He was also well versed in the science of war, and was a strategist of a higher order than has generally been conceded.  As is often the case, he failed to receive just recognition of his really great abilities, because he lacked the needed complementary qualities.  McClellan could admirably plan a campaign, and could perhaps have carried it to a brilliant issue, had all the circumstances conformed to his plan, but this not happening, he seemed unable to adapt his plan to the circumstances.  Other generals with inferior plans would succeed by taking some sudden advantage at a critical time; McClellan on the contrary must either carry out his carefully arranged programme, or acknowledge himself foiled.

That General McClellan was not a firm patriot is an assertion not entitled to any weight whatever.  He was devoted to the cause of the Union, and in his career as a general we believe he should be given the credit of performing his duty to the best of his ability.  That he could not triumph over unexpected obstacles was doubtless a cause of regret to him more than to any one else.

General McClellan has been accused of an undue ambition for political preferment, and it must be admitted that he would have succeeded better in those positions to which he attained, had he been less solicitous for the future; but it is not yet proved that he ever enlisted unworthy or dishonorable means in the cause of his personal advancement.

* * * * *

HISTORICAL RECORD.

September 30.—­Republican State Convention held in Springfield.  The following ticket was nominated:  Governor, Geo. D. Robinson of Chicopee; Lieut.  Governor, Oliver Ames of Easton; Secretary of State, Henry B. Pierce of Abington; Treasurer, A.W.  Beard of Boston; Auditor, Chas. R. Ladd of Springfield; Attorney General, Edgar J. Sherman of Lawrence.  With the exception of the office of treasurer, the ticket is the same as that of last year.

October 1.—­The Converse Memorial library building was formerly presented to the city of Malden by its donor, Hon. Elisha S. Converse.  Hon. John D. Long made the dedicatory address.  The building cost $100,000, and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the state.

October 7.—­Democratic State Convention at Worcester.  The following ticket was nominated:  Governor, Frederick O. Prince of Boston; Lieutenant-Governor, H.H.  Gilmore of Cambridge; Secretary of State, Jeremiah Crowley of Lowell; Attorney General, Henry K. Braley of Fall River; Treasurer, Henry M. Cross of Newburyport.

October 8.—­Eight monuments were unveiled upon the battle-field of Gettysburg by Massachusetts veterans.  The regiments which have erected these monuments and the principal speakers upon the occasion, were as follows:—­

The Twelfth Infantry.  The monument is on Seminary Ridge.  Col.  Cook of Gloucester presided, George Kimball of Boston delivered the principal address, and comrade Gilman read a poem.