This
image, created in Fremont, Ohio, shows McPherson as
he appeared on his return from San Francisco in 1861.
Cultured, educated, and hard working, McPherson received
the U.S. Army's choice engineering assignments. His
intelligence, cooperative efforts, and superior work
led to posts rarely offered to officers of his rank
and experience.
At
the outbreak of the Civil War, McPherson begged for
transfer to active service. He wrote from San Francisco,
I am ready and anxious to go where I can be of the
most service. In August of 1861, he sailed east on
the steamer Golden Gate with the future General James
H. Wilson who described him as having a mind illumined
by learning, and manners made charming by a sunny
and hopeful temperament, he was the joy of our party
and favorite of everybody on the ship.