A sympathetic assessment of Major General John Alexander McClernand, a highly controversial individual who served his country as soldier and statesman. It sheds light on the Union command systems and the politics of war, as well as the personalities and relationships among senior officers.

Letter from Brigadier General John A. McClernand requesting that Lieutenant Henry C. Freeman be assigned to duty as Engineer in his command. He explains that he's been performing the tasks of both the General and General's Staff, which has had a negative impact on his health. His letter is forwarded along to the Department of the Mo. with the accepting signature of Grant.