Page:Memoir of George McClellan MD.djvu/9

 were numerous, free, spontaneous as the stream of an unfailing spring. Some of them are engraven on the hearts of many who enjoy life from his bold and pioneering surgery; some are tissued in the growth of American surgery; some in the diffusion and enlargement of medical education; many are but imperfectly recollected; and a multitude are, by the oblivious sand which the current of time deposits, covered up—not lost. There is an eternal memory of human deeds, which, when done in obedience to the Master's command, “Go heal the sick,” will graciously obtain the praise of “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and the invitation, surpassing all invitations, “enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

George McClellan was born at Woodstock, Windham County, State of Connecticut, on the 22d day of December, 1796.

His race is Scottish—highland Scotch. We trace his family to Kircudbright on the Galway, and back to the eventful period which terminated the Scottish monarchy. McClellan, at that time, a century back, was a clansman, wrapt in his tartan, a garb which has ever been associated with a martial spirit, and in contrast with oppression.

His great-grandfather, bold, generous and intrepid, after having, with his fellow highlanders, espoused the desperate cause of Charles Edward and fought in the disastrous battle of Culloden, emigrated to this country, and settled in Massachusetts, in or near the town of Worcester. His son was General Samuel McClellan, of the Revolution. He settled and accumulated a large property in the township of Woodstock, Connecticut. By two marriages, he was the father of seven sons and two daughters; who, by intermarriages, have become connected with most of the older leading