February 2, 1863, The New York Herald
There are men whom fate marks as its own – men who seem irresistibly to attract the masses, and who, almost without an effort, gain influence and power. Those men are instruments in the hands of Providence, and are imperatively called upon to fulfill their missions. Events the most untoward seemingly, events which would annihilate others, but add to the power and influence of such as we refer to – the predestined. Their names become endeared to the people, who feel in them a confidence inexplicable, if you will, but irresistibly attractive. Their least actions become to the masses significant of good, and, spite of themselves, they grow more and more popular, until, at last, their influence becomes paramount, and for good or evil they hold the destinies of their fellow beings in their grasp.
A most striking example of this wonderful and daily increase of popularity is General McClellan. Day by day his personal influence is increasing. Day by day he is becoming the idol of the people; and yet he is as quiet and retiring as a schoolgirl, as undemonstrative and modest as a bashful miss. His detractors aver he has achieved no great success, has made no wonderful change in our painful position, is out of station and power. Grant all that for the sake of argument, and yet he cannot go from place to place without receiving ovations, without attracting crowds, without being deafened by the cheers and plaudits of the multitude. How can we account for this unless we admit the fact that the people feel that he is an individual from whom much may be expected? The shouts and acclamations of the masses are evidences of the presentiment which is fast pervading all classes of Americans – namely, that General McClellan will yet save the country. In vain will the radicals harp and cavil at this conviction becoming so general. A deep rooted faith in General McClellan’s ability exists; the people know him to be honest and patriotic, and they admire the man’s self control and moral greatness. They are aware that a word from him would cover his enemies at Washington with shame and obloquy, and yet they see him calmly bear the heavy load of injustice and detraction showered upon him. Not one word of complaint or faultfinding – all patriotism and patience. Others resent attack: he stands quiet in the dignity of his conscious innocence and scorns to repay insult with insult. He unknowingly bides his time. Fate has marked out for him a career. When the proper moment comes he will then be as active as he is now passive.
His influence grows apace. Any allusion, however far-fetched, to himself or his actions is met with favor by the public. “Three cheers for Little Mac” are words that meet with an overwhelming response at all times and place. Look at the scene in the galleries of the House of Representatives in Washington last week, when the Hon. Mr. Wright said that he should again be placed at the head of the army. In our theatres the actors make references to General McClellan when they want to bring […..] the house. In the minstrel halls allusions are nightly made to him. His name calls forth reiterated shouts of applause, frantic expressions of approval. Instances most ludicrous occur, and yet the moment the name is mentioned the people shout with a will. In one of our popular minstrel halls a burlesque song contains the following ridiculous thing: –
You may cut a watermelon,
You may cut a watermelon,
You may cut a watermelon,
But Horace Greeley can’t hurt McClellan.
Let the General’s detractors and enemies go hear the shouts and stamps of approval which greet this sally of the negro minstrel. Let them listen to such expressions as “That’s so,” “Little Mac’s too many for them.” “Hurrah for McClellan.” “Three cheers for Mac,” “He’s the man for us,” and they will appreciate the strength of the hold which General McClellan is fast obtaining, in fact, has obtained, upon the hearts of the people. And, after all, it is the people who always have ruled and always will rule in this republic, and the man whom they choose as the recipient of their confidence must ultimately prevail against even such bitter enemies as are radicals and abolitionists.