Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi. On January 7, McClernand had written Lincoln as follows:
``I have determined, at whatever personal cost to myself, to address . . . you, upon a subject of the deepest interest. . . .
``I charge Maj. Genl. Henry W. Halleck with wilful contempt of superior authority, and with utter incompetency for the extraordinary and vital functions with which he is charged as Genl-in-Chief. . . .
``I charge him with contempt of authority in this: That in violation of the order made by the Secretary of War, under your personal direction, bearing date of October 21, 1862, assigning me to the command of the proposed `Miss. River Expedition,' he set me aside for . . . Maj. Genl. U.S. Grant---whom he privately authorized to detach troops to Memphis, to form part of the Expedition, prior to the issue of the public order, assigning me to its command. Also in this: That, although the order, issued by the Secretary of War, was made in the presence of the Genl.-in-Chief . . . he has contumaciously refused to recognize me in the relations contemplated . . .
``I charge him with incompetency on many grounds: 1st, For want of eminence in any profession, or calling, previous to his appointment as Maj. Genl. . . .
``Without ever having fought a battle, he curtailed the success of our arms at Fort Henry. . . . Before Corinth, . . . he permitted the enemy to escape. . . . Since he assumed the functions of General-in-Chief, scarcely anything but disaster has marked the experiences of our arms. . . .
``How can the country be saved in its dire extremity, with such a Chief at the head of our armies! . . .
``Without genius, justice, generosity, or policy, his continuance in command will not only involve continual new levies to fill up the wasting ranks . . . but must be attended by accumulating disaster. . . .
``Having full confidence in the correctness of my views, and having no concealments in regard to this letter, it is left to you to make such use of it as you may think proper. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).
On January 21, Halleck further extended General Grant's authority and explained the revocation of Grant's order expelling Jews from his department:
``General: The President has directed that so much of Arkansas as you may desire to control be temporarily attached to your department. This will give you control of both banks of the river.
``In your operations down the Mississippi you must not rely too confidently upon any direct co-operation of General Banks and the lower flotilla, as it is possible that they may not be able to pass or reduce Port Hudson. They, however, will do everything in their power to form a junction with you at Vicksburg. If they should not be able to effect this, they will at least occupy a portion of the enemy's forces and prevent them from re-enforcing Vicksburg. I hope, however, that they will do still better and be able to join you.
``It may be proper to give you some explanation of the revocation of your order expelling all Jews from your department. The President has no objection to your expelling traitors and Jew peddlers, which, I suppose, was the object of your order; but, as it in terms proscribed an entire religious class, some of whom are fighting in our ranks, the President deemed it necessary to revoke it.'' (OR, I, XXIV, I, 9).