Cabinet accepts resignation of General Winfield Scott and decides upon appointment of General George B. McClellan as successor. President orders Bvt. Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott placed on list of retired officers of Army of U.S. Later calls at Scott's residence with members of cabinet. Order Retiring Winfield Scott from Command, 1 November 1861, CW, 5:10-11; National Republican (Washington, DC), 2 November 1861, 2:2.

Informs McClellan: "I have designated you to command the whole army." McClellan, War for Union, 200; Abraham Lincoln to George B. McClellan, 1 November 1861, CW, 5:9-10.

In evening, with John Hay, visits McClellan and Sec. Seward at their homes. Hay, Letters and Diary.

Capt. McKinney (Thomas J. McKenny?) delivers President's order dated October 24, 1861 relieving Gen. Fremont of command of Dept. of West. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis, 24 October 1861, CW, 4:562-63.