It was here made evident to me that both the army and navy were so distrustful of McClernand's fitness to command that, while they would do all they could to insure success, this distrust was an element of weakness.

It would have been criminal to send troops under these circumstances into such danger.

By this time I had received authority to relieve McClernand, or to assign any person else to the command of the river expedition, or to assume command in person.

I felt great embarrassment about McClernand.

He was the senior major-general after myself within the department.