Remarks to Winfield Scott1Jump to section
GENERAL: You will naturally feel solicitude about the gentlemen of your staff, who have rendered you and their country such faithful service. I have taken that subject into consideration. I understand that they go with you to New-York. I shall desire them at their earliest convenience, after their return, to make their wishes known to me. I desire you now, however, to be satisfied that, except the unavoidable privation of your counsel, and society, which they have so long enjoyed, the provision which will be made for them will be such as to render their situation hereafter as agreeable as it has been heretofore.
Annotation
[1] New York Tribune, November 2, 1861. Following the cabinet meeting at which Scott's resignation was accepted and McClellan's appointment decided upon, the president and cabinet members called at Scott's residence. Lincoln read the order of retirement, to which General Scott replied in a simple and moving speech, after which Lincoln's brief remarks were made.