, the 9th, General McClellan took leave of his staff officers by appointment. It was a touching and impressive scene. A large fire of logs was blazing within the enclosure formed by the tents of the Headquarters. General McClellan stood just inside of his marquee, the curtains of which were parted and drawn up. As the officers of his staff approached, he grasped each warmly by the hand, and, with a few words of friendly greeting, ushered him inside. The tent was soon filled, and many were compelled to remain outside. Filling a glass of wine, General McClellan raised it, and said, “To the army of the Potomac,” to which an officer present added, “and to its old commander.” An hour or two of social converse passed, and the officers took leave of their beloved commander,--sadly, sorrowfully.

Monday, the 10th, was occupied in visiting the various camps and bidding farewell to his troops. A person present at this scene has thus described it:--“As General McClellan, mounted upon a fine horse, attended by a retinue of fine-looking military men, riding rapidly through the ranks, gracefully recognized and bade a farewell to the army, the cries and demonstrations of the men were beyond bounds,--wild, impassioned, and unrestrained. Disregarding all military forms, they rushed from their ”