February 3, 1863, The New York Herald
(From the Boston Post, Feb. 2.)
General McClellan continues to receive numerous attention from our citizens. Wherever he goes he is greeted with demonstrations of the most friendly and enthusiastic nature. His visit to Boston, which was originally intended to have had all the quietness and obscurity of a jaunt into the country, has become more or less public and demonstrative. The people have a great desire to see him, and accordingly it has become difficult for him to move about without considerable publicity, so extensive is his popularity with the masses.
On Saturday forenoon he visited, with several friends the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was received by the learned faculty, and who gave him the most marked attention. The various wards were visited and the general disposition and management of the institution were warmly complimented by the General. From the hospital he proceeded to the noted Anatomical Museum of Dr. Warren, on Mount Vernon street. The huge mastodon at this place was inspected with wonder and admiration. Dr. Warren next proceeded with the party to his residence, Park street, where a collation was served and a season of friendly conversation indulged. The General subsequently visited the residence of the venerable Josiah Quincy, Sen., with whom he held a somewhat extended and highly interesting conversation. In the afternoon General McClellan, in company with leading citizens, visited the rooms of the Somerset Club, near the Tremont House, by special invitation. He remained there about half an hour, receiving introductions to a large number. The attentions received here were of the most gratifying nature. The fact of his being at the club house was soon known, and a large crowd assembled without, who gave vent to their feelings by cheers for the gallant soldier. The General appeared upon the steps of the club building, attended by one or two gentlemen, and bowed his acknowledgments. “Speech! Speech! – was everywhere shouted, whereupon the General smiled, shook his head, and retired. The multitude awaited his departure from the club house, however, and, as he entered his carriage, echoed the cheers given him by the members of the Somerset Club, ranged on their balconies for the purpose. The ladies in the houses adjoining waved their handkerchiefs, and the scene was altogether lively, pleasant and significant.
Saturday evening he dined with Mr. Wolcott, on Boylston street, where a few intimate friends were gathered. He did not visit Music Hall, and Guerrabella warbled her delicious notes to other than the soldier’s ears. All that can be said on this head is that he lost a ravishing feast of harmony. So ended Saturday, the week and McClellania.
Yesterday the General, lady and staff, intended to attend religious service at Trinity church. The announcement of the event thronged that distinguished and somewhat aristocratic temple, and the stranger would doubtless have judged that at least a portion of the congregation were not especially devout in their manner. The crowd surged into pew after pew, and the old habitue was not a little disturbed in many instances to find his seats filled by a profane multitude of lion hunters. The General getting wind of this sudden conversion of the populace to the Trinity faith, and wishing to avoid its consequent unseeming publicity, ordered his carriage back to the stable and remained in his apartments. The result may be summed up briefly. The General lost the opportunity of hearing a particularly fine service, including a rare vocal festival; Mrs. McC. essayed a very elegant costume without avail, and the multitude were confounded in their lionizing designs. In the vicinity of the church, up to one o’clock, there were from five hundred to one thousand persons patiently waiting for a glance of the General as he came out; but for reasons as we need not repeat they did not see him.
In the afternoon he, with Mrs. McClellan, visited mutual friends in Beacon street, and at seven o’clcok he partook of a dinner at the Tremont House, in company with a few favored guests. In the evening he received numerous calls. On the whole, notwithstanding the proverbial quiet of Boston on a Sunday, the General did not pass a specially tranquil day. The strong desire of many that he would drop into Music Hall and honor Mr. Gilmore with a call was not realized.
The public demonstration to General McClellan will take place to-day. An immense list of names of leading citizens who propose to do him honor will be found elsewhere in our columns. They bespeak the general good will of the city towards the gallant and true patriot. The reception is to take place at the Tremont House from twelve M., to three P.M. The contemplated plan is for the people to enter at the front door of the hotel, the General meeting them at a convenient point, and then pass out at the Tremont place door. This will enable thousands to see him, and probably to exchange a hasty word and shake of hand. The demonstration will, doubtless be very large. Down town stores are very generally to be closed at twelve M., and from present appearances there will be quite a holiday.
This evening General McClellan will attend a levee at the residence of J. Huntington Wolcott, Esq., 48 Boylston street. It will doubtless equal in splendor and completeness that of Mr. Gray, Friday evening. Gilmore’s band is to be present, and a prominent feature will be the presence of some of the most elegant and cultivated ladies in the city. The fair sex of Boston are fast becoming McClellanized.
To-morrow General McClellan will visit Lawrence, returning in the evening, when he will accept a serenade tendered him by the Citizens’ Committee at the Tremont House.
On Wednesday he will, it is expected, visit the State House, and pay his respects to both branches of the Legislature. This will unquestionably produce a full sized sensation among the members from Cranberry Centre and elsewhere.
The Board of Directors of the Public Institutions have invited General McClellan to visit the institutions at South Boston and Deer Island, and also to view the forts in the harbor. It is not at present known whether the invitation will be accepted. It is expected that he will visit some of the public schools of the city, the Girls’ High and Normal and the Everett among others. On Saturday morning next the General will leave for Hartford, Conn., where, doubtless, equal enthusiasm will be excited by his presence. His tour in New England will indeed be an ovation.