Gift of General McClellan to General Fitz John Porter (of McCllellan on horsback) Courtesy, National Park Service, Manassas National Battlefield Park, #MANA1838.
“My God! If I can’t depend on Fitz John’s decision I don’t know what I can depend on.”
“Take him for all in all, he was probably the best general officer I had under me. He had excellent ability, sound judgement [sic], and all the instincts of a soldier. He was perfectly familiar with all the details of his duty, and excellent organizer and administrative officer, and one of the most conscientious and laborious men I ever knew. I never found it necessary to do more than give him general instructions, for it was certain that all details would be cared for and nothing neglected. I always knew that an order given to him would be fully carried out, were it morally and physically possible. He was one of the coolest and most imperturbable men in danger whom I ever knew, like all his race.”
