President Lincoln Visits General McClellan at Antietam - Oct 4, 1862
3D red/cyan anaglyph created from glass plate stereograph at Library of Congress - Prints & Photographs Online Catalog at:
LOC Title: Antietam, Md. President Lincoln and Gen. George B. McClellan in the general's tent; another view
Date: Oct. 4, 1862
Photographer: Alexander Gardner (1821 - 1882)
Notes: A familiar image of Lincoln and McClellan, taken by Alexander Gardner, on Oct 4th, 1862, two and a half weeks after the Battle of Antietam. Gardner took two shots of this scene in McClellan's headquarters tent, a single-lens large format, and the stereograph that you see here. The two photos look almost identical but their postures and expressions are slightly different; in this version, McClellan is giving Lincoln more of a hard stare. One might wonder what the General was thinking, as he looked at Lincoln across the table. It was in that oft-quoted letter to his wife, where McClellan expressed his true feelings toward Lincoln: "...The President is nothing more than a well-meaning baboon...."
There were many interesting details in the newspapers about Lincoln's visit to McClellan that are not covered in the standard Civil War histories today. The New York papers provided colorful accounts of Lincoln's extensive tour of Harper's Ferry and all the surrounding ridges - - Bolivar Heights, Loudon Heights, and Maryland Heights, reviewing troops and receiving salutes on each, and the "grand review" of all the troops encamped around Antietam. The papers told of McClellan taking Lincoln on tours of the Antietam and South Mountain battlefields and the New York Herald indicated that the tour of the Antietam battlefield even continued on after dark by moonlight. I was a bit skeptical of this, but the astronomy software Stellarium shows that the moon was a waxing gibbous, 75% to 80% full, on these nights in Oct 1862, and well up in the sky by sunset, so the story seems plausible. There was also an interesting story in various newspapers of Lincoln and McClellan consoling and comforting wounded Confederates in a field hospital at Antietam.
So, to provide some background and setup this photo by Alexander Gardner, taken on Saturday morning, the last day of Lincoln's 4-day visit, below are newspaper accounts of what Lincoln and McClellan did during those first four days in Oct 1862.
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Wednesday, Oct 1, 1862 (from the New York Daily Tribune of Oct 3rd)
“President Lincoln arrived at Harper’s Ferry on a special train from Washington…..and escorted to Gen. Sumner’s headquarters….At Gen. Sumner’s headquarters he was met by Gen. McClellan. After a cordial interview, the President, accompanied by Gen. McClellan, Gen. Sumner, and a brilliant cavalcade composed of Division and Brigade Generals, with members of their staffs, proceeded to review Gen. Sumner’s splendid army corps on Bolivar Heights. The corps presented a fine appearance, and greeted the President and Gen. McClellan with great enthusiasm. The President also visited the ruins of the railroad bridge and Government buildings at Harper’s Ferry, when he returned to Bolivar, and passed the night with Gen. Sumner.”
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Thursday, Oct 2, 1862 (from page 4 of the New York Herald of Oct 7th)
On Maryland and Loudon Heights
“Immediately after breakfast, the President, on horseback, accompanied by Major General Sumner, Brigadier Generals Hancock, Howard, Meagher and Gorman, with their respective staffs, and the gentlemen who composed the Presidential party, left the headquarters of the corps on Bolivar, and rode down to Harper's Ferry, on their way to Loudon Heights, across the Shenandoah. Everyone in town was out to see the President and party as they passed. Crossing the Shenandoah river on a pontoon bridge, the cavalcade commenced the difficult ascent of Loudon Heights. The road, which was full of stones and rocks, led along and up the side of the mountain parallel with the river for a considerable distance, and then bore off to the left through the dense woods away to the highest summit. Up the horses tugged and toiled, over the stones and rocks. At one point during the ascent one of the regiments of the division which holds the Heights was drawn up in line where the road turned to the left. The soldiers presented arms as the President passed.
When the Presidential party reached the summit the troops were found drawn up in line awaiting his arrival. General Augers' old division, now commanded by General Geary, was formed in one long single line of battle on the hill. General Geary, who was wounded some time ago, returned yesterday and took command of the division. He is still compelled to carry his arm in a sling. He received the President just as Mr. Lincoln reached the summit, and immediately conducted him along the division line. The drums were beat and bugles sounded, the ensigns dipped their colors and the troops presented arms. At the same time a light howitzer battery fired the Presidential salute of twenty-one guns The President and party rode through the smoke, which completely enveloped them for a while, in passing to the further end of the division line. Loud and repeated cheers were given for the President as he rode along the line again on his return. This division formed part of General Banks' old command…..
The President was highly pleased to find the soldiers in such a comfortable condition. He said he had not expected to see them looking so well. Alter he had passed along the line the second time the regiments returned to their tents and the President and party, joined by Generals Geary and Green, began the descent of the mountain. Reaching the foot in safety they recrossed the pontoon bridge to Harper's Ferry.
Passing through the town again the company attracted as much attention as before. Without delay they proceeded to the pontoon bridge over the Potomac, near the railroad bridge, which the rebels had destroyed. The Presidential party presented a very picturesque appearance while crossing the river on that splendid pontoon bridge. Having safely landed on this side the President led the party up the Maryland Heights….the messenger which was subsequently sent did not reach the headquarters on the heights in time with the orders for the troops to prepare for review, so that the visit of the President took them completely by surprise. As soon as the President appeared, however, the division under General Gordon was hastily formed at different points on the mountain. One of the batteries, planted so as to command Loudon Heights, from which we had just descended, opened a sudden fire, and belched forth the Presidential salute. The reverberations of the heavy guns went rolling beyond the mountain summits. The President rode post the battery, and the men presented sabres. Thence he went to the other points on the heights, where soldiers were stationed, and while he rode in front of the lines, with hat in hand, the troops loudly cheered him as before.
He had inspected the troops, and was on his way down the mountain when he met General Gordon coming up, when an interchange of civilities took place.
On arriving at the bridge again at Harper's Ferry the President and party remained a while awaiting the arrival of his baggage and the ambulances to convey them to McClellan’s headquarters, eight or ten miles distant. The ambulances soon arrived. General Sumner and the other generals took leave of the President. It was now noon, and, while they returned to their respective headquarters, he proceeded on the Sharpsburg road to McClellan's.
On the Battlefield
After a delightful ride through this picturesque portion of the country, Mr. Lincoln reached Gen McClellan’s headquarters about three o'clock in the afternoon. Lieutenant Colonel Sweitzer conducted him to the General's tent upon the hill. The President had arranged with Gen. McClellan to visit the Antietam battle field during the afternoon. The guests partook of a hasty lunch previous to leaving for the field. Gen. McClellan, with several members of his staff and a number of his generals, and attended by an escort of cavalry, dashed on in front, while the President and the gentlemen with him from Washington rode to the battle field in ambulances. They first proceeded to the commanding hill from which McClellan viewed the battle and directed the operations of the Union army during the engagement. From this hill a splendid view is obtained of the whole surrounding country, embracing within its scope the positions occupied by the hostile armies from the right to the left of the opposing lines…..
It was almost evening when the guests arrived on the immediate battle field, and the limited interval between sundown and dark had to be industriously improved so as to have an opportunity to visit the principal points of interest. The President and General McClellan were still upon the ground after the daylight had disappeared and the moon shone out upon the memorable battle field.
A very pretty and picturesque scene occurred at this time. General McClellan, observing some Sisters of Charity, in their curious costume, and a faithful Father of the Roman Catholic church, following to the grave, amid the suggestive moonlight, the remains of a brave Union soldier who had died in one of the hospitals upon the field, from wounds received in the battle, rode up, took off his hat and held a brief conversation with the principal participators in that solemn scene. The kindly offices of these self -sacrificing sisters are dearly cherished by the wounded and dying soldiers. Those who now occupy the hospitals on the battle field are the most severely wounded, who could not be removed. When a gallant fellow dies of the wounds received in battle he is buried by these Sisters of charity on the field.
The battle field was an object of peculiar interest to the President. Hundreds of dead horses, many of which had been burned, were lying on the field. Hundreds of human graves, where the dead of both armies lay buried, were seen at different points on the ground. The field was still strewn with the clothing of the wounded and the dead. In one place there was a monster grave, over which there was this inscription:-- "Here lies the body of General Anderson and eighty other rebels," and on another mound we could read by the early moonlight:--“Here lie the bodies of sixty rebels. The wages of sin is death. “
The party returned by moonlight to General McClellan's headquarters, where arrangements were made for the President to pass the night in camp. As the President arrived the band struck up "Hail to the Chief.” Dinner was served immediately after their return. At the table the President kept the company in the best of humors by his apt remarks and amusing stories. During the evening he was serenaded by the splendid band of the Second cavalry, which was stationed on the hill. It was playing some fine selections when the President retired to his couch in the tent.”
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Friday, Oct 3, 1862 (spotty extracts below from a huge article on page 5 of the New York Herald of Oct 7th)
“….The grand review to-day commenced with General Burnside's corps, which is encamped near the scene of its sanguinary participation on the left of our lines in the recent battle. After reveille the troops were ordered under arms for review. Early in the morning a heavy haze hung ever the horizon; but just before the President left the camp at headquarters the sun shone out warm and bright. And so the weather was all day. It was nearly ten o'clock when Mr. Lincoln, accompanied by General McClellan, with nearly all the members of his staff, and attended by a squadron of his body guard, went from the headquarters on the hill along the road towards Harper's Ferry to review the different divisions under General Burnside. They were marshalled on the open rolling ground, composed for the most part of clover and corn fields. As we neared the spot a splendid sight burst upon our view--the troops, composing lines and columns in different formations, covering the ground as far as the eye embraced on right and left, from crest to crest, and stretching away to the Antietam. Just as the beauties of this martial scene were unfolding, General Burnside, followed by his extensive staff and a number of his generals, rode out of a field on the right of the road and greeted General McClellan and the President.
The appearance of the cavalcade when the President commenced to review the troops, was unusually brilliant. Mr. Lincoln by his gigantic stature and civilian dress, was easily distinguished from them all. He was attired in plain black with deep crape upon his hat in memory of Willie. His prominent check bones and perceptive faculties could be plainly perceived at a distance without the aid of a field glass. His determination and honesty of purpose were indicated in his countenance…….The contrast in their personal appearance was strikingly perceptible. McClellan, under the ordinary size, as was the great Napoleon; Lincoln, as he says himself, six feet four in his stockings, not counting all the outcome in him.
At this grand review the eyes of everybody present were turned with the greatest interest to these two men. Thousands of the inhabitants of the surrounding country, not from Maryland alone, but from beyond the Pennsylvania border also, had come in carriages, on horseback and afoot, partly to see the army, but principally to see these two leading men….
Just as the grand reviewing column of officers magnificently mounted, was moving towards the right of the division, Captain Dickinson's battery fired the first salute. Twenty-one guns are always fired in honor of the appearance of the President. As the party moved along past the veteran soldiers, the President rode in front of all with head uncovered. The drums rolled, the bugles sounded and the colors drooped. The regimental flags and the Stars and Stripes were completely riddled by the rebel bullets. And the same was seen in each of the old divisions…..
It was early in the afternoon, when the Presidential cavalcade arrived at General Fitz John Porter’s headquarters, in the vicinity of Sharpsburg. Here he was joined by General Porter and staff. No time was to be lost, so the review of this corps was immediately commenced. Leaving the ambulance, Mr. Lincoln mounted his horse again, and resumed the labors of the grand review. Porter's corps was martialled among the hills and hollows of the surrounding lands. The troops had been in position several hours, awaiting the arrival of the President. At length, he now had come..….
….This concluded the review of Fitz John Porter's corps, the reserve batteries not being ordered into position on the field. The corps presented a magnificent appearance, for which it was highly complimented by the President. The review ended, the President and his attendants together with the generals of divisions, sat down to a fine collation at General Porter's headquarters. After the repast a photograph was taken of the President and party standing in front of General Porter's tent. Then Mr. Lincoln and General McClellan with those who accompanied them hither, departed to review the troops composing Hooker's last command…..
Away the party rode at a furious rate until arrived at General Reynold's corps. It is the command which was formerly under McDowell, and latterly under Hooker, who fought so bravely in the recent battle…The President speedily reviewed this consecrated corps, and when he beheld the smallness of some of the regiments, and their blood stained and perforated banners, he could not be otherwise than affected by the sight. After the usual honors had been paid the President and the customary civilities interchanged, the party rode off to the borders of the Antietam battle field, where General McClellan had directed General Pleasanton to form his flying column.
General Franklin’s Corps. General Franklin had dispatched two aids to meet the President and General McClellan, with their party, on the old battle field, and conduct them to the pines where the divisions in his corps were prepared for review. Immediately after the review of Pleasanton’s command, these officers guided the brilliant reviewing column to Fairplay, five miles from Sharpsburg, which had been chosen for the review of General Smith's division…
Conclusion
……He reviewed at least twelve divisions of our army today, in doing which he rode over forty miles. He has pleased the soldiers by his visit, and obtained considerable knowledge from personal observation….With this visit to General Couch's division, which belongs to Keys' corps, but is temporarily assigned to Gen. Franklin's, the President concluded his grand review. The party left the grounds as the shades of evening were gathering around them, and passing down the turnpike in dashing style, soon reached the headquarters of the army, a few miles beyond Sharpsburg.”
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Saturday, Oct 4, 1862
The stereograph by Gardner, posted above in anaglyph form, was taken on Oct 4th, sometime before 10am, which is when the papers reported that Lincoln left Antietam. Before leaving Antietam, Lincoln visited the wounded General Richardson at the Pry House, and then the incident below of Lincoln comforting the wounded Confederate soldiers occurred. This story was carried by many newspapers across the country, even making it into the Richmond newspapers; the account, below, is from the Daily Democrat and News (Davenport Iowa) of Oct 13th.
President Lincoln and Gen. McClellan Among the Rebel Prisoners
“Franc B. Wilkie, the Washington correspondent of the Chicago Times, gives the following incident which transpired during the late trip of President Lincoln to the Army of the Potomac, and vouches for its truth: "After leaving Gen. Richardson, the party passed on until we reached a barn near Gen. R.'s quarters, in which were a large number of Confederate wounded. Seeing some wounded men grouped around the fences in the vicinity, and learning their character, the President remarked to Gen. McClellan that he would like to visit the interior of the building. The cavalcade immediately halted, and the whole party entered the hospital, where a scene was presented such as is always found where a great number of wounded are gathered.
"After looking around him for a few moments, Mr. Lincoln said to some of the Confederates that, if they had no objection, he would be pleased to take them by the hand; that the solemn obligations which we owe to our country and posterity compel the prosecution of this war; that many on both sides must necessarily become victims; but, although they (the wounded Confederates) were our enemies by circumstances that are now uncontrollable, he bore them no malice, and could take them by the hand with as much feeling and sympathy as if they were brothers.
"After this, all of the wounded Confederates who could walk, and who had listened in silence to the remarks of Mr. Lincoln, came forward, and, with downcast countenances, took silently but fervently, each in his turn, the hand of the Chief Magistrate of our nation. When all had come forward, the President and Gen. McClellan passed on to the places of those who were unable to walk; and here the Commander-in-Chief of our army and navy and the Hero of Antietam knelt down beside the unfortunate rebel sufferers, smoothed their aching temples, cheered them in their afflictions, with words of comfort, bade them be of good cheer, and assured them that every possible care should be given them to ameliorate their condition.
"It was a most touching scene. The noble little General was as tender in his consolations as a girl, as also was the President. During the impressive scene there was not a single dry eye among all the lookers-on, either Federal or Confederate."
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Saturday, Oct 4th continued - Lincoln and McClellan leave Antietam for South Mountain (from "The Weekly Pioneer and Democrat," dated October 17, 1862)
“President Lincoln, Gen. McClellan and others left McClellan’s headquarters at 10 o’clock to-day, and visited the battle field of South Mountain. McClellan and staff there took leave of the President, who arrived at Frederick at 5 p. m. He was enthusiastically received, and spoke a few words to the assembled multitude. ......President Lincoln made a call upon the wounded Gen. Hartshuff, and soon after left for Washington amidst the cheering of a throng of citizens and soldiers….”
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Red/Cyan (not red/blue) glasses of the proper density must be used to view 3D effect without ghosting. Anaglyph prepared using red cyan glasses from The Center For Civil War Photography / Civil War Trust. CCWP Link: www.civilwarphotography.org/
President Lincoln Visits General McClellan at Antietam - Oct 4, 1862
3D red/cyan anaglyph created from glass plate stereograph at Library of Congress - Prints & Photographs Online Catalog at:
LOC Title: Antietam, Md. President Lincoln and Gen. George B. McClellan in the general's tent; another view
Date: Oct. 4, 1862
Photographer: Alexander Gardner (1821 - 1882)
Notes: A familiar image of Lincoln and McClellan, taken by Alexander Gardner, on Oct 4th, 1862, two and a half weeks after the Battle of Antietam. Gardner took two shots of this scene in McClellan's headquarters tent, a single-lens large format, and the stereograph that you see here. The two photos look almost identical but their postures and expressions are slightly different; in this version, McClellan is giving Lincoln more of a hard stare. One might wonder what the General was thinking, as he looked at Lincoln across the table. It was in that oft-quoted letter to his wife, where McClellan expressed his true feelings toward Lincoln: "...The President is nothing more than a well-meaning baboon...."
There were many interesting details in the newspapers about Lincoln's visit to McClellan that are not covered in the standard Civil War histories today. The New York papers provided colorful accounts of Lincoln's extensive tour of Harper's Ferry and all the surrounding ridges - - Bolivar Heights, Loudon Heights, and Maryland Heights, reviewing troops and receiving salutes on each, and the "grand review" of all the troops encamped around Antietam. The papers told of McClellan taking Lincoln on tours of the Antietam and South Mountain battlefields and the New York Herald indicated that the tour of the Antietam battlefield even continued on after dark by moonlight. I was a bit skeptical of this, but the astronomy software Stellarium shows that the moon was a waxing gibbous, 75% to 80% full, on these nights in Oct 1862, and well up in the sky by sunset, so the story seems plausible. There was also an interesting story in various newspapers of Lincoln and McClellan consoling and comforting wounded Confederates in a field hospital at Antietam.
So, to provide some background and setup this photo by Alexander Gardner, taken on Saturday morning, the last day of Lincoln's 4-day visit, below are newspaper accounts of what Lincoln and McClellan did during those first four days in Oct 1862.
-----------------
Wednesday, Oct 1, 1862 (from the New York Daily Tribune of Oct 3rd)
“President Lincoln arrived at Harper’s Ferry on a special train from Washington…..and escorted to Gen. Sumner’s headquarters….At Gen. Sumner’s headquarters he was met by Gen. McClellan. After a cordial interview, the President, accompanied by Gen. McClellan, Gen. Sumner, and a brilliant cavalcade composed of Division and Brigade Generals, with members of their staffs, proceeded to review Gen. Sumner’s splendid army corps on Bolivar Heights. The corps presented a fine appearance, and greeted the President and Gen. McClellan with great enthusiasm. The President also visited the ruins of the railroad bridge and Government buildings at Harper’s Ferry, when he returned to Bolivar, and passed the night with Gen. Sumner.”
---------------------------
Thursday, Oct 2, 1862 (from page 4 of the New York Herald of Oct 7th)
On Maryland and Loudon Heights
“Immediately after breakfast, the President, on horseback, accompanied by Major General Sumner, Brigadier Generals Hancock, Howard, Meagher and Gorman, with their respective staffs, and the gentlemen who composed the Presidential party, left the headquarters of the corps on Bolivar, and rode down to Harper's Ferry, on their way to Loudon Heights, across the Shenandoah. Everyone in town was out to see the President and party as they passed. Crossing the Shenandoah river on a pontoon bridge, the cavalcade commenced the difficult ascent of Loudon Heights. The road, which was full of stones and rocks, led along and up the side of the mountain parallel with the river for a considerable distance, and then bore off to the left through the dense woods away to the highest summit. Up the horses tugged and toiled, over the stones and rocks. At one point during the ascent one of the regiments of the division which holds the Heights was drawn up in line where the road turned to the left. The soldiers presented arms as the President passed.
When the Presidential party reached the summit the troops were found drawn up in line awaiting his arrival. General Augers' old division, now commanded by General Geary, was formed in one long single line of battle on the hill. General Geary, who was wounded some time ago, returned yesterday and took command of the division. He is still compelled to carry his arm in a sling. He received the President just as Mr. Lincoln reached the summit, and immediately conducted him along the division line. The drums were beat and bugles sounded, the ensigns dipped their colors and the troops presented arms. At the same time a light howitzer battery fired the Presidential salute of twenty-one guns The President and party rode through the smoke, which completely enveloped them for a while, in passing to the further end of the division line. Loud and repeated cheers were given for the President as he rode along the line again on his return. This division formed part of General Banks' old command…..
The President was highly pleased to find the soldiers in such a comfortable condition. He said he had not expected to see them looking so well. Alter he had passed along the line the second time the regiments returned to their tents and the President and party, joined by Generals Geary and Green, began the descent of the mountain. Reaching the foot in safety they recrossed the pontoon bridge to Harper's Ferry.
Passing through the town again the company attracted as much attention as before. Without delay they proceeded to the pontoon bridge over the Potomac, near the railroad bridge, which the rebels had destroyed. The Presidential party presented a very picturesque appearance while crossing the river on that splendid pontoon bridge. Having safely landed on this side the President led the party up the Maryland Heights….the messenger which was subsequently sent did not reach the headquarters on the heights in time with the orders for the troops to prepare for review, so that the visit of the President took them completely by surprise. As soon as the President appeared, however, the division under General Gordon was hastily formed at different points on the mountain. One of the batteries, planted so as to command Loudon Heights, from which we had just descended, opened a sudden fire, and belched forth the Presidential salute. The reverberations of the heavy guns went rolling beyond the mountain summits. The President rode post the battery, and the men presented sabres. Thence he went to the other points on the heights, where soldiers were stationed, and while he rode in front of the lines, with hat in hand, the troops loudly cheered him as before.
He had inspected the troops, and was on his way down the mountain when he met General Gordon coming up, when an interchange of civilities took place.
On arriving at the bridge again at Harper's Ferry the President and party remained a while awaiting the arrival of his baggage and the ambulances to convey them to McClellan’s headquarters, eight or ten miles distant. The ambulances soon arrived. General Sumner and the other generals took leave of the President. It was now noon, and, while they returned to their respective headquarters, he proceeded on the Sharpsburg road to McClellan's.
On the Battlefield
After a delightful ride through this picturesque portion of the country, Mr. Lincoln reached Gen McClellan’s headquarters about three o'clock in the afternoon. Lieutenant Colonel Sweitzer conducted him to the General's tent upon the hill. The President had arranged with Gen. McClellan to visit the Antietam battle field during the afternoon. The guests partook of a hasty lunch previous to leaving for the field. Gen. McClellan, with several members of his staff and a number of his generals, and attended by an escort of cavalry, dashed on in front, while the President and the gentlemen with him from Washington rode to the battle field in ambulances. They first proceeded to the commanding hill from which McClellan viewed the battle and directed the operations of the Union army during the engagement. From this hill a splendid view is obtained of the whole surrounding country, embracing within its scope the positions occupied by the hostile armies from the right to the left of the opposing lines…..
It was almost evening when the guests arrived on the immediate battle field, and the limited interval between sundown and dark had to be industriously improved so as to have an opportunity to visit the principal points of interest. The President and General McClellan were still upon the ground after the daylight had disappeared and the moon shone out upon the memorable battle field.
A very pretty and picturesque scene occurred at this time. General McClellan, observing some Sisters of Charity, in their curious costume, and a faithful Father of the Roman Catholic church, following to the grave, amid the suggestive moonlight, the remains of a brave Union soldier who had died in one of the hospitals upon the field, from wounds received in the battle, rode up, took off his hat and held a brief conversation with the principal participators in that solemn scene. The kindly offices of these self -sacrificing sisters are dearly cherished by the wounded and dying soldiers. Those who now occupy the hospitals on the battle field are the most severely wounded, who could not be removed. When a gallant fellow dies of the wounds received in battle he is buried by these Sisters of charity on the field.
The battle field was an object of peculiar interest to the President. Hundreds of dead horses, many of which had been burned, were lying on the field. Hundreds of human graves, where the dead of both armies lay buried, were seen at different points on the ground. The field was still strewn with the clothing of the wounded and the dead. In one place there was a monster grave, over which there was this inscription:-- "Here lies the body of General Anderson and eighty other rebels," and on another mound we could read by the early moonlight:--“Here lie the bodies of sixty rebels. The wages of sin is death. “
The party returned by moonlight to General McClellan's headquarters, where arrangements were made for the President to pass the night in camp. As the President arrived the band struck up "Hail to the Chief.” Dinner was served immediately after their return. At the table the President kept the company in the best of humors by his apt remarks and amusing stories. During the evening he was serenaded by the splendid band of the Second cavalry, which was stationed on the hill. It was playing some fine selections when the President retired to his couch in the tent.”
---------------
Friday, Oct 3, 1862 (spotty extracts below from a huge article on page 5 of the New York Herald of Oct 7th)
“….The grand review to-day commenced with General Burnside's corps, which is encamped near the scene of its sanguinary participation on the left of our lines in the recent battle. After reveille the troops were ordered under arms for review. Early in the morning a heavy haze hung ever the horizon; but just before the President left the camp at headquarters the sun shone out warm and bright. And so the weather was all day. It was nearly ten o'clock when Mr. Lincoln, accompanied by General McClellan, with nearly all the members of his staff, and attended by a squadron of his body guard, went from the headquarters on the hill along the road towards Harper's Ferry to review the different divisions under General Burnside. They were marshalled on the open rolling ground, composed for the most part of clover and corn fields. As we neared the spot a splendid sight burst upon our view--the troops, composing lines and columns in different formations, covering the ground as far as the eye embraced on right and left, from crest to crest, and stretching away to the Antietam. Just as the beauties of this martial scene were unfolding, General Burnside, followed by his extensive staff and a number of his generals, rode out of a field on the right of the road and greeted General McClellan and the President.
The appearance of the cavalcade when the President commenced to review the troops, was unusually brilliant. Mr. Lincoln by his gigantic stature and civilian dress, was easily distinguished from them all. He was attired in plain black with deep crape upon his hat in memory of Willie. His prominent check bones and perceptive faculties could be plainly perceived at a distance without the aid of a field glass. His determination and honesty of purpose were indicated in his countenance…….The contrast in their personal appearance was strikingly perceptible. McClellan, under the ordinary size, as was the great Napoleon; Lincoln, as he says himself, six feet four in his stockings, not counting all the outcome in him.
At this grand review the eyes of everybody present were turned with the greatest interest to these two men. Thousands of the inhabitants of the surrounding country, not from Maryland alone, but from beyond the Pennsylvania border also, had come in carriages, on horseback and afoot, partly to see the army, but principally to see these two leading men….
Just as the grand reviewing column of officers magnificently mounted, was moving towards the right of the division, Captain Dickinson's battery fired the first salute. Twenty-one guns are always fired in honor of the appearance of the President. As the party moved along past the veteran soldiers, the President rode in front of all with head uncovered. The drums rolled, the bugles sounded and the colors drooped. The regimental flags and the Stars and Stripes were completely riddled by the rebel bullets. And the same was seen in each of the old divisions…..
It was early in the afternoon, when the Presidential cavalcade arrived at General Fitz John Porter’s headquarters, in the vicinity of Sharpsburg. Here he was joined by General Porter and staff. No time was to be lost, so the review of this corps was immediately commenced. Leaving the ambulance, Mr. Lincoln mounted his horse again, and resumed the labors of the grand review. Porter's corps was martialled among the hills and hollows of the surrounding lands. The troops had been in position several hours, awaiting the arrival of the President. At length, he now had come..….
….This concluded the review of Fitz John Porter's corps, the reserve batteries not being ordered into position on the field. The corps presented a magnificent appearance, for which it was highly complimented by the President. The review ended, the President and his attendants together with the generals of divisions, sat down to a fine collation at General Porter's headquarters. After the repast a photograph was taken of the President and party standing in front of General Porter's tent. Then Mr. Lincoln and General McClellan with those who accompanied them hither, departed to review the troops composing Hooker's last command…..
Away the party rode at a furious rate until arrived at General Reynold's corps. It is the command which was formerly under McDowell, and latterly under Hooker, who fought so bravely in the recent battle…The President speedily reviewed this consecrated corps, and when he beheld the smallness of some of the regiments, and their blood stained and perforated banners, he could not be otherwise than affected by the sight. After the usual honors had been paid the President and the customary civilities interchanged, the party rode off to the borders of the Antietam battle field, where General McClellan had directed General Pleasanton to form his flying column.
General Franklin’s Corps. General Franklin had dispatched two aids to meet the President and General McClellan, with their party, on the old battle field, and conduct them to the pines where the divisions in his corps were prepared for review. Immediately after the review of Pleasanton’s command, these officers guided the brilliant reviewing column to Fairplay, five miles from Sharpsburg, which had been chosen for the review of General Smith's division…
Conclusion
……He reviewed at least twelve divisions of our army today, in doing which he rode over forty miles. He has pleased the soldiers by his visit, and obtained considerable knowledge from personal observation….With this visit to General Couch's division, which belongs to Keys' corps, but is temporarily assigned to Gen. Franklin's, the President concluded his grand review. The party left the grounds as the shades of evening were gathering around them, and passing down the turnpike in dashing style, soon reached the headquarters of the army, a few miles beyond Sharpsburg.”
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Saturday, Oct 4, 1862
The stereograph by Gardner, posted above in anaglyph form, was taken on Oct 4th, sometime before 10am, which is when the papers reported that Lincoln left Antietam. Before leaving Antietam, Lincoln visited the wounded General Richardson at the Pry House, and then the incident below of Lincoln comforting the wounded Confederate soldiers occurred. This story was carried by many newspapers across the country, even making it into the Richmond newspapers; the account, below, is from the Daily Democrat and News (Davenport Iowa) of Oct 13th.
President Lincoln and Gen. McClellan Among the Rebel Prisoners
“Franc B. Wilkie, the Washington correspondent of the Chicago Times, gives the following incident which transpired during the late trip of President Lincoln to the Army of the Potomac, and vouches for its truth: "After leaving Gen. Richardson, the party passed on until we reached a barn near Gen. R.'s quarters, in which were a large number of Confederate wounded. Seeing some wounded men grouped around the fences in the vicinity, and learning their character, the President remarked to Gen. McClellan that he would like to visit the interior of the building. The cavalcade immediately halted, and the whole party entered the hospital, where a scene was presented such as is always found where a great number of wounded are gathered.
"After looking around him for a few moments, Mr. Lincoln said to some of the Confederates that, if they had no objection, he would be pleased to take them by the hand; that the solemn obligations which we owe to our country and posterity compel the prosecution of this war; that many on both sides must necessarily become victims; but, although they (the wounded Confederates) were our enemies by circumstances that are now uncontrollable, he bore them no malice, and could take them by the hand with as much feeling and sympathy as if they were brothers.
"After this, all of the wounded Confederates who could walk, and who had listened in silence to the remarks of Mr. Lincoln, came forward, and, with downcast countenances, took silently but fervently, each in his turn, the hand of the Chief Magistrate of our nation. When all had come forward, the President and Gen. McClellan passed on to the places of those who were unable to walk; and here the Commander-in-Chief of our army and navy and the Hero of Antietam knelt down beside the unfortunate rebel sufferers, smoothed their aching temples, cheered them in their afflictions, with words of comfort, bade them be of good cheer, and assured them that every possible care should be given them to ameliorate their condition.
"It was a most touching scene. The noble little General was as tender in his consolations as a girl, as also was the President. During the impressive scene there was not a single dry eye among all the lookers-on, either Federal or Confederate."
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Saturday, Oct 4th continued - Lincoln and McClellan leave Antietam for South Mountain (from "The Weekly Pioneer and Democrat," dated October 17, 1862)
“President Lincoln, Gen. McClellan and others left McClellan’s headquarters at 10 o’clock to-day, and visited the battle field of South Mountain. McClellan and staff there took leave of the President, who arrived at Frederick at 5 p. m. He was enthusiastically received, and spoke a few words to the assembled multitude. ......President Lincoln made a call upon the wounded Gen. Hartshuff, and soon after left for Washington amidst the cheering of a throng of citizens and soldiers….”
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Red/Cyan (not red/blue) glasses of the proper density must be used to view 3D effect without ghosting. Anaglyph prepared using red cyan glasses from The Center For Civil War Photography / Civil War Trust. CCWP Link: www.civilwarphotography.org/