On December 14 and 15, I was engaged in finishing up the accumulated business of my command. On Tuesday, the 16th, General Banks was presented by me to the officers and soldiers of his new command. I commended him to their kindest regard, stating our friendship for many years. On the 16th, he took formal command of the army by an order published that day. I then commenced turning over to him and his officers all the public property in the possession of myself and officers, taking care
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General Banks had been sent down specially to relieve me, upon the demand of Napoleon, because I was not friendly to France.
Although it could not be carried out until sometime in December, yet, the order of my recall was dated quite contemporaneously with the one relieving George B. McClellan from command, to wit: a day after the November election, so that it might appear as if the Republican administration had determined to put out of command all generals who had heretofore been Democrats, and to supply true Republican generals in their places.
Ah! Seward, that trick was too thin.
It did not work, as we shall see.
I immediately made preparations to set my house in order.
On December 12, I had such complete knowledge of Banks' movements that I telegraphed to Forts Jackson and St. Philip to salute Major-General Banks on his steamer with the number of guns appropriate to the commander of the department.
When his steamer came to the wharf at the city, I had a battery of artillery to fire a proper salute, and my carriage was in readiness to take him to my house to be entertained.
Here he served the following order upon me:--
A. M. Thayer and Co. 1892.
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