on a
battle, or shall then be actually in battle, or shall then
be in the immediate presence of the enemy in expectation of
a battle, it is not to be delivered, but held for further
orders. After, and not until after, the delivery to Gen.
Fremont, let the inclosed addressed to Gen. Hunter be
delivered to him.

Tour obedient servant,
A. LINCOLN.

The following decisive order was one of the inclosures:

Headquarters of the Army, Washington, Oct. 24, 1861.

General Orders No. 18.

Maj.-Gen. Fremont, of the U. S. Army, the present Commander
of the Western Department of the same, will, on the receipt
of this order, call Maj.-Gen. Hunter, of the U. S.
Volunteers, to relieve him temporarily in that command, when
he (Maj.-Gen. Fremont) will report to General Headquarters,
by letter, for further orders.
WINFIELD SCOTT.

284

A special messenger arrived at Springfield, Nov. 2, with the order,
which created consternation at Fremont's headquarters. It is more than
probable that Fremont felt his elevation to be such that he could try
conclusions with the Administration, and refuse to obey the order.

There was considerable talk at that time about military headquarters as
to a dictator, and this was so rife about McClellan's that his journal
constantly abounds in allusions which indicate that he was putting the
crown away from him with increasing gentleness each time. There was much
of the same atmosphere about the headquarters of the Army of the West,
and it is claimed that Fremont at first decided not to obey the order,
but on Sigel's urgent representations finally concluded to do so, and
issued the following farewell order to his troops:

Headquarters Western Department,

Springfield, Mo., Nov. 2, 1861. Soldiers of the Mississippi
Army:

Agreeably to orders this day received I take leave of you.
Altho our army has been of sudden growth, we have grown up
together, and I have become familiar with the brave and
generous spirit which you bring to the defense of your
country, and which makes me anticipate for you a brilliant
career. Continue as you have begun, and give to my successor
the same cordial and enthusiastic support with which you
have encouraged me. Emulate the splendid example which you
have already before you, and let me