I know General McClellan wishes to be successful, and I know he does not wish it any more than the Secretary of War for him, and both of them together no more than I wish it.

It has not been customary heretofore, nor will it be hereafter, for me to say something to every regiment passing in review.

For your kind expressions I am extremely grateful, but on the other hand I assure you that the nation is more indebted to you, and such as you, than to me.

With this idea, gentlemen, I must leave you for my business duties.

That all the commanders of departments, after the receipt of this order by them, respectively report severally and directly to the Secretary of War, and that prompt, full, and frequent reports will be expected of all and each of them.

He was able, honest, and indefatigable in the discharge of his high and responsible duties, whilst his benevolent heart and his kind deportment endeared him to all who approached him.

The great question is—not as to the manner in which it shall be done, but whether it shall be accomplished or not.

I will also add that it in no measure detracts from the value of the improvement contemplated in the construction of the Princeton or from the merits of her brave and distinguished commander and projector.

I shall be permitted to express my great grief at an occurrence which has thus suddenly stricken from my side two gentlemen upon whose advice I so confidently relied in the discharge of my arduous task of administering the office of the executive department.

I was led to do so by considerations of his high talent, his exalted character, and great moral worth.

I did so in full view of his consummate abilities, his unquestioned patriotism and full capacity to discharge with honor to himself and advantage to the country.

I have hitherto flattered myself that the motives which influenced my conduct had been fully appreciated by those who advised and approved it.