For some years the possibility of a war of secession had been one of the things which would force itself upon the thoughts of reflecting people, and I had been led to give some careful study to such books of tactics and of strategy as were within easy reach.

I had especially been led to read military history with critical care, and had carried away many valuable ideas from this most useful means of military education.

I had therefore some notion of the work before us, and could approach its problems with less loss of time, at least, than if I had been wholly ignorant.

[Footnote: I have treated this subject somewhat more fully in a paper in the "Atlantic Monthly" for March, 1892, "Why the Men of '61 fought for the Union."] My commission as Brigadier-General in the Ohio quota in national service was dated on the 23d of April, though it had been understood for several days that my tender of service in the field would be accepted.

Just about the same time Captain George B.McClellan was requested by Governor Dennison to come to Columbus for consultation, and by the governor's request I met him at the railway station and took him to the State House.