General Buell became an object of harsh criticism later, some going so far as to challenge his loyalty.

No one who knew him ever believed him capable of a dishonorable act, and nothing could be more dishonorable than to accept high rank and command in war and then betray the trust.

When I came into command of the army in 1864, I requested the Secretary of War to restore General Buell to duty.
After the war, during the summer of 1865, I travelled considerably through the North, and was everywhere met by large numbers of people.
Every one had his opinion about the manner in which the war had been conducted: who among the generals had failed, how, and why.
Correspondents of the press were ever on hand to hear every word dropped, and were not always disposed to report correctly what did not confirm their preconceived notions, either about the conduct of the war or the individuals concerned in it.

The opportunity frequently occurred for me to defend General Buell against what I believed to be most unjust charges.

On one occasion a correspondent put in my mouth the very charge I had so often refuted--of disloyalty.