R EPORT OF MiMAJ. GEN. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN UPON THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC AND ITS CAMPAIGNS IN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND From July 26, 1861, to November 7, 1862. RE-PRINTED ENTIRE FROM THE COPY TRANSMITTED BY THE SECRETARY OF WAR TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. CHICAGO: THETIMES STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT, 74 RANDOLPH STREET. 1 364 REPORT. FIRST PERIOD. CHAPTER I. NEW YORK, August 4, 1863. and started, on the morning of the 23d, for SIR: I have the honor to submit herein the Washington, arriving there on the afternoon of official report of the operations of the army of the 26th. On the 27th I assumed command of the Potomac while under my charge. Accom the division of the Potomac, comprising the panying it are the reports of the corps, division troops in and around Washington, on both banks and subordinate commanders; pertaining to the of the river. various engagements, battles and occurrenccr With this brief statement of ihe events which of the campaigns, and important documents immediately preceded my being called to the connected with its organization, supply, and command of the troops at Washington, I promovements. These, with lists of maps and ceed to an account, from such authentic data as memoranda submitted, will be found appended, are at hand, of my military operations while duly arranged, and marked for convenient ref- commander of the army of the Potomac. erence. The subjects to be considered naturally arCharged, in the spring of 1861, with the range themselves as follows: operations in the department of the Ohio, which The organization of the army of the Potomac. included the States of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, The military events connected with the deand latterly Western Virginia, it had become fences of Washington, from July, 1861, to my duty to counteract the hostile designs of the Alarch, 1862. The campaign on the Peninsula, enemy in Western Virginia, which were imme- and that in Maryland. diately directed to the destruction of the Balti- The great resources and capacity for powerful more and Ohio railroad and the possession of the resistance of the South at the breaking out of Kanawha valley, with the ultimate object of the rebellion, and the full proportions of the gaining Wheeling and the control of the Ohio great conflict about to take place, were sought river. to be carefully measured; and I had also endeavThe successful affairs of Phillippi, Rich ored, by every means in my power, to impress Mountain, Carrick's Ford, &c., had been fought, upon the authorities the necessity for such imand I had acquired possession of all Western mediate and full preparations as alone wouMd Virginia north of the Kanawha valley, as well enable the government to prosecute the war on a as the lower portion of that valley. scale commensurate with the resistance to be I had determined to proceed to the relief of offered. the upper KanaxVha valley, as soon as provision On the 4th of August, 1861, I addressed to was made for the permanent defence of the the President the following memorandum, premountain passes leading fiom the east into the pared at his request: region under control, when I received at Beverly, in Randolph county, on the 21st of July, MEMORANDUM. 1861, intelligence of the unfortunate result of the battle of Manassas, fought on that day. The object of the present war differs from On the 22d I received an order by telegraph, those in which nations are engaged, mainly in directing me to turn over my command to Brig- this: that the purpose of ordinary war is to adier General Rosecrans, and repair at once to conquer a peace, and make a treaty on advanWashington. tageous terms; in this contest it has become I had already caused reconnoissances to be necessary to crush a population sufficiently numade for intrenchments at the Cheat Mountain merous, intelligent and warlike to constitute a pass; also on the Hunterville road, near Elk- nation. We have not only to defeat their armed water, and at Red House,,near the main road and organized forces in the field, but to display from Rorney to Grafton. During the afternoon such an overwhelming strength as will convince and rright of the 22d I gave the final instructions all our antagonists, especially those of the govfor the construction of these works, turned over erning, aristocratic class, of the utter impossithe command to Brigadier General Rosecrans, bility of resistance. Our late reverses make 4 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. this course imperative. Had we been success- I presume that the force required for the ful in the recent battle, (Manassas,) it is possi- movement down the Mississippi will be deterble that we might have been spared the labor mined by its commander and the President. and expenses of a great effort. If Kentucky assumes the right position, not Now we have no alternative. Their success more than 20,000 will be needed, together with will enable the political leaders of the rebels those that can be raised in that State and Eastto convince the mass of their people that we ern Tennessee. to secure the latter region and are inferior to them in force and courage, and its railroads, as well as ultimately to occupy to command all their resources. The contest Nashville. began with a class, now it is with a people- The Western Virginia troops, with not more our military success can alone restore the for- than five to ten thousand from Ohio and Indiana, mer issue. should, under proper management, suflice for its By thoroughly defeating their armies, taking protection. their strong places, and pursuing a rigidly pro- When we have re-organized our main army tective policy as to private property and un- here, 10,000 myoj ought to be enough to protect armed persons, and a lenient course as to private the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Potosoldiers, we may well hope for a permanent re- mac, 5.000 will garrison Baltimore, 3,000 Fort storation of a peaceful Union. But, in the first Monroe, and not more than 20,000 will be instance, the authority of the government must necessary, at tie utmost, for the defence of be supported by overwhelming physical force. Washington. Our foreign relations and financial credit also For the main army of operations I urge the imperatively demand that the military action following composition: of the government should be prompt and irresisti ble.250 regiments of infantry, say....... 225,000 men. sistible.. ^...........* 100 field batteries, 600 guns......... 15,000 The rebels have chosen Virginia as their 28 regiments of cavalry............ 2,500 " battle-field, and it seems proper for us to make 5 regiments engineer troops....... 7,500 the first great struggle there. But while thus....... directing our main efforts, it is necessary to diminish the resistance there offered us, by The force must be supplied with the necesmovements on other points both by land arid sary engineer and pontoon trains, and with water. transportation for everything save tents. Its Without entering at present into details, t general line of operations should be so directed would advise that a strong movement be made that water transportation can be availed of from on the Mississippi, and that the rebels be driven point to point, by means of the ocean and the out of Missouri. rivers emptying into it. An essential feature As soon as it becomes perfectly clear that of the plan'of operations will be the employKentucky is cordially united with us, I would ment of a strong naval force to protect the advise a movement through that State into East- movement of a fleet of transports intended to ern Tennessee, for the purpose of assisting the convey a considerable body of troops from Union men of that region and of seizing the point to point of the enemy's sea-coast, thus railroads leading from Memphis to the east. either creating diversions and rendering it The possession of those roads by us, in con- necessary for them to detach largely from their nection with the movement on the Misslssispi, main body, in order to protect such of their would go far towards determining the evacua- cities as may be threatened, or else landing and tion of Virginia by the rebels. In the mean- forming establishments on their coast at any time, all the passes into Western Virginia from favorable places that opportunity might offer. the east should be securely guarded, but I This naval force should also co-operate with would advise no movement from that quarter the main army in its efforts to seize the importowards Richmond, unless the political condi- tant seaboard towns of the rebels. diion of Kentucky renders it impossible or in- It cannot be ignored that the construction of expedient for us to make the movement upon railroads has introduced a new and very imEastern Tennessee through that State. Every portant element into war, by the great facilities effort should, however, be made to organize, thus given for concentrating, at particular posiequip and arm as many troops as possible in tions, large masses of troops from remote secWestern Virginia, in order to render the Ohio tions, and by creating new strategic points and and Indiana regiments available for other oper- lines of operations. ations. It is intended to overcome this difficulty by At as early a day as practicable, it would be the partial operations suggested, and such others well to protect and re-open the Baltimore and as the particular case may require. We must Ohio Railroad. Baltimore and Fort Monroe endeavor to seize places on the railways in the should be occupied by garrisons sufficient to re- rear of the enemy's points of concentration, tain them in our possession. and we must threaten their seaboard cities, in The importance of Harper's Ferry and the order that each State may be forced, by the neline of the Potomac in the direction of Lees- cessity of its own defence, to diminish its conburg, will be very materially diminished so tingent to the confederate army. soon as our force in this vicinity becomes or- The proposed movement down the Missisganized, strong, and efficient, because no capa- sippi will produce important results in this ble General will cross the river north of this connection. That advance and the progress of city, when we have a strong army here ready to the main army at the east will materially assist cut off his retreat. each other by diminishing the resistance to be To revert to the West. It is probable that encountered by each. no /ery large additions to the troops now in The tendency of the Mississippi movement Missouri will be necessary to secure that State. upon all questions connected with cotton is too BEPORT OF GENERAL GIEOBG B. CLELLN. 5 well understood by the President and cabinet be materially diminished. It is perhaps unnecto need any illustration from me. essary to state that, in addition to the forces There is another independent movement that named in this memorandum, strong reserves has often been suggested and which has alwys should be formed, ready to supply any losses recommended itself to my judgment. i refer to that may occur. a movement from Kansas and Nebraska through In conclusion, I would submit that the exigenthe Indian territory upon Red River and West- ties of the treasury may be lessened by making ern Texas, for the purpose of protecting and only partial payments to our troops, when in developing the latent Union and free-State sen- the enemy's country, and by giving the obligatiment well known to predominate in Western tions of the United States for such suppllies as Texas, and which, like a similar sentiment in may there be obtained. Western Virginian will, if protected, ultimately GE o. B. J i CCTrELLcN, organize that section into a free State. How Jaicjor Gei;ne'ael. far it will be possible to support this movement by an advance through New Mexico from Call- I do not think the events of the war have fornia, is a matter which I have not sufficiently proved these views upon the mlietlod and plans examined to be able to express a decided opin- of its conduct altogether incorrect. They cerion. If at all practicable, it is eminently de- tainly have not proved my estimate of the sirable, as bringing into play the resources and number of troops and scope of operations too warlike qualities of the' Pacific States, as well large. It is probable that I did underestimate as identifying them with our cause and connect- the time necessary for the completiion of arms ing the bond of ULi.lon betwv-een them and the and equipmeents. It was not strange, however, general government.. that by many civilians intrusted with authority If it is not departing too fer from my 3povince there should have been an exactly opposite I will venture to suggest the policy of an ulti- opinion held on both these particulars. mate alliance and cordial understanding witah The result of the first battle of Manassas had Mexico; their sympathies and interests are with been almost to destroy the morale and organius-their antipathies exclusively against our zation of our army, and to alarm government enemies and their institutions. I think t would and people. The national capital was in dannot be difficult to obtain firom the Mexican gov- er; itwas necessaryt besides holdin thfe enemy ernment the right to use, at least during the in check to build works for its defence, strong present contest, the road from Guaymas to New and capable of being held by a small force. Mexico; this concession would very materially It was necessary also to create a new army reduce the obstacles of the column mnoving from for active operations and to expedite its organthe Pacific; a similar permission to use their ization, equipmenit, and the accumulation of territory for the passage of troops between the the material of war, and to this not inconsiderPanuco and the Rio Grande would enable us able labor all my energies for the net three to throw a column of troops by a good road months were constantly devoted. from Tampico, or some of the small aribors Time is a necessary element in the creation north of it, upon and across the Rio Grande, of armies, and I do not, therefore, think it necwithout risk and scarcely firing a shot. essary to more than mention the impatience with To what extent if any, it would be desirable which many regarded the delay in the arrival to take into service and employ Mexican sol- of new levies, though recruited and pressed diers, is a question entirely political, on which forward with unexampled rapidity, the manuI do not venture to offer an opinion. facture and supply of arms and equipments, or The force I have recommended is large; the the vehemence with which an immediate adexpense is great. It is possible that a smaller vance upon the enemy's works directly in our force might accomplish the object in view, but front was urged by a patriotic but sanguine I understand it to be the purpose of this great people. nation to re-establish the power of its govern- The President, too, was anxious for the speedy ment, and restore peace to its citizens, in the employment of our army, and, although posshortest possible time. sessed of my plans through frequent conferences, The question to be decided is simply this: desired a paper from me upon the condition of shall we crush the rebellion at one blow, ter- the forces under my commaud and the immediate minate the war in one campaign, or shall we measures to be taken to increase their efficiency. leave it as a legacy for our descendents? Accordingly, in the latter part of October I When the extent of the possible line of oper- addressed the following letter to the Secretary ations is considered, the force asked for for the of War: main army under my command cannot be regarded as unduly large; every mile we advance SIR: In conformity with a personal undercarries us further from our base of operations standing with the President yesterday, I have and renders detachments necessary to cover our the honor to submit the following statement of communications, while the enemy will be con- the condition of the army under my command, stantly concentrating as he falls back. I pro- and the measures required for the preservation pose, with the force which I have requested, not of the government and the suppression of the only to drive the enemy out of Virginia and rebellion. occupy Richmond, but to occupy Charleston, It will be remembered that in a memorial I Savannah, Montgomery, Pensacola, Mobile and had the honor to address to the President soon New Orleans; in other words to move into the after my arrival in Washington, and in my heart of the enemy's country and crush the re- communication addressed to Lieutenant Genbellion in its very heart. eral Scott, under date of 8th of August; in my By seizing and repairing the railroads as we letter to the President authorizing him, at his advance, tl-he (li!"'iculties of t-,ansrportation will request, to withdraw the letter written by me to 6 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. AMCLELLAN. General Scott; and in my letter of the 8th of material change occurs in the force in front September, answering your note of inquiry of of us. that date, my views on the same subject are The requisite force for an advance movement frankly and fully expressed. by the army of the Potomac may be thus estiIn these several communications I have stated mated: the force I regarded as necessary to enable this the force I regarded as necessary to enable this Column of active operations.... 150,000 men, 400 guns. army to advance with a reasonable certainty of Garrison of the city of Washingsuccess, at the same time leaving the capital and ton......................... 85,000 " 40 " the line of the Potomac sufficiently guarded, not To guard the Potomac to Haronly to secure the retreat of the main army, in pgur' Ferry. w —- 5* 00( 1, To guard the lower Potomac 8.... $000 24 " the event of disaster, but to render it out of the Garrison for Baltimore and Anenemy's power to attempt a diversion in Mary- napolis.................... 10,0o) "' 12 land. So much time has passed, and the winter is Total effective force required, 208,000 l-n, 488 guns, approaching so rapidly, that but two courses or an aggregate, present and absent, of about are left to the government, viz., eithertogo into 240,000 men, should the losses by sickness, winter quarters or to assume the offensive with &c., not rise to a higher percentage than at forces greatly inferior in numbers to the army I present. regarded as desirable and necessary. If polit- Having slated what I regard as the requisite ical considerations render the first course unad- force to enable this army to advance, I now visable, the second alone remains. While I proceed to give the actual strength of the army regret that it has not been deemed expedient, or of the Potomac. perhaps possible, to concentrate the forces of the The aggregate strength of the army of the nation in this vicinity, (remaining on the de- Potomac, by the official report on the morning fensive elsewhere), keeping the attention and of the 27th instant, was 168,318 officers and efforts of the government fixed upon this as the men, of all grades and arms. This includes vital point, where the issue of the great contest the troops at Baltimore and Annapolis, on the is to be decided, it may still be that, by intro- upper and lower Potomac, the sick, absent, &c. ducing unity of action and design among the The force present for duty was 147,695. Of various armies of the land, by determining the this number, 4,268 cavalry were completely uncourses to be pursued by the various command- armed, 3,163 cavalry only partially armed, era under one general plan, transferring from 5,979 infantry unequipped, making 13,410 unfit the other armies the superfluous strength not for the field, (irrespective of those not yet suffirequired for the purpose in view, and thus re- ciently drilled), and reducing the effective force enforcing this main army, whose destiny it is to to 134,285, and the number disposable for an decide the controversy, we may yet be able to advance to 76,285. The infantry regiments move with a reasonable prospect of success be- are, to a considerable extent, armed with unfore the winter is fairly upon us. serviceable weapons. Quite a large number of The nation feels, and I share that feeling, good arms, which had been intended for this that the army of the Potomac holds the fate of army, were ordered elsewhere, leaving the the country in its hands. army of the Potomac insufficiently, and, in The stake is so vast, the issue so momentous, some cases, badly armed. and the effect of the next battle will be so im- On the 30th of September there were with portant throughout the future, as well as the this army 228 field guns ready for the field; so present, that I continue to urge, as I have ever far as arms and equipments are concerned, some done since I entered upon the command of this of the batteries are still quite raw, and unfit to army, upon the government to devote its ener- go into action. I have intelligence that eight gies and its available resources towards increas- New York batterics are en route hither; two ing the numbers and efficiency of the army on others are ready for the field. I will still (if which its salvation depends. the New York batteries have six guns each) be A statement, carefully prepared by the chiefs 112 guns short of the number required for the of engineers and artillery of this army, gives active column, saying nothing, for the present, us the necessary garrison of this city and its of those necessary for the garrisons and corps fortifications, 33,795 men-say 35,000. on the Potomac, which would make a total deThe present garrison of Baltimore and its ficiency of 200 guns. dependencies is about 10,00. I have sent the I have thus briefly stated our present condichief of my staff to make a careful examination tion and wants; it remains to suggest the means into the condition of these troops, and to obtain of supplying the deficiencies. the information requisite to enable me to decide First, that all the cavalry and infantry arms, whether this number can be diminished, or the as fast as procured, whether manufactured in reverse. this country or purchased abroad, be sent to At least 5,000. men will be required to watch this army until it is fully prepared for the the river hence to Harper's Ferry and its vicin- field. ity; probably 8,000 to guard the lower Potomac. Second, that the two companies of the fourth As you are aware, all the information we have artillery, now uIderstood to be en route from from spies, prisoners, &c., agrees in showing Fort Randall to Fort Monroe, be ordered to this that the enemy have a force on the Potomac army, to be mounted at once; also, that the not less than 150,000 strong, well drilled and companies of the third artillery, en route from equipped, ably commanded and strongly in- California, be sent here. Had not the order for trenched. It is plain, therefore, that to insure Smead's battery to come here from Harrisburg, success, or to render it reasonably certain, the to replac te the battery I gave General Sherman, active army should not number less than 150,- been so often cooin ternlanded. 1 wouldl again ask 000 efficient troops. with 400 guns, unle-s some fr iu. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. X'CLELLAN. T Third, that a more effective regulation may glad to return to the obscurity from which be made authorizing the transfer of men from events have drawn me. the volunteers to the regular batteries, infantry Whatever the determination of the governand cavalry; that we may make the best possi- ment may be, I will do the best I can with the ble use of the invaluable regular "skeletons." army of the Potomac, and will share its fate, Fourth, I have no official information as to whatever may be the task imposed upon me. the United States forces elsewhere; but from Permit me to add that, on this occassion as the best information I can obtain from the War heretofore, it has been my aim neither to exDepartment and other sources, I am led to be- aggerate nor underrate the power of the enemy, lieve that the United States troops are: nor fail to express clearly the means by which, in my judgment, that power may be broken. In Western Virginia, about.................... 80,000 Urging the energy of preparation and action, In Kentucky.................................. 40,000 which has ever been my choice, but with the In Missouri............................. 80,000 fixed purpose by no act of mine to expose the In Fortress Monroe............................ 11,000 government to hazard by premature movement,'otal.................,. 161,000 and requesting that this communication may be laid before the President, esides these, I am informed that more than I have the honor to be, va' respectfully, 100,000 re in progress of organization in other your obedient servant, northern and western States. G. B. MCCLELLAN, I would, therefore, recommend that, not in- Major General. terfering with Kentucky, there should be re- Hon. SIMON CAMERON, tained in Western Virginia and Missouri a Secretary of Wr. sufficient force for defensive purposes, and that I the surplus troops be sent to the army of the When I assumed command in Washington, Potomac, to enable it to assume the offensive; on the 27th of July, 1861, the number of troops that the same course be pursued in respect to in and around the city was about 50,000 inFortress Monroe, and that no further outside fantry, less than 1,000 cavalry, and 650 artilexpeditions be attempted until we have fought lerymen, with nine imperfect field batteries of the great battle in front of us. thirty pieces. Fifth, that every nerve be strained to hasten On the Virginia bank of the Potomac the the enrolment, organization and armament of brigade organization of General McDowell still new batteries and regiments of infantry. existed, and the troops were stationed at and Sixth, that all the battalions now raised for in rear of Fort Corcoran, Arlington, and Fort new regiments of regular infantry be at once Albany, at Fort Runyan, Roach's Mills, Cole's ordered to this army, and that the old infantry Mills, and in the vicinity of Fort Ellsworth, and cavalry en route from California be ordered with a detachment at the Theological Semito this army immediately on their arrival in nary. New York. There were no troops south of Hunting I have thus indicated, in a general manner, creek, and many of the regiments were enthe objects to be accomplished, and the means camped on the low grounds bordering the Potoby which we may gain our ends. mac, seldom in the best positions for defence, A vigorous employment of these means will, and entirely inadequate in numbers and condiin my opinion, enable the army of the Potomac tion to defend the long line from Fort Corcoran to assume successfully this season the offensive to Alexandria. operations which, ever since entering upon the On the Maryland side of, the river, upon the command, it has been my anxious desire and heights overlooking the Chain bridge, two regidiligent effort to prepare for and prosecute. ments were stationed, whose commanders were The advance should not be postponed beyond independent of each other. the 25th of November, if possible to avoid it. There were no troops on the important TenUnity in councils, the utmost vigor and ener- allytown road, or on the roads entering the city gy in action are indispensable. The entire from the South. military field should be grasped as a whole, The camps were located without regard to and not in detached parts. purposes of defence or instruction, the roads One plan should be agreed upon and pur- were not picketed, and there was no attempt at sued; a single will should direct and carry out an organization into brigades. these plans. In no quarter were the dispositions for deThe great object to be accomplished, the fence such as to offer a vigorous resistance to a crushing defeat of the rebel army (now) at respectable body of the enemy, either in the Manassas, should never for one instant be lost position and numbers of the troops, or the sight of, but all the intellect and means and number and character of the defensive works. men of the government poured upon that point. Earthworks, in the nature of tetes de Sont, The loyal States possess ample force to effect looked upon the approaches to the Georgetown all this and more. The rebels have displayed aqueduct and ferry, the Long bridge and Alexenergy, unanimity and wisdom worthy of the andria, by the Little river turnpike, and some most desperate days of the French revolution. simple defensive arrangements were made at Should we do less? the Chain bridge. With the latter exception, The unity of this nation, the preservation of not a single defensive work had been comour institutions, are so dear to me that I have menced on the Maryland side. willingly sacrificed my private happiness with There was nothing to prevent the enemy the single object of doing my duty to my coun- shelling the city from heights within easy try. When the task is accomplished, I shall be range, which could be occupied by a hostile column almost withoutll resistance. Many sol 8 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. diers had deserted, and the streets of Washing- I.' X- tton were crowded with straggling officers and C 3:rot men, absent from their stations without author- Es CL c]q ity, whose behavior indicated the general want of discipline and organization. a - I at once designated an efficient staff, after- r-'*"wards adding to it as opportunity was afforded ^ ^rr and necessity required, who zealously co-oper-., O-O> ated with me in the labor of bringing *rder out, A c ^.of confusion, re-assigning troops and commands, projecting and throwing up defensive works, -C-oco~receiving and organizing, equipping and pro- a "' viding for the new levies arriving in the city. _, _ __ The valuable services of these officers in C oo their various departments, during this and. G O throughout the subsequent periods of the his- ":~ tory of the army of the Potomac, can hardly be - - - sufficiently appreciated. Their names and du-,-;c ties will be given in another part of this report,. O o and they are commended to the favorable notice ^^of the War Department. l th The restoration of order in the city of Wash-' ington was effected through the appointment of ~ a a provost marshal, whose authority was sup- S ported by the few regular troops within my For convenience of reference the strength of command. These troops were thus in position the army of the Potomac at subsequent periods to act as a reserve, to be sent to any point of is given: attack where their services might be most wanted. The energy and ability displayed by -qs pue iuasasd oZ ooo Colonel A. Porter, the provost marshal, and'ass2aise pu9 UL i his assistants, and the strict discharge of their + ______ duty by the troops, produced the best results,._-G and Washington soon became one of the most'X.Sl. oq quiet cities in the Union. -ne - notqM o. The new levies of infantry, upon arriving in Washington, were formed into provisional bri- gc gades and placed in camp in the suburbs of the Iol.uoqln La ~ - city for equipment, instruction, and discipline._____ As soon as reoiments were in a fit condition for transfer te the forces across the Potomac, they A were assigned to the brigades serving there. *. oajsov S-: Brigadier General F. J. Porter was at first as- -^ signed to the charge of the provisional brigades. Brigadier General A. E. Burnside was the next officer assigned this duty, from which, however, a c:o he was soon relieved by Brigadier General S. Casey, who continued in charge of the newly arriving regiments until the army of the Poto- o mac departed for the Peninsula, in March, - 1862. The newly arriving artillery troops reported to Brigadier General William F. Barry, the chief of artillery, and the cavalry to Briga- O dier General George Stoneman, the chief of' ~ *g cavalry. O e-I By the 15th of October, the number of troops A r Ka in and about Washington, inclusive of the gar- ___ rison of the city and Alexandria, the city guard'. and the forces on the Maryland shore of the S: Potomac below Washington, and as far as Cum- r berland above, the troops under the commando: of General Dix, at Baltimore and its dependen- cies were as follows: - 1 S Total present for duty.................... 188,201. d a' sick................................ 9,29 " in confinement...................... 1,156 __ _. Aggregate present........................ 143,647 | * C,: ~ absent....................... 8,404 1 c o Grand aggregate.................... 152,051 0.. 3 The following table exhibits similar data for. ~ the periods stated, including the troops in Mary- * land and Dellasware:' a REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. In organizing the army of the Potomac, and The regular infantry, which had been collected preparing it for the field, the first step taken was from distant posts and which had been recruited to organize the infantry into brigades of four as rapidly as the slow progress of recruiting for regiments each; retaining the newly arrived reg- the regular service would allow, added to the iments on the Maryland side until their arma- small battalion with McDowell's army, which I ment and equipment were issued and they had found at Washington on my arrival, amounted, obtained some little elementary instruction, on the 30th of August, to 1,040 men; on the 28th before assigning them permanently to brigades. of February, 1862, to 2,682, and on the 30th When the organization of the brigades was well of April, to 4,603. On the 17th of May, 1862. established, and the troops somewhat disciplined they were assigned to General Porter's corps and instructed, divisions of three brigades each for organization as a division, with the fifth were gradually formed, as is elsewhere stated in regiment New York volunteers, which joined this report, although I was always in favor of May 4, and the tenth New York volunteers, the organization into army corps as an abstract which joined subsequently. They remained principle. I did not desire to form them until from the commencement under the command of the army had been for some little time in the Brigadier General George Sykes, major third field, in order to enable the general officers first infantry United States army. to acquire the requisite experience as division commanders on active service, and that I might ARTILLERY. be able to decide from actual trial who were best fitted to exercise these important com- The creation of an adequate artillery estabmands. lishment for an army of so large proportions was For a similar reason I carefully abstained from a formidable undertaking; and had it not been making any recommendations for the promotion that the country possessed in the regular service of officers to the grade of major general. a body of accomplished and energetic artillery When new batteries of artillery arrived they officers, the task would have been almost hopealso were retained in Washington until their less. armament and equipment were completed, and The charge of organizing this most important their instruction sufficiently advanced to justify arm was confided to Major (afterwards Brigadier their being assigned to divisions. The same General) William F. Barry, chief of artillery, course was pursued in regard to cavalry. I re- whose industry and zeal achieved the best regret that circumstances have delayed the chief suits. The report of General Barry is appended of cavalry, General George Stoneman, in furn- among the accompanying documents. By reishing his report upon the organization of that ferring to it, it will be observed that the followarm of service. It will, however, be forwarded ing principles were adopted as the basis of as soon as completed, and will, doubtless, show organization: that the difficult and important duties intrusted 1. That the proportion of artillery should to him were efficiently performed. He encoun- be in the proportion of at least two and onetered and overcame, as far as it was possible, half pieces to 1,000 men, to be expanded, if continual and vexatious obstacles arising from possible, to three pieces to 1,000 men. the great deficiency of cavalry arms and equip- 2. That the proportion of rifled guns ments, and the entire inefficiency of many of should be restricted to the system of the United the regimental officers first appointed; this last States ordnance department; and of Parrott and difficulty was, to a considerable extent, overcome the' smooth bores' (with the exception of a few in the cavalry, as well as in the infantry and howitzers for special- service) to be exclusively artillery, by the continual and prompt action of the twelve-pounder gun, of the model of 1867, courts-martial and boards of examination. variously called the' gun-howitzer,' the'light As rapidly as circumstances permitted, every twelve-pounder,' or the' Napoleon.' cavalry soldier was armed with a sabre and " 3. That each field battery should, if pracrevolver, and at least two squadrons in every ticable, be composed of six guns, and none to regiment with carbines. be less than four guns, and in all cases the guns It was intended to assign at least one regiment of each battery should be of uniform calibre. of cavalry to each division of the active army, " 4. That the field batteries were to be asbesides forming a cavalry reserve of the regular signed to divisions, and not to brigades, and in regiments and some picked regiments of volun- the proportion of four to each division, of which teer cavalry. Circumstances beyond my control one was to be a battery of regulars, the remainrendered it impossible to carry out this intention der of volunteers, the captain of the regular fully, and the cavalry force serving with the battery to be commandant of artillery of the army in the field was never as large as it ought division. In the event of several divisions to have been. constituting an army corps, at least one-half the It was determined to collect the regular in- divisional artillery was to constitute the reserve fantry to form the nucleus of a reserve. The artillery of the corps. advantage of such a body of troops at a critical " 5. That the artillery reserve of the whole moment, especially in an army constituted army should consist of one hundred guns, and mainly of new levies, imperfectly disciplined, should comprise, besides a sufficient number of has been frequently illustrated in military his- light'mounted batteries,' all the guns of pository, and was brought to the attention of the tion, and until the cavalry were massed, all the country at the first battle of Manassas. I horse artillery. have not been disappointed in the estimate " 6. That the amount of amunition to acformed of the value of these troops. I have company field batteries was not to be less than always found them to be relied on. When- four hundred rounds per gun. ever they have been brought under fire they 47. A siege train of fi'ty pieces. This was have shown the lutmost gallantry and tenacity. sun:,seluettlly (expn:ileJ %r special servict at 10 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MgCLEILAN. the siege of Yorktown, to very nearly one hun- j and availed themselves so industriously of the dred pieces, and comprised the unusual calibres instructions of the regular officers, their comand enormously heavy weight of metal of two manders, and the example of the regular bat200-pounders, five 100-pounders. and ten 13- teries, their associates, that they made rapid inch sea-coast mortars." progress, and attained a degree of proficiency As has been before stated, the chief of artil- highly creditable. lery reports the whole of the field artillery of The designations of the different batteries of the army of the Potomac, July 28, 1861, was artillery, both regular and volunteer, follow comprised of nine imperfectly equipped batter- within a few pages. ies. of thirty guns, 650 men, and 400 horses. The following distribution of regiments and In March, 1862, when the whole army took the batteries was made. as a preliminary organizatield, it consisted of ninety-two batteries, of tion of the forces at hand, shortly after my ar520 guns, 12,500 men, and 11,000 horses, fully rival in Washington. The infantry, artillery, equipped and in readiness for active field ser- and cavalry, as fast as collected and brought vice; of the whole force thirty batteries were into primary organization, were assigned to regulars, and sixty-two batteries volunteers. brigades and divisions, as indicated in the subDuring the short period of seven months, all of joined statements. this immense amount of material was issued by the ordnance department and placed in the Organization of the division of the Potomac, hands of the artillery troops after their arrival August 4, 1861. in Washington. About one-fourth of all the volunteer batteries brought with them from Brigadier General IHunter's brigade.-23d, their respective States a few guns and carriages, 25th, 35th, and 37th regiments New York volbut they were nearly all of such peculiar calibre unteers. as to lack uniformity with the more modern and Brigadier General Heintzelman's brigade.more serviceable ordnance with which the other 5th regiment Maine volunteers, 16th, 26th, and batteries were armed, and they therefore had to 27th New York volunteers, and Tidball's batbe withdrawn and replaced by more suitable tery, (A), 2d United States artillery. material. While about one-sixth came supplied Brigadier General W. T. Sherman's brigade. with horses and harness, less than one-tenth -9th and 14th regiments Massachusetts volunwere apparently fully equipped for service teers, DeKalb regiment New York volunteers, when they reported; and every one of these 4th regiment Michigan volunteers, Hamilton's required the supply of many deficiencies of ma- battery, (E), 3d United States artillery, and terial, and very extensive instruction in the company I, 2d United States cavalry. theory and practice of their special arm. Brigadier General Kearney's brigade.-1st, The operations on the Peninsula by the army 2d, and 3d regiments New Jersey volunteers, of the Potomac commenced with a full field Green's battery, (G), 2d United States artilartillery force of fifty-two batteries of two hun- lery, and company G, 2d United States cavalry. dred and ninety-nine guns. To this must be Brigadier General Hooker's brigade.-lst and added the field artillery of Franklin's division 11th regiments Massachusetts volunteers, 2d of McDowell's corps, which joined a few days regiment New Hampshire volunteers, and 26th before the capture of Yorktown, but was not regiment Pennsylvania volunteers. disembarked from its transports for service un- Colonel Key's brigade.-22d, 24th, and 30th til after the battle of Williamsburg, and the regiments New York volunteers, and 14th regifield artillery of McCall's division 6f McDow- ment New York State militia. ell's corps, (four batteries, twenty-two guns), Brigadier General Franklin's brigade.-15th, which joined in June, a few days before the 18th, 31st, and 32d regiments New York volbattle of Mechanicsville, (June 26, 1862), mak- unteers, Platt's battery, (M), 2d United States ing a grand total of field artillery, at any time artillery, and company C, New York (Lincoln) with the army of the Peninsula, of sixty bat- cavalry. teries of three hundred and forty-three guns. Colonel Bleener's brigade.-8th and 27th regiWith this large force, saving in six corps d'ar- ments New York volunteers, 27th regiment mee of eleven divisions, and the artillery re- Pennsylvania volunteers, and Garibaldi guard, serve, the only general and field officers were New York volunteers. one brigadier general, four colonels, three lieu- Colonel Richardson's brigade.-12th regiment tenant colonels, and three majors, a number New York volunteers, and 2d and 3d regiments obviously insufficient, and which impaired to a Michigan volunteers. great degree, in consequence of the want of Brigadier General Stone's brigade.-34th and rank and official influence of the commanders Tammany regiments New York volunteers, lst of corps and division artillery, the efficiency of regiment Minnesota volunteers, and 2d regithe arm. As this faulty organization can be ment New York State militia. suitably corrected only by legislative action, it Coloael William F. Smith's brigade.-2d and is earnestly hoped that the attention of the 3d regiments Vermont volunteers, 6th regiment proper authorities may be at an early day in- Maine volunteers, 33d regiment New York volvited to it. unteers, company H, 2d United States cavalry, When there were so many newly organized and Captain Mott's New York battery. volunteer field batteries, many of whom re- Colonel Couch's brigade,-2d regiment Rbode ceived their first and only instruction in the Island volunteers, 7th and 10th regiments Masintrenched camps covering Washington during sachusett's volunteers, and 36th regiment New the three or four inclement months of the win- York volunteers. ter of 1861-'62, there was, of course, much to The 2d regiment Maine, the 2d regiment Wisbe improved. Many of the volunteer batteries, eonsin, and the 13tj regiment New York volunhowever, evinced such zeal and intelligence, teers, stationed at Fort Corcoran. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE 1. Mi CLEL.LA. Il The 21st regiment New York volunteers, sta- r HEINTZELMA.N'IS DIVISION. tioned at Fort Runyon. The 17th regiment New York volunteers, sta- Cavalry.-lst New Jersey cavalry, Colonel tioned at Fort Ellsworth. IIalsted. A.rtillery.-Thompson's battery, C, United By October the new levies had arrived in I States artillery. sufficient numbers, and the process of organiza- Infantry. —Richardson's brigade: 2d, 3d, and tion so far carried on that the construction of 5th Michigan, and 37th New York volunteers. divisions had been effected. Sedgwick's brigade: 3d and 4th Maine. and 38th The following statement exhibits the compo- and 40th New York volunteers. Jameson's sition of the army, October 15, 1861. brigade: 32d, 63d, 61st, and 45th Pennsylvania volunteers, and Wild Cat reserves, (PennsylOrganizaton of the army of the Potomac, Oto- vani a volunteers). ber 15, 1861. F.J.. PORTER'S DIVISION. 1. Brigadier General George Stoneman's cav - alry command. —5th United States cavalry, 4th Cal. 3d Pennsylvania cavalry, Colonel Pennsylvania cavalry, Oneida cavalry, (one Averill, and 8th Pennsylvania cavalry, Colonel company), 11th Pennsylvania cavalry, (Har- Battr and battery * 3 lan's), and Barker's Illinois cavalry, (one com- United Srates artill ery. pany). 2s. Colonel -I. j. Ifunt's ortillery reseree. Infantry.-Morell's brigade: 33d Pennsylva2. Colonel Jt. J. Hunt's artillery reserce. — nia, 4th 5ichigan, 9th Massachusetts, and 4tn Batteries L, A, and B, 2d United States artil ia, 4th Michigan, 9th MIassachusetts, and 4th lery batteries K and F, 3d United States arti l New York volunteers. Martindale's brigade: lery, battery K, 4th United States artillery, bat- 13th New York, 2d Maine, and 18th MassachusettHs volunteers, and DeKalb regiment New tery H, 1st United States artillery, and battery Yeor volunteers, and DeKalb regiment New A 5th United States artillery York volunteers. Butterfield's brigade: 50th A, United.tate rlleNew York, 83d Pennsylvania, tColonel McLean), 17th and 25th New York Volunteers, 3. CITY GUARD, BRIGADIER GENERAL ANDREW and Stockton's independent Michigan regiment PORTER. FRANKLIN'S DIVISION Cavalry.-Companies A and E, 4th United States cavalry. Cravalry.-1st New York cavalry. Colonel Artillery.-Battery K. 5th United States ar- McReynolds. tillery. Artillery.-Batteries D and G, 2d United Infantry.-2d and 3d battalions United States States artillery, and IIexamer's battery, (New infantry, 8th and 1st companies United States Jersey volunteers). infantry, and Sturgisis rifles, (Illinois volun- Infantry.-Kearney's brigade: lst, 2d, 3d, teers). and 4th New Jersey volunteers. Slocum's brigade: 16th. 26th, and 27th New York, and 4. BANKS' DIVISION. 6th Maine volunteers. Newton's brigade: 15th 18lth, 32st. and 32d New York volunteers. Cavalry-Four companies 3rd regiment New York cavalry, (Van Allen's). STONE'S DIVISION. Artillery.-Best's battery E, 4th United States artillery, detachment 9th New York artillery, Cat'alry. —Six companies 3d New York (Van Matthews's battery E, 1st Pennsylvania artille- Allen) cavalry. ry, Tompkins's battery A, 1st Rhode Island Artillery. -Kirby's battery I, 1st United artillery. States, Vaughn's battery B, 1st Rhode Island Infantry.-Abercrombie's brigade: 12th Mas- artillery. and Bunting's 6th New York indesachusetts, 12th and 16th Indiana, and 30th pendent battery. Pennsylvania volunteers. Stiles's brigade: 3d Infantry.-Gorman's brigade: 2nd New York Wisconsin, 29th Pennsylvania, and 13th Massa- State militia. 1st Minnesota, 15th Massachusetts, thusetts volunteers, and 9th New York State and 34th New York volunteers, and Tammany militia. Gordon's brigade: 2d Massachusetts, regiment, (New York volunteers). Lander's 28th and 19th New York, 5th Connecticut, 46th brigade: 19th and 20th Massachusetts, and 7th and 28th Pennsylvania, and 1st Maryland vol- Michigan volunteers, and a company of Masunteers. sachusetts sharpshooters. Baker's brigade: Pennsylvania volunteers, (1st, 2d, and 3d CalM'DOWELL'S DIVISION. ifornia). CQvalry.-2d New York cavalry, (Harris's BELL'S DIVISION. Lipgt), Colonel Davis. Artillery.-Battery M, 2d, and battery G, 1st Artillery.-Battries D and H, 1st PennslUnited States Artillery. vania artillery. Infantry.-Keys's brigade: 14th New York Infantry. —Couchs brigade: 2d Rhode Islan~ State militia, and 22d, 24th, and 30th New 7th and 10th Massachusetts and 36th New York York volunteers. Wadsworth's brigade: 12th 21st, 23d, and 35th New York volunteers. King's brigade: 2d, 6th, and 7th Wisconsin, i This battery Ens transferred to Sherman's expedimndt 1 9th Indiana volunteers. ti An. 12 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. volunteers. Graham's Brigade: 23d and 31st Garrison of Fort Richardson.-4th ConnectiPennsylvania, and 67th (lst Long Island) and cut volunteers. 65th (1st United States chasseurs) New York Garrison of Fort UWashington.-Company D, volunteers. Peck's brigade: 13th and 21st 1st United States artillery, companies H and I, Pennsylvania, and 62d (Anderson's Zouaves) 37th New York volunteers, and United States and 55th New York volunteers. recruits unassigned. M'CALL'S DIVISION. 6. DIX'S DIVISION, BALTIMORE. Cavalry. —st Pennsylvania reserve cavalry, Colonel Bayard. Cavalry.-Company of Pennsylvania cavalry. Artillery.-Easton's battery A, Cooper's bat- Artillery.-Battery I, 2d United States artiltery B, and Kein's battery G, 1st Pennsylvania lery, 2d Massachusetts light battery, and a batartillery. tery of New York artillery. Infantry. —leade's brigade: 1st rifles Penn- Infantry.-3d, 4th, and 5th New York, 17th sylvania reserves, 4th, 3d, 7th, 11th, and 2d and 25th Massachusetts, 21st Indiana, Gth MiichiPennsylvania reserve infantry. brig- gan, 4th Wisconsin, 7th Maine, 2d Maryland ade: 5th, 1st, and 8th Pennsylvania reserve battalion, and Reading city guard, volunteers. infantry. - brigade: 10th, 6th, 9th and 12th Pennsylvania reserve infantry. On the 8th of March, 1862, the President directed, by the following order, the organizaHOOKER'S DIVISION. tion of the active portion of the army of the Potomac into four army carps, and the forma, Cavalry.-Eight companies 3d Indiana cav- tion of a fifth corps from the division of Banke airy, Lieutenant Colonel Carter. and Shields. Artillery. - Elder's battery E, 1st United The following is the text of the President't States artillery. order: Infantry. brigade: 1st and 11th Massachusetts, 2d New Hampshire, 26th Penn- [President's General War Order No. 2]. sylvania, and 1st Michigan volunteers. Sickles's brigade: 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th regiments ECTIE MANSION Excelsior brigade, New York volunteers. T vcWashilngton, JMarch 8, 1862. BLENKER'S BRIGADE. " Ordered, 1st. That themajor general commanding the army of the Potomac proceed forthCavalry.-4th New York cavalry (mounted with to organize that part of the said army desrifles,) Colonel Dickel. tined to enter upon active operations, (including Artillery.-One battery. the reserve, but excluding the troops to be left Infantry.-8th and 29th New York, 27th and in the fortifications about Washington,) into four 35th Pennsylvania volunteers, Garabaldiguard army corps, to be commanded according to and Cameron rifles, (New York volunteers). seniority of rank, as follows:' First corps to consist of four divisions, and SMITH'S DIVISION. to be commanded by Major General I. MTcDowell. Second corps to consist of three divisions, Cavalry.-5th Pennsylvania cavalry, (Came- and to be commanded by Brigadier General E. ron dragoons), Colonel Friedman. V. Sumner. Third corps to consist of three Artillery.-Ayre's battery F, 5th United States divisions, and to be commanded by Brigadier artillery, Mott's 2d New York independent bat- General S. P. Hleintzelman. Fourth corps to tery, and Barr's battery E, 1st Pennsylvania consist of three divisions and to be commanded artillery. by Brigadier General E. D. Keyes. Infantry. — brigade: 2d, 3rd, 4th, " 2. That the divisions now commanded by and 5th Vermont volunteers. Stevens's brig- the officers above assigned to the commands of ade: 35th and 49th New York and 6th Maine army corps shall be embraced in and form part volunteers, and *79th New York State militia, of their respective corps. Hancock's brigade: *47th and 49th Pennsylva- " 3. The forces left for the defence of Washnia, 43rd New York, and 5th Wisconsin volun- ington will be placed in command of Brigadier teers. Companies B and E, Berden's sharp- General James Wadsworth, who shall also be shooters. military governor of the District of Columbia. Casey's provisional brigades.-5th, 6th, and " 4. That this order be executed with such 7th New Jersey volunteers, *Round-Head reg- promptness and despatch as not to delay the iment, (Pennsylvania volunteers), battalion commencement of the operations already diDistrict of Columbia volunteers, 40th Pennsyl- rected to be undertaken by the army of the vania, 8th New Jersey, and 4th New Hampshire Potomac. volunteers. "5th. A fifth army corps, to be commanded 5. Garrison of Alexandria.-Brigadier Gen- by Major General N. P. Banks, will be foraed eral Montgomery, military governor. Cameron from his own and General Shields's (late Genguard, (Pennsylvania volunteers). eral Lander's) division. Garrison of Fort Albany.-14th Massachu- ("A BRAH4M LINCOLN." setts volunteers. The following order, which was made as soon The 79th New York State militiahe 47th P - as circumstances permitted, exhibits the steps vania volunteers tte militia, theound-He regiment, wensyl- taken to carry out the requirements of the trania vsf tolner t an s eS eRound-Head regiment, war ere N. 2: transferred to General Slherman's expedition. President's war order No. 2: REPORT OF GENERAL GIEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 13 " ARMY CORPS. States, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott and 2 Napoleon -guns; Diedrick's battery A, New York artil" HEADQURTER ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, lery and battalion, 6 20-pounder Parrott guns; "Fairfax Court-house, -.Va., March 13,'62. Vogelie's battery B, New York artillery: and battalion, 4 20-pounder Parrott guns; linierim's GENERAL ORDERS NO. 151.] battery C, New York artillery and battalion, 4 "In compliance with the President's war or- 20-pounder Parrott guns; Grimm's battery D, derNo. 2,March 8, 1862, the active portion of New York artillery and battalion, 6 32-pounder the army of the Potomac is formed into army howitzer guns. Total, 100 guns. cormps, a f ow foimed nto army as fn3d. Volunteer engineer troops, General "First corps, Major General Irwin McDow- Woodbury: 15th New York volunteers; 50th New York volunteers. ell, to consist for the present of the divisions York lunteers of Franklin, McCall, and King. Second corps, Regular engineer troops, Captain Duane: Brigadier General E. V. Sumner; divisions, Companies A, B, and C, United States enRichardson, Blenker, and Sedgwick. Third gineers. corps, Brigadier General:S. P. Heintzelman; Artillery troops, with siege trains: 1st Condivisions, F. J. Porter, Hooker, and Hamilton. necticut heavy artillery, Colonel Tyler. Fourth corps, Brigadier General E. D. Keyes; 4th. Infantry reserve, (regular brigade), divisions, Couch, Smith and Casey. Fifthcorps, eneral Sykes 9 companies 2d United States Major General N. P. Banks; divisions, Williams infantry, companies 3d United States infanand Shields. try, 10 companies 4th United States infantry, "The cavalry regiments attached to divisions 10 companies 6th United States infantry, 8 will, for the present, remain so. Subsequent companies 10th and 17th United States infanorders will provide for these regiments, as well try 6 companies 11th United States infantry as for the reserve artillery. Regular infantry 8 companies 12th United States infantry, 9 and regular cavalry arrangements will be made companies 14th United States infantry, and 5th to unite the divisions of each army corps as New York volunteers, Colonel Warren. promptly as possible. " The commanders of divisions will at once SECOND CORPS, GENERAL SUMNER. report in person, or where that is impossible, by letter, to the commander of their army corps. Cavalry.-8th Illinois cavalry, Colonel Farns" By command of Major General MoClellan. worth, and one squadron 6th NewYork cavalry. "A. V. COLBURN, " Assistant Adjutant General." RICHARDSON'S DIVISION. I add a statement of the organization and Artillery.-Clark's battery A and G, 4th Unicomposition of the troops on April 1, con- ted States, 6 Napoleon Guns; Frank's battery mencing with the portion of the army of the G, 1st New York, 6 10-pounder Parrott guns; Potomac which went to the Peninsula, giving Pettit's battery B, 1st New York, 6 10-pounder afterwards the regiments and batteries left on Parrott guns; Hogan's battery A, 2d New York the Potomac, and in Maryland and Virginia 6 10-pounder Parrott guns. after April 1, 1862. Infantry.- Howard's brigade: 5th New Hampshire, 81st Pennsylvania, and 61st and Troops of the army of the Potomac sent to the 64th New York volunteers. Meagher's brigPeninsula in March and early in April, 1862. ade: 69th, 63d, and 88th New York volunteers. French's brigade: 52d, 57th, and 66th New 1st. Cavalry reserve, Brigadier General P. York, and 53d Pennsylvania volunteers. St. G. Cooke.-Emery's brigade: 5th United States cavalry; 6th United States cavalry; 6th SEDGWICK'S DIVISION. Pennsylvania cavalry. Blake's brigade: 1st United States cavalry; 8th Pennsylvania cav- Artillery. - Kirby's battery I, 1st United airy; Barker's squadron Illinois cavalry. States, 6 Napoleon Guns; Tompkin's battery 2d. Artillery reserve, Colonel Henry J. Hunt: A, lst Rhode Island, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott Graham's battery K and G, 1st United States, and 2 12-pounder howitzer-guns; Bartlett's 6 Napoleon guns; Randall's battery E, 1st battery B, 1st Rhode Island, 6-4 10-pounder United States, 6 Napoleon guns; Carlisle's bat- Parrott and 2 12-pounder howitzer-guns; tery E, 2d United States, 6 20-pounder Parrott Owen's battery G, 6 3-inch ordnance guns. guns; Robertson's battery, 2d United States, 6 Infantry.-Gorman's brigade: 2d New York 3-inch ordnance guns; Benson's battery M, 2d State militia, and 15th Massachusetts, 34th New United States, 6 3-inch ordnance guns; Tid- York, and 1st Maine volunteers. Burns's ball's battery A, 2d United States, 6 3-inch brigade: 69th, 71st, 72d, and 106th Pennsylordnance guns; Edwards's battery L and M, vania volunteers. Dana's brigade: 19th and 3d United States, 6 10-pounder Parrott guns; 20th Massachusetts, 7thMichigan, and 42dNew Gibson's battery C and G, 3d United States, 6 York volunteers. 3-inch ordnance guns; Livingston's battery F NOTE.-Blenker's division detached and asand K, 3d United States, 4 10-pounder Parrott signed to the mountain department. guns; Howe's battery G, 4th United States, 6 Napoleon guns; De Russy's battery K, 4th United States, 6 Napoleon guns; Weed's bat- THIRD CORPS, GEN. HEINTZELMAN. tery I, 5th United States, 6 3-inch ordnance guns; Smead's battery K, 5th United States, 4 Caydalry.-3d Pennsylvania cavalry, Colonel Napoleon guns; Ames's battery A, 5th United Averill. 14 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLIN. PORTER'S DIVISION. tery E, 1st New York, 4 3-inch ordnance guns; Kennedy's battery, 1st New York, 6 3-inch ordArtillery.-Griffin's battery K, 5th United nance guns. States, 6 10-pounder Parrott guns: Weeden's Infantry.-Hancock's brigade: 4th Wisconbattery C, Rhode Island; Martin's battery C, sin, 49th Pennsylvania, 43d New York, and Massachusetts, 6 Napoleon guns; Allen's bat- 6th Maine volunteers. Brooks's brigade: 2d, tery E, Massachusetts, 6 3-inch ordnance guns. 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th Vermont volunteers. Infantry.-Martindale's brigade: 2d Maine, Davidson's brigade: 33d, 77th, and 49th New 18th ant 22d Massachusetts, and 25th and 13th York, and 7th Maine volunteers. New York volunteers. Morell's brigade: 14th New York, 4th Michigan, 9th Massachusetts, CASEY'S DIVISION. and 62d Pennsylvania volunteers. Butterfield's brigade: 17th, 44th, and 12th New York, Artillery.-Regan's battery, 7th New York, 83d Pennsylvania, and Stockton's Michigan 6 3-inch ordnance guns; Fitch's 8th New York, volunteers. 6 3-inch ordnance guns; Bates's battery A, 1st First Berdan sharpshooters. New York, 6 Napoleon guns; Spratt's battery i H, 1st New York, 4 3-inch ordnance guns. HOOKER'S DIVISION. | Infantry.-Keim's brigade: 85th, 101st, and 103d Pennsylvania, and 96th New York volunArtillery.-Hall'sbatterylt, lstUnitedStates, teers. Palmer's brigade: 85th, 98th7 92d, 81st, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott and 2 12-pounder how- and 93d New York volunteers. brigitzer-guns; Smith's battery, 4th New York, ade: 104th and 52d Pennsylvania, 56th and 6 10-pounder Parrott guns; Bramhall's battery, 100th New York, and 11th Maine volunteers. 6ch New York, 6 3-inch ordnance guns; Osborn's battery D, 1st New York artillery, 4 5th. Provost guard: 2d United States cavalry; 3-inch ordnance guns. battalions 8th and 17th United States infantry. Infantry.-Sickles's brigade: 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th. At general headquarters: 2 companies 4th and 5th Excelsior, New York. Naglee's brig- United States cavalry; 1 company Oneida cavade: 1st and 11th Massachusetts, 26th Penn- airy, (New York volunteers); and 1 company sylvania, and 2d New Hampshire volunteers. Sturges's rifles, (Illinois volunteers). Coloael Starr's brigade: 5th. 6th, 7th, and 8th The following troops of the army of the New Jersey volunteers. Potomac were left behind, or detached on and in front of the Potomac for the defence of that HAMILTON'S DIIVISION. line, April 1, 1862. Franklin's and McCall's divisions, at subsequent and diffelrent dates, Artillery.-Thompson's battery G, 2d United joined the active portion of the army on the States,. 6 Napoleon guns; Beam's battery B, Peninsula. Two brigades 6f Shields's division New Jersey, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott and 2 joined at Harrison's landing: Napoleon —guns; Randolph's battery E, Rhode Island, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott and 2 Napo- FIRST CORPS, GENERAL McDOWELL. leon-guns. Itfantry.-Jameson's brigade: 105th, 63d, Cavatlry.-lst, 2d, and 4th New York, rind and 57th Pennsylvania, and 87th New York 1st Pennsylvania. volunteers. Birney's brigade: 38th and 40th. Sharpshooters. —2d regiment Berdan's sharpNew York, and 3d and 4th Maine volunteers. shooters. b- rigade: 2d, 3d, and 5th Michigan, and 37th New York volunteers. FRANKLIN'S DI-VISION. Artillery. -Platt's battery D, 2d United States, FOURTH CORPS. GEN\ERAL KEYES. 16 Napoleon guns; Porter's battery A, Massachusetts, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott -and 2 12p ounder howitzer-guns; Hexamer's battery Arti7lery, —McCarthy's battery C, 1st Penn- A, New Jersey, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott and 2 sylvania, 4 10-pounder Parrott guns; Flood's 12-pounder howitzer-guns; Wilson's battery battery D, 1st Pennsylvania, 4 10-pounder Par- F, 1st New York artillery, 4 3-inch ordnance ott gunns; Miller's battery E, 1st Pennsylvania, guns. 4 Napoleon guns; Brady's battery F, 1st Penn- Itfantry.-Kearney's brigade: 1st, 2d, 3d, sylvania. 4 10-pounder Parrott guns. and 4th New Jersey volunteers. Slocum's briInfantry.-Graham's brigade: 67th (1st Long gade: 16th and 27th New York, 5th Maine, Island) and 65th (1st United States chasseurs) and 96th Pennsylvania voluhteers. Newton's Ne-W York, 23d, 31st, and 61st Pennsylvania. brigade: 18th, 31st, and 32d New York, and volinteers. Peck's brigade: 98th, 102d, and 95th Pennsylvania volunteers. 93d Pennsylvania, and 62d and 55th New York volunteers. brigade: 2d Rhode Island,'l CMALL'S DIvrSION. 7th and 10th Massachusetts, and 36th New York volunteers. A rtillery.-Seymour's battery C, 5th United States, G Napoleoh guns; Easton's battery A, SMITH'S DIVISION. 1st Pennsylvania, 4 Napoleon guns; Cooper's battery B, 1st Pennsylvania, 6 10-pounder ParArtillery.-Ayre's battery F.5thUnitedStates, rott guns; Kein's battery C, 1st Pennsylvania, 6-4 10-pounder Parrott and 2 Napoleon-guns; 6-2 10-pounder and 4 12-pounder ParrottMott's battery, 3d New York, 6 4 10-pounder guns. Parrott and 2 Napoleon-guns; Wheeler's bat-.Infantry. —Reynolds's brigade: 1st, 2d, 5th. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'1CLELLAN. 15 and8th Pennsylvaniareserveregiments. Meade's GENERAL WADSWORTH'S COM.MAND. brigade: 3d, 4th, 7th, and 11th Pennsylvania reserve regiments. Ord's brigade: 6th, 9th, Cavalry.-lst New Jersey cavalry, at Alex10th, and 12th Pennsylvania reserve regiments. andria, and 4th Pennsylvania cavalry, east of 1st Pennsylvania reserve rifles, the Capitol. Artillery and infantry.-10th New Jersey KING'S DIVISION, volunteers, Bladensburg road; 104th New York volunteers, Kalorama heights; 1st Wisconsin Artillery.-Gibbon's battery B, 4th United heavy artillery, Fort Cass, Virginia; 3 batteries States, 6 Napoleon guns; Monroe's battery D, of New York artillery, Forts Ethan Allen and 1st Rhode Island, 6 10-pounder Parrott guns; Marcy; depot of New York light artillery, Gerrish's battery A, New Hampshire, 6 Na- Camp Barry; 2d District of Columbia volunpoleon guns; Durrell's battery, Pennsylvania, teers, Washington city; 26th Pennsylvania vol6 10-pounder Parrott guns. unteers, G street wharf; 26th New York volunInfantry.- brigade: 2d, 6th, and 7th teers, Fort Lyon; 95th New York volunteers, Wisconsin, and 19th Indiana volunteers. Pa- Camp Thomas; 94th New York and detachment trick's brigade: 20th, 21st, 23d, and 25th New of 88th Pennsylvania volunteers, Alexandria; York State militia. Augur's brigade: 14th 91st Pennsylvania volunteers, Franklin Square New York State militia, and 22d, 24th, and barracks; 4th New York artillery, Forts Car30th New York volunteers. roll and Greble; 112th Pennsylvania volunteers, Fort Saratoga; 76th New York volunteers, Fort FIFTH CORPS, GENERAL BANKS. Massachusetts; 59th New York volunteers, Fort Pennsylvania; detachment of 88th PennsylGavalry.-lst Maine, 1st Vermont, 1st Michi- vania volunteers, Fort Good Hope; 99th Penngan, 1st Rhode Island, 5th and 8th New York, sylvania volunteers, Fort Mahon; 2d New York Keyes's battalion of Pennsylvania, 18 companies light artillery, Forts WCard, Worth, and Blenof Maryland, 1 squadron of Virginia. ker; 107th and 54th Pennsylvania volunteers, Unattached.-28th Pennsylvania volunteers, Kendall Green; Dickerson's light artillery, 86th and 4th regiment Potomac home brigade, (Mary- New York, and detachment of 88th Pennsylland volunteers). vania volunteers, east of the Capitol; 14th Massachusetts (volunteers) heavy artillery and 56th WILLIAMS'S DIVISION. Pennsylvania volunteers, Forts Albany, Tillinghast, Richardson, Runyon, Jackson. BarArtillery.-Best's battery F, 4th United States, nard, Craig, and Scott; detachments of the 4th 3 Napoleon guns; Hampton's battery, Mary- United States artillery and 37th New York volland, 4 10-pounder Parrott guns; Thompson's unteers, Fort Wa'shington; 97th, 101st, and 91st battery, Maryland, 4 10-pounder Parrott guns; New York, and 12th Virginia volunteers, Fort Mathew's battery F, Pennsylvania, 6 3-inch Corcoran. ordnance guns; -- battery M, 1st New In camp near TVashington.-6th and 10th York, 6 10-pounder Parrott guns; Knapp's bat- New York, Swain's New York, and 2d Penntery, Pennsylvania, 6 10-pounder Parrott guns; sylvania cavalry, all dismounted. McMahon's battery, New York, 6 3-inch ord- These troops (3,359 men) were ordered to nance guns. report to Colonel Miles, commanding railroad Infantry.-Abercrombie's brigade: 12th and guard, to relieve 3,306 older troops ordered to 2d Massachusetts, and 16th Indiana, 1st Poto- be sent to Manassas to report to General Abermac home brigade, (Maryland), 1 company crombie. Zouaves D'Afrique, (Pennsylvania), volunteers. brigade: 9th New York State militia, GENERAL DIX'S COMMANDD, BALTIMORE. and 29th Pennsylvania, 29th Indiana, and 3d Wisconsin volunteers. - brigade: 28th Cavalry.-lst Maryland cavalry and detachNew York, 5th Connecticut, 46th Pennsylva- merit of Purnell Legion cavalry. nia, ist Maryland, 12th Indiana, and 13th Mas- Artillery.-Battery I, 2nd United States; batsachusetts volunteers. tery -, Maryland; battery L, 1st New York; and two independent batteries of Pennsylvania SHIELDS'S DIVISION. artillery. Infantry.-3d and 4th New York, l1th, 87th, Artillery.-Clark's battery E, 4th United and 111th Pennsylvania, detachment 21st MassStates, 6 10-pounder Parrott guns; Jenk's bat- achnsetts, 2d Delaware, 2d Maryland, 1st and tery A, 1st Virginia, 4 10-pounder Parrott and 2d Eastern Shore (Maryland) home guards, and 2 6-pounder guns; Davy's battery B, 1st Vir- Purnell Legion (two battalions) Maryland volginia. 2 10-pounder Parrott guns; Huntington's unteers. battery A, 1st Ohio, 6 13-pounder James's guns; In a staff charged with labors so various and Robinson's battery L, 1st Ohio, 2 12-pounder important as that:of the army of the Potdmac, howitzers and 4 6-pounder guns; and- a chief was indispensable to supervise the varibattery, 4th Ohio artillery. ous departments and to relieve the commanding Infantry.- - brigade: 14th Indiana, general of dIearls. The officeri'f chief of staff, 4th, 8th, and 67th Ohio, 7th Virginia, and 84th well knovwr: in Eturopean armies,: had not been Pentsylvania volunteers. brigade: considered neceessary in our small peace estab5th, 62d, and 66th Ohio, 13th Indiana, and lishment. The fiinctions of the office were not 39th Illinois volunteers. brigado: diefted, and, so far as exercised, had been inclu7th and 29th Ohio, 7th Indiana, 1st Virginia, dedtinthe Adljtant General's department. The and 11th Pennsylvania volunteers. Andrew small nnmber of officers in this department, sharpshooters. and the nCeer'ity ror their elmplloyment in other 16 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. duties, have obliged commanding generals, dur- sula campaign. Before its termination Captains ing this war, to resort to other branches of the W. S. Abert and Charles R. Lowell, of the 6th service to furnish suitable chiefs of staff. United States cavalry, joined my staff as aidesOn the 4th of September, 1861, I appointed de-camp, and remained with me until I was Colonel R. B. Marcy, of the inspector gen- relieved from the command of the army of the eral's department, chief of staff, and he entered Potomac. All of these officers served me with upon service immediately, discharging the va- great gallantry and devotion; they were ever rious and important duties with great fidelity, ready to execute any service, no matter how industry, and ability, from this period until I dangerous, difficult, or fatiguing. was removed fiom command at Rectortown. Many improvements have been made during the ENGINEERS. war in our system of staff administration, but much remains to be done. When I assumed command of the army of Our own experience, and that of other armies, the Potomac I found Major J. G. Barnard, agree in determining the necessity for an efficient United States engineers, subsequently brigadier and able staff. To obtain this, our staff estab- general of volunteers, occupying the position lishment should be based on correct principles, of chief engineer of that army. I continued and extended to be adequate to the necessities him in the same office, and at once gave the of the service, and should include a system of necessary instructions for the completion of the staff and line education. defences of the capital, and for the entire reorThe affairs of the Adjutant General's depart- ganization of the department. ment, while I commanded the army of the Po- Under his direction the entire system of detomac, were conducted by Brigadier General fences was carried into execution. This was S. Williams, assisted by Lieutenant Colonel completed before the army departed for Fort James A. Hardie, aide-de-camp. Their man- Monroe, and is a sufficient evidence of the skill agement of the department during the organi- of the engineers and the dilligent labor of the zation of the army in the fall and winter of troops. 1861, and during its subsequent operations in For some months after the organization of the the field, was excellent. army of the Potomac was commenced there were They were, during the entire period, assisted no engineer troops with it. At length, howby Captain Richard B. Irwin, aide-de-camp, ever, three companies were assigned. Under and during the organization of the army by the the skilful management of Captain J. C. Duane, following-named officers: Captains Joseph Kirk- United States engineers, these new companies land, Arthur McClellan, M. T. McMahon, Wil- rapidly became efficient, and, as will be seen, liam P. Mason, and William F. Biddle, aides- rendered most valuable service during the ensude-camp. ing campaign. My personal staff, when we embarked for the The number of engineer troops being entirely Peninsula, consisted of Colonel Thomas M. Key, inadequate to the necessities of the army, an additional aide-de-camp; Colonel E. H. Wright, effort was made to partially remedy this defect additional aide-de-camp and major, 6th United by detailing the 15th and 50th New York volStates cavalry; Colonel T. T. Gantt, additional unteers, which contained many sailors and meaide-de-camp; Colonel J. J. Astor, jr., volun- chanics, as engineer troops. They were first teer aide-de-camp; Lieutenant Colonel A. V. placed under the immediate superintendence of Colburn, additional aide-de-camp and captain, Lieutenant Colonel B. S. Alexander, United Adjutant General's department; Lieutenant States engineers, by whom they were iustructed Colonel N. B. Sweitzer, additional aide-de- in the duties of pontoniers, and became somecamp and captain, 1st United States cavalry; what familiar with those of sappers and miners. Lieutenant Colonel Edward McK. Hudson, ad- Previous to the movement of the army for the ditional aide-decamp and captain, 14th United Peninsula this brigade was placed under the States infantry; Lieutenant Colonel Paul Von command of Brigadier General D. P. WoodRadowitz, additional aide-de-camp; Major H. bury, major United States engineers. Von Hammerstein, additional aide-de-camp; The labor of preparing the engineer and MajorW.W. Russell, United States marine corps; bridge trains devolved chiefly upon Captain MajorF. LeCompte, of the Swiss army, volunteer Duane, who was instructed to procure the new aide-de-camp; Captains Joseph Kirkland, Ar- model French bridge train, as I was satisfied thur McClellan, L. P. D'Orleans, R. D'Orleans, that the India-rubber pontoon was entirely useM. T. McMabon, William P. Mason, jr., Wil- less for the general purposes of a campaign. liam F. Biddle, and E. A. Raymond, additional The engineer department presented the folaides-de-camp. lowing complete organization when the army To this number I am tempted to add the moved for the Peninsula: Prince de Joinville, who constantly accompa- Brigadier General J. G. Barnard, chief ennied me throtgh the trying campaign of the ginoer; First Lieutenant H. C. Abbott, topoPeninsula, and frequently rendered important graphical engineers, aide-de-camp. Brigade services. Of these officers Captain McMahon volunteer engineers, Brigadier General Woodwas assigned to the personal staff of Brigadier bury commanding: 15th New York volunteers, General Franklin, and Captains Kirkland and Colonel McLeod Murphy; 50th New York volMason to that of Brigadier General F. J. Por- unteers, Colonel C. B. Stewart. Battalion, ter during the siege of Yorktown. They re- three companies United States engineers, Capmained subsequently with those general officers. tain J. C. Duane commanding; companies reMajor LeCompte left the army during the siege spectively commanded by First Lieutenants C. of Yorktown; Colonelg Gantt and Astor, Major B. Reese, C. E. Cross, and 0. E. Babcock, Russell, Captains L. P. D'Orleans, R. D'Or- United States engineers. The chief engineer leans, and Raymond at the close of the Penin- was ably assisted in his duties by Lieutenant REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. li Colonel B. S. Alexander, and First Lieutenants MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. C. R. Comstock, M. D. McAlester, and Merrill, United States engineers. Captain C. S. Stewart For the operations of the medical department and Second Lieutenant F. U. Farquhar, United I refer to the reports, transmitted herewith, of States engineers, joined after the army arrived Surgeon Charles S. Tripler and Surgeon Jonaat Fort Monroe. than Letterman, who, in turn, performed the The necessary bridge equipage for the oper- duties of medical director of the army of the ations of a large army had been collected, con- Potomac, the former from August 12, 1861, sisting of bateaux with the anchors and flooring until July 1, 1862, and the latter after that date. material, (French model), trestles, and engi- The difficulties to be overcome in organizing neers' tools, with the necessary wagons for their and making effective the medical department transportation. were very great, arising principally fiom the The small number of officers of this corps inexperience of the regimental medical officers, available, rendered it impracticable to detail many of whom were physicians taken suddenly engineers permanently at the headquarters of from civil life, who, according to Surgeon Tripcorps and divisions. The companies of regular ler, " had to be instructed in their duties from engineers never had their proper number of the very alphabet," and from the ignorance of officers, and it was necessary, as a rule, to follow the line officers as to their relations with the the principle of detailing engineer officers tern- medical officers, which gave rise to confusion porarily whenever their services were required. and conflict of authority. Boards of examination were instituted, by which many ignorant TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS. officers were removed; and by the successive exertions of Surgeons' Tripler and Letterman, To the corps of topographical engineers was the medical corps was brought to a very high intrusted the sollection of topographical infor- degree of efficiency. With regard to the sanimation and the preparation of campaign maps. tary condition of the army while on the PotoUntil a short time previous to the departure of mac, Dr. Tripler says that the records show a the army for Fort Monroe, Lieutenant Colonel constantly increasing immunity from disease. John W. Macomb was in charge of this depart-' In October and November, 1861, with an ment, and prepared a large amount of valuable army averaging 130,000 men, we had 7,932 material. He was succeeded by Brigadier Gen- cases of fever of all sorts; of these, about 1,000 eral A. A. Humphreys, who retained the posi- were reported as cases of typloid fever. I tion throughout the Peninsula campaign. These know that errors of diagnosis were frequently officers weoe assisted by Lieutenants H. L. committed, and therefore this must be considerAbbott, 0. G. Wagner, N. Bowen, John M. ed as the limit of typhoid cases. If any army Wilson, and James H. Wilson, topographical in the world can show such a record as this, I engineers. This number, being the greatest do not know when or were it was assembled." available, was so small that much of the duty From September, 1861, to February, 1862, while of the department devolved upon parties fur- the army was increasing, the number of sick nished by Proibssor Bache, Superintendent of decreased from 7 per cent. to 6.18 per cent. Of the Coast Survey, and other gentlemen from these, the men sick in the regimental and gencivil life. eral hospitals were less than one-half; the reOwing to the entire absence of reliable topo- mainder were slight cases, under treatment in graphical maps, the labors of this corps were quarters. "'During this time, so far as rumor difficult and arduous in the extreme. Notwith- was concerned, the army was being decimated standing the energy and ability displayed by by disease every month." Of the sanitary conGeneral Humphreys, Lieutenant Colonel Ma- dition of the army during the Peninsula camcomb, and their subordinates, who frequently paign, up to its arrival at Harrison's landing, obtained the necessary information under fire, Dr. Tripler says: "During this campaign the the movements of the army were sometimes army was favored with excellent health. No unavoidably delayed by the difficulty of obtain- epidemic disease appeared. Those scourges of ing knowledge of the country in advance. The modern armies-dysentery, tupus, choleraresult of their labors has been the preparation were almost unknown.' We had some typhoid of an excellent series of maps, which will be fever and more malarial fevers, but even these invaluable to any army traversing the same never prevailed to such an extent as to create ground. any alarm. The sick reports were sometimes During the campaign it was impossible to larger than we cared to have them; but the draw a distinct line of demarcation between the great majority of the cases reported were such duties of the two corps of engineers so that the as did not threaten life or permanent disability. labors of reconnoisances of roads, of lines of I regret that I have not before me the retained intrenchments, of fields for battle, and of the copies of the monthly reports, so that I might position of the enemy, as well as the construe- give accurate statistics. I have endeavored to tion of siege and defensive works, were habit recover them, but have been unsuccessful. My ually performed by details from either corps, as recollection is, that the whole sick report never the convenience of the service demanded. exceeded 8 per cent. of the force, and this inI desire to express my high appreciation of eluding all sorts of cases, the trivial as well as the skill, gallantry, and devotion displayed by the severe. The army of the Potomac must be the officers of both corps of engineers,, under conceded to have been the most healthy army the most trying circumstances. in the service of the United States." During the Maryland campaign I united the His remarks at the conclusion of his report two corps under Captain.I. C. Duane, United upon our system of medical administration, and States engineers, and found great advantages his suggestions for its improvement, are espefrom the arrangement. cially worthy of attention. 2 18 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. The service, labors, and privations of the quartermaster, who ably performed his duties troops during the seven days' battles had, of Lieutenant Colonel R. Ingalls, assistant quarcourse, a great effect on the health of the army, termaeter, was placed in charge of the departafter it reached Harrison's landing, increasing ment on the south side of the Potomac. I the number of sick to about 20 per cent. of the directed a large depot for transportation to be whole force. established at Perryville, on the left bank of the The nature of the military operations had Susquehanna, a point equally accessible by also unavoidably placed the medical department rail and water. Captain C. G. Sawtelle, assistin a very unsatisfactory condition. Supplies ant quartermaster, was detailed to organize the had been almost entirely exhausted or necessa- camp, and performed his duties to my entire rily abandoned; hospital tents abandoned or satisfaction. Captain J. J. Danna, assistant destroyed, and the medical officers deficient in quartermaster, had immediate charge of the numbers and broken down by fatigue. transportation in and about Washington, as All the remarkable energy and ability of well as of the large number of horses purchased Surgeon Letterman were required to restore the for the use of the artillery and cavalry. The efficiency of his department; but before we left principal difficulties which General Van Vliet Harrison's landing he had succeeded in fitting had to encounter arose from the inexperience it out thoroughly with the supplies it required, of the majority of the officers of his departand the health of the army was vastly improved ment in the new regiments and brigades. by the sanitary measures which were enforced The necessity of attending personally to miat his suggestion. nor details rendered his duties arduous and The great haste with which the army was harassing in the extreme. All obstacles, howremoved from the Peninsula made it necessary ever, were surmounted by the untiring industry to leave at Fort Monroe, to be forwarded after- of the chief quartermaster and his immediate wards, nearly all the baggage and transporta- subordinates, and when the army was prepared tion, including medical stores and ambulances, to move the organization of the department was all the vessels being required to transport the found to be admirable. troops themselves and their ammunition; and When it was determined to move the army to when the army of the Potomac returned to the Peninsula, the duties of providing water Washington after General Pope's campaign, transportation were devolved by the Secretary and the medical department came once more of fWr upon his assistant, the Hon. John under Surgeon Letterman's control, he found it Tucker. The vessels were ordered to Alexnin a deplorable condition. The officers were dria, and Lieutenant Colonel Ingalls was placed worn out by the labors they had performed, and in immediate charge of the embarkation of the the few supplies that had been -brought from in immediate charge of the embarkation of the the Pesupplies that had been exhausted brought from troops, transportation, and materiel of every the Peninsula had been exhausted or abandon-description. Operations of this nature, on so ed, so that She work of reodrganizaption and on. Operations of this nature, on so ed, so thap had work of reorganization and extensive a scale, had no parallel in the history resupplying had to be again performed, and of our country this while the army was moving rapidly, and T arrangements of Lieutenant Colonel almost in the face of the enemy. That it wasa s e r prfgected with reumarable sCill successfully iccomplishcd is shown by the care Ingalls were perfected with remarkable skill successfully complishcd is shown by the care and energy, and the army and its materiel were and attention which the wounaed received embarked and transported to Fortress Monroe after the battles o outh Mountain a very short space of time. and entirely withtietam. Among the improvements introduced into his out oosos,department by Surgeon Letean, the priiici-.. During the operations on the Peninsula, until'department by Surgeon Letteiman, the princi- the anrival of troops at Harrison's landing, pal are the organization of n ambulance coers, General Van Vliet retained the position of he system of field hospitals, and the methode chief quartermaster, and maintained the thorof supplyin by brigades, all of which were ough organization and efficiency of his departinstituted during 41, Maryland campaign, and stitutd ig the Maryland campaign an ent. The principal depots of supplies were have since proved efficent. under the.immediate charge of Lieutenant Colonels Ingalls and Sawtelle. QITARTER.IMASTER S DEPARTMENT. On the 10th of July, 1862, General Van On assvuminc command of the troops in and Vliet having requested to be relieved from duty around Washirngt.on I appointed Captain S. with the army of the Potomac, I appointed ajs Vliet, assistant quartermster, ( afterwards Lieutenant Colonel Ingalls chief quartermaster, brigladier general), chief quartermaster to my and he continued to discharge the duties of that command, and gave him the necessary instruc- office during the remainder of the Peninsula tions for organizing his department, and col- and the Maryland campaigns in amanner which lecting the supplies requisite for the large army fully sustained the high reputation he had prethen calltd for. viously acquired. The disaster at Manassas had but recently The immediate amount of labor accomplished, occurred, and the army was quite destitute of often under the most difficult circumstances, the quartermaster's stores. General Van Vliet, admirable system under which the duties of the with great energy and zeal, set himself about department were performed, and the entire sucthe task of furnishing supplies immediately ne- cess which attended the efforts to supply go cessary, and preparing to obtain the still larger large an army, reflect the highest credit upon amounts which would be required by the new the officers upon whom these onerous duties troops, which were moving in large numbers devolved. The reports of General Van Vliet towards the capital. The principal depot for and Lieutenant Colonel Ingall, w iril the acsupplies in the city of Washington was under companying documents, give il detail tle lischarge of Colonel D. I-I. Rucker, assistant tory of the departnment from'is'gzali.>i REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B, 3ICLELLAN. 19 until I was relieved from the command of the was placed under the charge of Captain C. P. army of the Potomac. Kingsbury, ordnance corps, colonel and aidede-camp. Great difficulty existed in the proper SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT. organization of the department for the want of a sufficient number of suitable officers to perOn the 1st of August, 1861, Colonel H. F. form the duties at the various headquarters and Clark commissary of subsistence, joined my depots of supply. But far greater obstacles staff, and at once entered upon his duties as had to be surmounted, from the fact that the chief commissary of the army of the Potomac. supply of small arms was. totally inadequate to In order to realize the responsibilities pertain- the demands of a large army, and a vast proing to this office, as well as to form a proper portion of those furnished were of such infeestimate of the vast amount of labor which riorqualityastobeunsatisfactorytothetroops must necessarily devolve upon its occupant, it and condemned by their officers. The supply is only necessary to consider the unprepared of artillery was more abundant, but of greater state of the country to engage in a war of such variety. Rifled ordnance was just coming into magnitude as the present, and the lack of prac- use, for the first time in this country, and the tical knowledge, on the part of the officers, with description of gun and kind of projectile which reference to supplying and subsisting a large, would prove most effective, and should, thereand at.that time, unorganized army. Yet, nob fore, be adopted, was a mere matter of theory. withstanding the existence of these great ob- To obviate these difficulties, large quantities of stacles, the manner in which the duties of the small arms of foreign manufacture were concommissary department were discharged was tracted for; private enterprise in the construcsuch as to merit and call forth the commenda- tion of arms and ammunition was encouraged; tion of the entire army. and by the time the army was ordered to move During the stay of the army of the Potomac to the Peninsula the amount of ordnance and in the vicinity of Washington, prior to the ordnance stores was ample. Much also had Peninsula campaign, its subsistence was drawn been done to bring the quality, both of arms chiefly from the depots which had been estab- and ammunition, up to the proper standard. lished by the commissary department at Wash- Boards of officers were in session continually ington, Alexandria, Forts Corcoran and Runyon. during the autumn and winter of 1861, to test In the important task of designating and estab- the relative merits of new arms and proieolishing depots of supplies, Colonel Clark was tiles. ably seconded by his assistants, Colonel Amos The reports of these boards, confirmed by Beckwith, commissary of subsistence, U. S. A.; subsequent experience in the field, have done Lieutenant Colonel George Bell, commissary much to establish the respective claims of difof subsistence, U. S. A.; Lieutenant Colonel ferent inventors' and manufacturers. During A. P. Porter, commissary of subsistence, U. S. the campaigns of the Peninsula and Maryland A.; Captain Thomas Wilson, commissary of the officers connected with the department were subsistence, U. S. A.; Captain Brownell Gran- zealous and energetic, and kept the troops well ger, commissary of subsistence, U. S. volun- supplied, notwithstanding the perplexing and teers; Captain W. H. Bell, commissary of arduous nature of their duties. One great subsistence, U. S. A.; Captain J. H. Wood- source of perplexity was the fact that it had ward, commissary of subsistence, U. S. volun- been necessary to issue arms of all varieties teers; and Captain W. R. Murphy, commissary and calibres, giving an equal diversity in the of subsistence, U. S. volunteers kinds of ammunition required. UntiringwatchFor a full knowledge of the highly credit- fulness was therefore incumbent upon the offiable manner in which each and all of the cers in charge to prevent confusion and improper above-mentioned officers discharged their du- distribution of cartridges. Colonel Kingsbury ties, I invite attention to the detailed report of discharged the duties of his office with great Colonel Clarke. The remarks and suggestions efficiency until the day of July, 1862, contained in his report are worthy of attention, when' his health required that he should be as affording valuable rules for the future guid- relieved. First Lieutenant Thomas G. Baylor, ance of the subsistence department in supplying ordnance corps, succeeded him, and performed armies in the field. The success of the sub- his duty during the remainder of the Peninsula sistence department of the army of the Poto- and Maryland campaigns with marked ability mac was in a great measure attributable to the and success. fact that the subsistence department at Wash- The want of reports from Colonel Kingsbury ington made ample provision for sending sup- and Lieutenant Baylor renders it impossible for plies to the Peninsula, and that it always me to enter at all into the details of the organiexercised the most intelligent foresight. It zation of the department. moreover gave its advice and countenance to the officers charged with its duties and repu- PROVOST MARSHAL'S DEPARTMENT. tation in the field, and those officers, I am happy to say, worked with it, and together, in Immediately after I was placed in command perfect harmony for the public good. During of the " Division of the Potomac," I appointed the entire period that I was in command of the Colonel Andrew Porter, 16th regiment infantry, army of the Potomac there was no instance provost marshal of Washington. All the availwithin my knowledge where the troops were able regular infantry, a battery and a squadron without their rations from any fault of the of cavalry were placed under his command, officers of this department. and by his energetic action he soon corrected ORDNANCE DEPARTMENTthe serious evils which existed, and restored ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT. order in the cit This very important branch of the service When the army was about to take the eld, This very important branch of the service When the army was about to take the field, 20 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. General Porter was appointed Provost Marshal aide-de-camp, until compelled by ill health to General of the army of the Potomac, and held retire, at Harrison's landing, in August, 1862. that most important position until the end of His reviews of the decisions of courts-martial the Peninsula campaign, when sickness, con- during this period were,f great utility in cortracted in the untiring discharge of his duties, recting the practice in military courts, diffusing compelled him to ask to be relieved from the true notions of discipline and subordination, position he had so ably and energetically filled. and setting before the army a high standard of The Provost Marshal General's department soldierly honor. Upon the retirement of Colonel had the charge of a class of duties which had Gantt the duties of judge advocate were ahly not before, in our service, been defined and performed by Colonel Thomas M. Key, aidegrouped under the management of a special de-camp. department. The following subjects indicate the sphere of this department: suppression of SIGNAL CORPS. marauding and depredations, and of all brawls conveying intelligence and and distubances, peservtion f f oder, The method of conveying intelligence and and disturbances, preservation of good order, orders in nted and introduced into the service and suppression of disturbances beyond the by Major Albert J. Myer, signal officer United limits of the camps. Prevention of straggling on the march. States army, was first practically tested in large Suppre.sion of gambling houses, drinkin operations during the organization of thetarmy houses, or bar-rooms, and brothels. of the Potomac. Regulation of hotels, taverns, markets, and Under the direction of Major Myer a signal places of public amusement. corps was formed by detailing officers and men Searches, seizures and arrests. Exectionof from the different regiments of volunteers and sentences of general courts-martial, involving instructing them in the e of the fla by day imprisonment or capital punishment. Enforce- and torches by night. ment of orders prohibiting the sale of intoxicat- The chief signal officer was indefatigable in ing liquors, whether by tradesmen or utlers, his exertions to render his corps effective, and and of orders respecting passesit soon became avislable for service in every Deserteras fr om the eney. division of the army. In addition to the flags Deserters from the enemy.n Prisoners of war taken from the enemy. eand torches, Major Myer introduced a portable Countersigning safeguards. insulated telegraph wire, which could be readily Passes to citizens within the lines, and for laid fiom point to point, and which could be used under the same general system. In front purposes of trade. of Wasbinmton and on the Lower Potomac at Complaints of citizens as to the bonduct of of Washingt on, and on the Lor Potomac the soldiers. ~~the sEoldiers. ~any point within our lines not reached by the General Porter was assisted by the following military telegraph, the great useflness of this named officers: system of signals was made manifest. But it Major W. H. Wood, 17th United States in- was not until after the arrival of the army upon fantry; Captain James Mcillom, acting assist- the Peninsula, and during the siege and battles ant adjutant general, 17th United States infan- of that and the Marland campaigns that the apy; Captain V. T. Gentry, 17th United States great benefits to be derived from it on the field infantry; Captain J. W. Forsurth, 18th United and under fire were fully appreciated. States infantry; Lieutenant J. W. Jones, 12th There was scarcely any action or skirmish ir United States infantry; Lieutenant C. F. Trow- which the signal corps did not render important bridge, 16th United States infantry; and Lieu- services. Often under heavy fire-of artillery, -ent C. D. Mehaffey, 1st United States and not unfrequently while exposed to mnsSaC.eha,1st UniedSketry, the officers and men of this corps gave FThe~'pu t? ouard was composed of the 2d information of the movements of the enemy, United State b'Calryd Major Pleasanton, an d a and transmitted directions for the evolutions of battalion of the 8 th; n4 17th United States our own troops. infantry, ifajor Willard.' -':;QftCeneral Porter The report of the chief signal officer, with was relieved; Major Wood was in citarge of this accompanying documents, will give the details department until after the battle of Antietam, of the services of this corps, and call attention when Brigadier General Patrick Was appoined to those members of it who were particularly Provost Marshal general. distinguished. TELEGRAPHIC COMMNDANT OP GENERAL EADQUARTERS. TELEGRAPHI hen the army took the field, for the purpose he telagraphic operations of the army of the rol curing order and- regurity in the camp of Potomac were superintended by Major Thomas headquarters, and facilitating its movements, J. Eckert, and under the immediate direction the office of commandant of general headquar- of Mr. Caldwell, who was, with a corps ters was created, and assigned to Major G. O. of operators, attached to my headquarters during Hailer, 7th United States infantry. Six corn- the entire campaigns upon the Peninsula and in panieas of infantry were placed under his orders Maryland. for guard and police duty. Among the orders The services of this corps were arduous and appended to this report is the one defining his efficient. cknder they admirabe arrangements duties which were always satisfactorily per- of Major Eckert they were constantly provideds formel with all the material for constructing new lines, which were rapidly established whenever the JUDGE ADVOCATE. army changed position; and it was not unfrequently the case that the operatives worked Froa August, 1861, the position of judge under fire from the enemy's guns; yet they adlvocatU was held by Colonel Thomas T. Gantt, invariably performed all the duties required of REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'BCLELLAN. 21 them with great alacrity and cheerfulness, and the balloons, I was greatly indebted for the it was seldom that I was without the means of valuable information obtained during his ascendirect telegraphic communication with the War sions. Department and with the corps commanders. From the organization of the army of the I have more than once taken occasion to reoPotomac up to November 1, 1862, including the ommend the members of my staff, both general Peninsula and Maryland campaigns, upwards and personal, for promotion and reward. I beg of twelve hundred (1,200) miles of military leave to repeat these recommendations, and to telegraph line had been constructed in connec- record their names in the history of the army tion with the operations of the army, and the of the Potomac, as gallant soldiers, to whom number of operatives and builders employed their country owes a debt of gratitude still unwas about two hundred (200.) paid, for the courage, ability and untiring zeal To Professor Lowe, the intelligent and enter- they displayed during the eventful campaigns prising aeronaut, who had the management of in which they bore so prominent a part. CHAPTER II. On the 15th of October the main body of the that point. The general desires that you will army of the Potomac was in the immediate keep a good look-out upon Leesburg, to see if vicinity of Washington, with detachments on this movement has the effect to drive them the left bank of the Potomac as far down as away. Perhaps a slight demonstration on your Liverpool point, and as far up as Williamsport part would have the effect to move them. and its vicinity. The different divisions were "A. V. COLBURN, posted as follows: Hooker at Budd's Ferry, "Assistant Adjutant General. Lower Potomac; Heintzelman at Fort Lyon and "Brigadier General C. P. STONE, Poolsville. vicinity; Franklin near the theological seminary, Blenker near Hunter's chapel; McDowell Deeming it possible that General McCall's at Upton's hill and Arlington; F. J. Porter at movement to Drainsville, together with the Hall's and Miner's hills; Smith at Mackall's subsequent reconnoissances,might have the effect bill; McCall at Langley; Buell at Tenallytown, of inducing the enemy to abandon Leesburg, Meridian hill, Emory's chapel, &c., on the left and the despatch from Sugar Loaf appearing to bank of the river; Casey at Washington; Stone- confirm this view, I wished General Stone, who man's cavalry at Washington; Hunt's artillery had only a line of pickets on the river, the mass at Washington; Banks at Darnestown, with of his troops being out of sight of, and bevond detachments at Point of Rocks, Sandy Hook, range fiom, the Virginia bank, to make some Williamsport, &c.; Stone at Poolsville; and Dix display of an intention to cross, and also to at Baltimore, with detachments on the Eastern watch the enemy more closely than usual. I did Shore. not direct him to cross, nor did I intend that On the 19th of O0tober, 1861, General McCall he should cross the river in force for the purmarched to Drainesville with his division, ill pose of fighting. order to cover reconnoissances to be made in all The above despatch was sent on the 20th, and directions the next day, for the purpose of ached Geeral Stone as earlas s 11 A. m. of learning the position of the enemy, and of cov- hat day. I expected him to accomplish all ering tile operations of the topographical engi-that was intended on the same day; and this he neers n making maps of that region. did, as will be seen from the following despatch, On the 29th, acting inl concert with General recieved at my headqualters in Washington McCall, General Smith pushed strong patties to from Poolsville on the evening of October 20: Freedom hill, Vienna, Flint hill, Peacock hill, &c., to accomplish the same purpose in that a feint of crossing at this place this part of the front. These reconnoissances wereafternoon, and at the same time started a reafternoon, and at the same time stilted a resuccessful. successful.., coinoitrinlg party towards Leesburg from HarOn the morning of the 20th I received theri island. The enemy's pickets retired to following telegram from General Banks's head- intrenclments. Report of reconoitrin party antrencrlment s. Report of reconnoitring party ~~~~quarters:^~not yet received. I have means of crossing one hundred and twenty-five men once in ten "e s l RNOWN, OcLoae20,r L 1861.s minutes at each of two points. River falling "The signal station at Sugar Loaf telegraphs slowly. that the enemy have moved away from Leesburg. C. P. STONE All quiet here.'Brigadier Gewera " R. M. COPELAND,' ksajor General MCCLELLAN." "Assistant Adjutant General. "General MARCY." As it was not foreseen or expected that General McCall would be needed to co-operate with Whereupon I sent to General Stone, at Pools- General Stone in any attack, he was directed to ville, the following telegram: fall back from Drainsville to his original camp, near Prospect hill, as soon as the required re"CAMpP GRIFFIN, October 20, 1861. connoissances were completed. "General McClellan dssires m, to inform you Accordingly he left Drainsville, on his rethat General McCall occupiel Drainsville yestcr- turn, about 8t1 A. M. of the 21st, reaching his day, atid is still there. Will send out heavy old camp at about 1 P. M. reconnoissances to-day in all directions from In the mean time I was surprised to hear 22 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. Ma:i(ELIAN. from General Stone that a portion of his troops same position as last night, save the loss of were engaged on the Virginia side of the river, many good men. and at once sent instructions to General McCall "C. P. STONE, to remain at Drainsville, if he had not left' be " Brigadier General. fore the order reached him. "Major General MCCLELLAN." The order did not reach him until his return to his camp at Langley. He was then ordered Although no more fully informed of the state to rest his me-, and hold his division in readi- of affairs, I had, during the afternoon, as a ness to return to Drainsville at a moment's precautionary measure, ordered General Banks notice, should it become necessary. Similar to send one brigade to the support of the troops instructions were given to other divisions dur- at'Harrison's island, and to move with the ing the afternoon. other two to Seneca mills, ready to support The first intimation I received from General General Stone if necessary. The 9.30 P. M. Stone of the real nature of his movements was despatch of General Stone did not give me an in a telegram, as follows: entire understanding of the state of the case. Aware of the difficulties and perhaps fatal' EDWARDS'S FERRY, October 21-11.40 a.m. consequences of recrossing such a river as the " The enemy have been engaged opposite Potomac after a repulse, and fiom these teleHarrison's island; our men are behaving ad- grams supposing his whole force to be on the mirably. Virginia side, I directed General Stone to inI (C. P. STONE, trench himself, and hold the Virginia side at " Brigadier General. all hazards until re-enforcements could arrive, " Major General MCCLELLAN." when he could safely withdraw to the Maryland side, or hold his position on the Virginia side, At 2 P. M. General Banks's adjutant general should that prove advisable. General Banks was instructed to move the sent the following: rest of his division to Edwards's ferry, and to N, Otob 21, 181- p m send over as many men as possible before day" DARNESTOWN, October 21, 1861 —2 p.. light to re-enforce Stone. He did not arrive in " General Stone safely crossed the river this time to effect this, and was instructed to collect morning. Some engagements have taken place all the canal-boats he could find, and use them on the other side of the river-how important for crossing at Edwards's ferry in sufficient force is not known. to enable the troops already there to hold the "R. M. COPELAND, opposite side. "Acting Assistant Adjutant General. On the 22d I went to the ground in person, "General R. B. MARCY." and reaching Poolsville, learned for the first time the full details of the affair. General Stone sent the following despatches The following extract from the evidence of on the same day at the hours indicated: General Stone before the' "Committee on the Conduct of the War" on the 5th of January,;EDWARDS'S FERRY, October 21, 1861-2 p. m. 1862, will throw further light on this occur" There has been sharp fighting on the right rence. of.our line, and our troops appear to be ad- General Stone says he received the order vancing there under Baker. The left, under from my headquarters to make a slight demonGorman, has advanced its skirmishers nearly stration at about 11 o'clock A. M. on the 20th, one mile, and if the movement continues suc- and that, in obedience to that order, he made cessful, will turn the enemy's right. the demonstration on the evening of the same XC. P. STONE, day. " Brigadier General. In regard to the reconnoissante on the 21st, Major General MCCLELLAN." which resulted in the battle of Ball's Bluff, he was asked the following questions: " EDWARDS'S FERRY, October 21, 1861-4p. m. "Question. "Did this reconnoissance origi"Nearly all my force is across the river. nate with yourself, or had you orders from the eneNearly allr my force is across the iver make it?" Baker on the right; Gorman on the left. Right, general-in-ch ief to make itw To which he replied, " It originated with sharply engaged.. STmyself-the reconnoissance." "C. P.adieTr 1 Question. " The order did not proceed from General IMCCLEL Brgaer" eneral. General McClellan?" General MCCLELLAN. "Answer. "I was directed the day before to Y O. 21, 11-9 p make a demonstration; that demonstration was " EDWARDS'S FERRY, Oct. 21, 1861 —9.30 pm. 7 made the day previous." "I am occupied in preventing further disas- Question. "Did you receive an order from ter, and try to get into a position to redeem..the general-in-chief to make the reconnoisWe have lost some of our best commanders- sance?" Baker dead, Cogswell a prisoner or secreted. Answer. "No, sir." The wounded are being carefully and rapidly Making a personal examination on the 23d, I removed; and German's wing is being cau- found that the position on the Virginia side at tiously withdrawn. Any advance from Drains- Edwards's ferry was not a tenable one, but did ville must be made cautiously. not think it wise to withdraw the troops by "All was reported going well up to Baker's daylight. I therefore caused more artillery to death, but. in the confusion following that, the be placed in position on the Mlaryland side to right winr was outflanked. In a few hours I cover the approaches to the ground heid by us, shall, unle.s a night attack is made, be in the and crossed the eow adeiitional troops that the REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 23 high wind permitted us to get over, so as to be " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF1 THE POTOMAC, as secure as possible against any attack during " Vashington, September 6, 1861. the day. Before nightfall all the precautions SIR: I have the honor to suggest the folwere taken to secure an orderly and quiet pass- lowing proposition, with the request that the age of the troops and guns. necessary authority be at once given me to carry The movement was commenced soon after it out: to organize a force of two brigades of dark, under the personal supervision of Gen-five regiments each, of New England men, for eral Stone, who received the order for the with- the general service, but particularly adapted to drawal 1at 7.15 r. hr. coast service-the officers and men to be suffiBy 4 A.. of the 24th everything had reached ciently conversant with boat service, to manage e Maryld sore in sfey. steamers, sailing vessels, launches, barges, the Maryland shore in safety. surf-boats, floating batteries, &c. To charter A few days afterwards I received information or buy for the command a sufficient number of which seemed to be authentic, to the effect that propellers, or tug-boats, for transportation of large bodies of the enemy had been ordered men and supplies, the machinery of which from Manassas to Leesburg, to cut off our troops should be amply protected y timber; the veson the Virginia side. Their timely withdrawal sels to have permanent-experienced officers from had probably prevented a still more serious the merchant service, but to be manned by dedisaster. tails from the command. A naval officer to be I refer to General Stone's report of this bat- attached to the staff of the commanding officer. tie, furnished the War Department, and his The flank companies of each regiment to be published testimony before the' Committee on armed with Dahlgren boat guns, and carbines the Conduct of the War" for further details. with water-proof cartridges; the other compaThe records of the War Department show my nies to have such arms as I may hereafter desanxiety and efforts to assume active offensive ignate; to be uniformed and equipped as the operations in the fall and early winter. It is Rhode Island regiments are. Launches and only just to say, however, that the unpreceden- floating batteries with timber parapets of suffited condition of the roads and Virginia soil cient capacity to land or bring into action the would have delayed an advance till February, entire force. had the discipline, organization, and equipment "The entire management and organization of the army been as complete at the close of the of the force to be under my control, and to fall as was necessary, and as I desired and form an integral part of the army of the Potolabored against every impediment to make mac. them. " The immediate object of this force is for While still in command only of the army of operations in the inlets of Chesapeake bay and the Potomac, namely, in early September, I the Potomac; by enabling me thus to land proposed the formation of a corps of New Eng- troops at points where they are needed, this force landers for coast service in the bays and inlets can also be used in conjunction with a naval of the Chesapeake and Potomac, to co-operate force operating against points on he sea-coast. with my own command, from which most of its This coas division to e commanded by a genmaterial was drawn. eral officer of my selection; the regiments to be organized as other land forces; the disburseOn the first of November, however, I was ments for vessels, &c., to be made by the proper called to relieve Lieutenant General Scott in department of the army upon the requisitions the chief and general command of the armies of the general commanding the division, with of the Union. The direction and nature of thismy approval. coast expedition, therefore, were somewhat "I think the entire force can be organized in changed, as will soon appear in the originalhirty days and by no means the least of the plan submitted to the Secretary of War, and advantages of this proposition is the fact that the letter of instructions later issued to General it will call into the service a class of men who Burnside. its commander. The whole country would not otherwise enter the army. indeed had now become the theatre of military "You will immediately perceive that the operations from the Potomac to beyond the object of this force is to follow along the coast, Mississippi, and to assist the navy in perfecting d up the inlets and rivers, the movements of and sustaining the blockade, it became neces- the main army when in advances. sary to extend these operations to points on the "I am, very respectfully sea-coast, Roanoke island, Savannah anaNew "Your obedient servant, Orleans. It remained also to equip and organ- G. B. McCLELLAN ize the armies of the west, whose condition was fjor General Commanding little better than that of the army of the Poto- "Hon. rSIMO CAMERON, mac had been. The direction of the campaigns " Secretary of War." in the west, and of the operations upon the seaboard, enabled me to enter upon larger Owing chiefly to the difficulty in procuring combinations and to accomplish results, the the requisite vessels, and adapting them to the necessity and advantage of which had not been special purposes contemplated, this expedition unforeseen, b.t which had been beyond the was not ready for service until January, 1862. abi ity of the single army formerly under my Then in the chief command, I deemed it best command to effect. to send it to North Carolina, with the design comm ~'nd to, eect~, indicated in the following letter: The following letters, and a subsequent paper addliessed to the Secretary of War, sufficiently "HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, indicate the nature of those combinations to' WVashington, January 7, 1862. minds:1ccustomed to reason upon military GENERAL: In accordance with verbal inoperatic.ns: structions heretofore given you, you will, after 24 REPORT OF 6ENERAL GEORGE B. MI'CLELLAN. uniting with Flag-officer Goldsborough at Fort "With my best wishes for your success, I Monroe, proceed under his convoy to Hatteras am, &c., &c., inlet, where you will in connexion with him "GEO. B. MCCLELLAN', take the most prompt measures for crossing the " Mlajor General Commanding in Chief. fleet over the Bulkhead into the waters of the "Brig. Gen. A. E. BLRusrIDE, sound. Under the accompanying general order " Commanding Etpedition." constituting the department of North Carolina, you will assume -'mmand of the garrison at The following letters of instruction were sent Hatteras inlet, and nake such dispositions in to Generals Halleck, Buell, Sherman, and But regard to that place as your ulterior operations ler; and I also communicated verbally to these may render necessary, always being careful to officers my views in full regarding the field of provide for the safety of that very important operations assigned to each, and gave them their station in any contingency. instnlctions as much in detail as was necessary "Your first point of attack will be Roanoke at that time: island and its dependencies. t is presumed that the navy can reduce the batteries on the "HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, marshes, and cover the landing of your troops " Washington, D. C., Nov. 11, 1861. on the main island, by which, in connexion "GENERAL: In assigning you to the corn with a rapid movement of the gunboats to the mand of the department of Missouri, it is probnorthern extremity, as soon as the marsh batte- ably unnecessary for me to state that I have ry is reduced, it may be hoped to capture the intrusted to you a duty which requires the entire garrison of the place. Having occupied utmost tact and decision. the island and its dependencies, you will at "You have not merely the ordinary duties once proceed to the erection of batteries and of a military commander to perform; but the defences necessary to hold the position with a far more difficult task of reducing chaos to small force. Should the flag-officer require any order, of changing probably the majority of the assistance in seizing or holding the debouches personnel of the staff of the department, and of of the canal from Norfolk, you will please reducing to a point of economy, consistent with afford it to him. the interests and necessities of the State, a sys" The commodore and yourself having com- tem of reckless expenditure and fraud, perpleted your arrangements in regard to Roanoke haps unheard of before in the history of the island, and the waters north of it, you will world. please at once make a descent on Newbern, "You will find in your department many having gained possession of which and the rail- general and staff officers holding illegal comroad passing through it, you will at once throw missions and appointments, not recognized or a sufficient force upon Beaufort, and take the approved by the President, or Secretary of War. steps necessary to reduce Fort Macon and open You will please at once inform these gentlemen that port. When you seize Newbern, you will of the nllllity of their appointment, and see endeavor to seize the railroad as far west as that no pay or allowances are issued to them Goldsborough, should circumstances favor such until such time as commissions may be authora movement. The temper of the people, the ized by the President, or Secretary of War. rebel force at hand, &c., will go far towards "If any of them give the slightest trouble, determining the question as to how far west the you will at once arrest them and send them, railroad can be safely occupied and held. under guard, out of the limits of yo-ur departShould circumstances render it advisable to ment, informing them that if they return, they seize and hold Raleigh, the main north and will be placed in close confinement. You will south line of railroad passing through Golds- please examine into the legality of the organiborough should be so effectually destroyed for zation of the troops serving in the department considerable distances north and south of that When you find any illegal, unusual or improper point, as to render it impossible for the rebels organizations, you will give to the officers and to use it to your disadvantage. A great point men an opportunity to enter the legal military would be gained, in any event, by the effectual establishment under general laws and orders destruction of the Wilmington and Weldon from the War Department; reporting in full to railroad. these headquarters any officer or organization "I would advise great caution in moving so that may decline. far into the interior as upon Raleigh. Having " You will please cause competent and reaccomplished the oljects mentioned, the next liableStaff officers to examine all existing conpoint of interest would probably be Wilming- tracts immediately, and suspend all payments ton, the reduction of which may require that upon them until you receive the report in each additional means shall be afforded you. I case. Where there is the slightest doubt as to would urge great caution in regard to procla- the propriety of the contract, you will be good mations. In no case would I go beyond a enough to refer the matter, with full explanamoderate joint proclamation with the naval tion, to these headquarters, stating in each case commander, which should say as little as pos- what would be a fair compensation tor the sersible about politics or the negro; merely state vices, or materials rendered under the contract. that the true issue for which we are fighting is Discontinue at once the reception of material or the preservation of the Union, and upholding services under any doubtful contract. Arrest the laws of the general government, and stating and bring to pronpt trial all officers who have that all who conduct themselves properly will, in any way violated their duty to the govern%s far as possible, be protected in their persons ment. In regard to the political conduct of and property. affairs, you will please labor to impress upon "You will please report your operations as the inhabitants of Missouri and the adjacent often as an opportunity offers itself. States that we are fighting solely for the in REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 25 tegrity of the Union, to uphold the power of authority of the government by religiously reour national government, and to restore to specting the constitutional rights of all. I the nation the blessings of peace and good know that I express the feelings and opinion order. of the President when I say that we are fightWith respect to military operations it is ing only to preserve the integrity of the Union probable, from the best information in my'pos- and the constitutional authority of the general session, that the interests of the governmett government. will be best served by fortifying and holding in "The inhabitants of Kentucky may rely upon considerable strength Rolla, Sedalia, and other it that their domestic institutions will in no maninterior points, keeping strong patrols constantly ner be interfered with, and that they will receive moving from the terminal stations, and concen- at our hands every constitutional protection. I trating the mass of the troops on or near the have only to repeat that you will in all respects Mississippi, prepared for such ulterior opera- carefully regard the local institutions of the tions as the public interests may demand. region in which you command, allowing nothing' I would be glad to have you make as soon but the dictates of military necessity to cause as possible a personal inspection of all the im- you to depart from the spirit of these instrucportant points in yotr department, and report tions. the result to me. I cannot too strongly impress "So much in regard to political considera. upon you the absolute necessity of keeping me tions. The military problem would be a simple constantly advised of the strength, condition, one could it be entirely separated from political snd location of your troops, together with all influences; such is not the case. Were the pofacts that will enable me to maintain that gene- pulation among which you are to operate wholly ral direction of the armies of the United States gnealos i poaletat hll which it is my purpose to exercise. I trust to or generally hoistile,it prinial ob ethat Nashvile should be your first and principal objective point yOU to maintain thorough organization, discip- It so happens that a large majority of the inhabline and economy throughout your department. itants of eastern Tennessee are in favor of the Please inform me as soon as possible of every- Union; it therefore seems proper that you thing relating to the gunboats now in process should remain on the. defensive on the line from of construction, as well as those completed. Louisville to Nashville while you throw the "The militia force authorized to be raised Losville to Nashville, while you throw the by the State of Missouri for its defence will bemass of our forces, by rapid marches, by Gumunder your orders. -berland (ap or Walker's Gap, on Knoxville, in "I am general, &c., &c., order to occupy the railroad at that point, and " GEO. cB. McCLELLAN, thus enable the loyal citizens of eastern Tennes" d Major General Commanding U. S. A. see to rise, while you at the same time cut off I"Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, U. S. A., the railway communication between eastern " Comg Dep't of Mfissouri." Virginia and the Mississippi. Itwill be prudent to fortify the pass before leaving it in your rear. " Brigadier General D. C. BUELL. "HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,' Washington, November 7, 1862. GENERAL: In giving you instructions for your guidance in command of the department "ic ATR TH A of the Ohio, I do not design to fetter you. I EADQTER o R, merely wish to express plainly the general ideas Washirgton, ombem 12, 1863 which occur to me in relation to the conduct of "GENERAL: Upon assuming command of the operations there. That portion of Kentucky department, I will be glad to have you make as west of the Cumberland river is by its position soon as possible a careful report of the condition so closely related to the States of Illinois and and situation of your troops, and of the military Missouri, that it has seemed best to attach it to and political condition of your command. The the department of Missouri. Your operations main point to whichI desire to call your attenthere, in Kentucky, will be confined to that tion is the necessity of entering eastern Tennesportion of the State east of the Cumberland see as soon as it can be done with reasonable river.. I trust I need not repeat to you that I chances of success, and I hope that you will, regard the importance of the territory commit- with the least possible delay, organize a column ted to your care as second only to that occupied for that purpose, sufficiently guarding at the by the army under my immediate command. same time the main avenues by which the rebels It is absolutely necessary that we shall hold all may invade Kentucky. Our conversations on the State of Kentucky; not only that, but that the subject of military operations have been so the majority of its inhabitants shall be warmly full, and my confidence in your judgment is so in favor of our cause, it being that which best great, that I will not dwell further upon the subserves their interests. It is possible that subject, except to urge upon you the necessity the conduct of our political affairs in Kentucky of keeping me fully informed as to the state of is more important than that of our military affairs, both military and political, and your operations. I certainly cannot overestimate the movements. In regard to political matters, importance of the former. You will please bear in mind that we are fighting only to preconstantly to bear in mind the precise issue for serve the integrity of the Union and to uphold which we are fighting; that issue is the preser- the power of the general government; as far as vation of the Union and the restoration of the military necessity will permit, religiously resfull authority of the general government over pect the constitutional rights of all. Preserve all portions of our territory. We shall most the strictest discipline among the troops, and ~eadily suppress this rebellion and restore the while employing the utmost energy in military 26 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. movements, be careful so to treat the unarmed ton and its defences. There the rebellion had inhabitants as to contract, not widen, the breach its birth; there the unnatural hatred of our govexisting between us and the rebels, ernment is most intense; there is the centre of " I mean by this that it is the desire of the the boasted power and courage of the rebels. government to avoid unnecessary irritation by'" To gain Fort Sumpter and hold Charleston causeless arrests and persecution of individuals. is a task well worthy of our greatest efforts, and Where there is good reason to believe that per- considerable sacrifices. That is the problem I sons are actually giving aid, comfort, or infor- would be glad to have you study. Some time mation to the enemy, it is of course necessary must elapse before we can be in all respects to arrest them; but I have always found that it ready to accomplish that purpose. Fleets are is the tendency of subordinates to make vexati- en route and armies in motion which have cerous arrests on mere suspicion. You will find tain preliminary objects to accomplish, before it well to direct that no arrest shall be made we are ready to take Charleston in hand. But except by your order or that of your generals, the time will before long arrive when I shall be unless in extraordinary cases, always holding prepared to make that movement. In the mean the party making the arrest responsible for the time, it is my advice and wish that no attempt propriety of his course. It should be our con- be made upon Savannahsunless it can be carstant aim to make it apparent to all that their ried with certainty by a'coup de main.' property, their comfort, and their personal safety " Please concentrate your attention and forces will be best preserved by adhering to the cause upon Pulaski and Fernandina. St. Augustine of the Union. might as well be taken by way of an interlude, " If the military suggestions I have made in while awaiting the preparations for Charleston. this letter prove to have been founded on erro- Success attends us everywhere at present. neous data, you are of course perfectly free to "Very truly, yours, change the plans of operations. "GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, " Brigadier General D. C. BUELL, Maj. Gen., Com'd'g United States Army. " Commanding Department of the Ohio." "Brig. Gen. T. W. SHERMAN, " Commanding at 1'ort lhoyal, &c." 4 HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, " Washington, February 14, 1862..' HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, a" GENERAL: Your despatches in regard to the " TVashington, February 23, 1862. occupation of Dafuskie island, &c., were receiv- " GENERAL: You are assigned to the coned to-day. I saw also to-day, for the first time, mand of the land forces destined to co-operate your requisition for a siege train for Savannah. with the navy in the attacks upon New Orleans. "After giving the subject all the considera- You will use every means to keep your destition in my power, I am forced to the conclusion nation a profound secret, even from your staff that, under present circumstances, the siege and officers, with the exception of your chief of capture of Savannah do not promise results staff, and Lieutenant Weitzell, of the engineers. commensurate with the sacrifices necessary. The force at your disposal will consist of the When I learned that it was possible for the first thirteen regiments named in your memogunboats to reach the Savannah river, above randum handed to me in person, the 21st InFort Pulaski, two operations suggested them- diana, 4th Wisconsin, and 6th Michigan, (old selves to my mind as its immediate results. and good regiments from Baltimore). " First.. The capture of Savannah by a'coup "The 21st Indiana, 4th Wisconsin, and 6th de main,'-the result of an instantaneous ad- Michigan, will await your orders at Fort Monvance and attack by the army and navy. roe. " The time for this has passed, and your let- " Two qpmpanies of the 21st Indiana are well ter indicates that you are not accountable for drilled as heavy artillery. The cavalry force the failure to seize the propitious moment, but already en route for Ship Island will be suffithat, on the contrary, you perceived its advan- cient for your purposes. t:ges." After full consultation with officers well Second. To isolate Fort Pulaski, cut off its acquainted with the country in which it is prosupplies, and at least facilitate its reduction by posed to operate, I have arrived at the conclua bombardment.. sion that two (2) light batteries fully equipped,' Although we have a long delay to deplore, and one (1) without horses, will be all that are the second course still remains open to us; and necessary. I strongly advise the close blockade of Pulaski, "This will make your force about 14,400 and its bombardment as soon as the 13-inch infantry, 275 cavalry, 580 artillery; total, 15,mortars and heavy guns reach you. I am con- 255 men. The commanding general of the fident you can thus reduce it. With Pulaski, department of Key West is authorized to loan you gain all that is really essential; you obtain you, temporarily, two regiments; Fort Pickens complete control of the harbor; you relieve the can, probably, give you another, which will.blockading fleet, and render the main body of bring your force to nearly 18,000. your force disposable for other operations. " The object of your expedition is one of " I do not consider the possession of Savannah vital importance-the capture of New Orleans. worth a siege after Pulaski is in our hands. The route selected is up the Mississippi river, But the possession of Pulaski is of the first inm- and the first obstacle to be encountered (perportance. The expedition to Fernandina is haps the only one) is in the resistance offered well, and I shall be glad to learn that it is ours. by Forts St. Philip and Jackson. It is ex"But, after all, the greatest moral effect pected that the navy can reduce tlese works; would be produced by the reduction of Charles- in that case you will, after their capture, leave REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'ICLELLAN. 27 a sufficient garrison in them to render them achieved is the capture and firm retention of perfectly secure; and it is recommended that, New Orleans. on the upward passage, a few heavy guns and " I am, &c., some troops be left at the pilot station (at the "GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, forks of the river) to cover a retreat in the " Maj. Gen. Commanding U. S. Army. event of a disaster. These troops and guns "Major General B. F. BUTLER, will, of course, be removed as soon as the forts " United States Volunteers." are captured. "Should the navy fail to reduce the works, The plan indicated in the above letters comyou will land your forces and siege train, and prehended in its scope the operations of all the endeavor to breach the works, silence the fire,armies of the Union, the armyof the Potomac and carry them by assault. as well. It was my intention, for reasons easy and carry them by assault. Tto be seen, that its various parts should be carThe next resistance wll be near the En-ried out simultaneously, or nearly so, and in lish Bend, where there are some earthen bat- co-operation along the whole line. If this plan teries. Here it may be necessary for you to was wise, and events have failed to prove that land your troops and co-operate with theith the naval was not, then it is unnecessary to defend any attack, although it is more than probable that delay which would have enabled the army of the navy, unassisted, can accomplish the result. the Potomac to perform its share in the execuIf these works are taken, the city of New Or- tion of the whole work. leans necessarily falls. In that event, it will But about the middle of January, 1862, upon probably be best to occupy Algiers with the recovering from a severe illness, I found that mass of your troops, also the eastern bank of excessive anxiety for an immediate movement the river above the city. It may be necessary of the army of the Potomac had taken possesto place some troops in the city to preserve sion of the minds of the administration. order; but if there appears to be sufficient A change had just been made in the War DeUnion sentiment to control the city, it may be partment, and I was soon urged by the new best for purposes of discipline to keep your secretary, Mr. Stanton, to take immediate steps men out of the city. to secure the reopening of the Baltimore and "After obtaining possession of New Orleans, Ohio railroad, and to free the banks of the it will be necessary to reduce all the wolks lower Potomac from the rebel batteries which guarding its approaches from the east, and par- annoyed passing vessels. ticularly to gain the Manchac pass. Very soon after his entrance upon office I " Baton Rouge, Berwick bay, and Fort Liv- laid before him verbally my design as to the ingston, will next, clatm your attention. part of the plan of campaign to be executed by the army of the Potomac, which was to attack " A feint on Galveston may facilitate the ob- Richmond by the lower Chesapeake. He injects we have in view. I need not call your structed me to develop it to the President, attention to the necessity of gaining possession which I did. The result was, that the Presiof all the rolling stock you can on the different dent disapproved it, and by an order of Janurailways, and of obtaining control of the roads ary 31, 1862, substituted one of his own. On themselves. The occupation of Baton Rouge the 27th of January, 1862, the following order by a combined naval and land force should be was issued without consultation with me: accomplished as soon as possible after you have gained New Orleans. Then endeavor to open [Presldent's General War Order No. 1.] your communication with the northern column by the Mississippi, always bearing in mind the " EXECUTIE MANSION, necessity of occupying Jackson, Mississippi, as " Washington, January 27, 1862. soon as you can sately (do so, either after or be- "Ordered, That the 22d day of February, fore you have effected the junction. Allow 1862, be the day for a general movement of the nothing to divert you from obtaining full pos- land and naval forces of the United States session of all the approaches to New Orleans. Iagainst the insurgent forces. That especially When that object is accomplished to its fullest the army at and about Fortress Monroe, the extent, it will be necessary to make a combined army of the Potomac, the army of Western attack on Mobile, in order to gain possession Virginia, the army near Munfordsville, Kenof the harbor and works, as well as to control tucky, the army and flotilla at Cairo, and a the railway terminus at the city. In regard to naval force in the Gulf of Mexico, be ready to this, I will send more detailed instructions as move on that day. the operations of the northern column develop " That all other forces, both land and naval, themselves. with their respective commanders, obey exist"I may briefly state that the general objects ing orders for the time, and be ready to obey of the expedition are, first, the reduction of additional orders when duly given. New Orleans and all its approaches; then Mo- "That the heads of departments and espebile and its detences; then Pensacola, Galves- cially the Secretaries of War and of the Navy, ton, &c. It is probable that by the time New with all their subordinates, and the general-inOrleans is reduced, it will be in the power of chief, with all other commanders and subordithe government to re-enforce the land forces nates of land and naval forces, will severallybe sufficiently to accomplish all these objects. In held to their strict and full responsibilities for the mean time you will please give all the as- prompt execution of this order. sistance in your power to the army and navy ABRAHAM LINCOLN." commanders in your vicinity, never losing sight of the fact that the great object to be The order of January 31, 1862, was as fol lows 28 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. [President's Special War Order No. 1.] by means of defensive works; nothing whatever " EXECUTIVE MANSION, had been undertaken to defend the avenues to " Washington, January 31, 1862. the city on the northern side of the Potomac., "The troops were not only undisciplined, Ordered, That all the disposable force of undrilled and dispirited; they were not even the army of the Potomac, after providing safely placed in military positions. The city was for the defence of Washington, be formed into almost in a condition to have been taken by a an expedition for the immediate object of seizing dash of a regiment of cavalry. and occupying a point upon the railroad south- " Without one day's delay I undertook the westward of what is known as Manassas Junc- difficult task assigned to me; that task the hontion, all details to be in the discretion of the orable Secretary knows was given to me without commander-in-chief, and the expedition to move solicitation or foreknowledge. How far I have before or on the 22d day of February next. accomplished it will best be shown by the past "ABRAHAM LINCOLN." and the present. "The capital is secure against attack, the extensive fortifications erected by the labor of I asked his excellency whetherthis orderwas our troops enable a small garrison to hold it to be regarded as final, or whether I could be against a numerous army, the enemy have been permitted to submit in writing my objections to held in check, the State of Maryland is securely is plan, and my reasons for preferring my own. o pein, the detached counties of Virm, in our possession, the detached counties of VirPermission was accorded, and I therefore pre- ginia are again within the pale of our laws, and pared the letter to the Secretary of War, which all apprehension of trouble in Delaware is at > given below. Bforeis agiven blow s d to te P -an end; the enemy are confined to the positions Before this had been submitted to the Presi- they occupied before the disaster of the 21st dent, he addressed me the following note: op b t d o t 21st dent, he addressed me the following note: July. More than all this, I have now under my command a well-drilled and reliable army, "EXECUTIVE MANSION, to which the destinies of the country may be " Washington. February 3, 1862. confidently committed. This army is young'~IY DEAR SIR: You and I have distinct and untried in battle; but it is animated by the and different plans for a movement of the army highest spirit, and is capable of great deeds. of the Potomac: yours to be done bv the Ches- That so much has been accomplished and apeake, up the Rappahannock to Urbana, and such an army created in so short a time from across land to the terminus of the railroad on nothing, will hereafter be regarded as one of across land to the terminus of the railroad on the York river; mine to move directly to a point the t es of the administration and on the railroad southwest of Manassas. te nation. "If you will give satisfactory answers to the "Many weeks, I may say months ago, this following questions, I shall gladly yield my plan army of the Potomac was fully in condillon to ~to v~y~ours'~:~ repel any attack; but there is a vast difference "1tt. Does not your plan involve a greatly between that and the efficiency required to enarger expenditure of timve and money than able troops to attack successfilly an army elated miner by victory and intrenched in a position long i" 2d. Wherein is a victory more certain by since selected, studied, and fortified. your plan than mine? In the earliest papers I submitted to the " 3d. Wherein is a victory more valuable by President, I asked for an effective and moveable your plan than mine? force far exceeding the aggregate of that now th. In fact, would it not be less valuable on the banks of the Potomac. I have not the force I asked for. in this: that it would break no great line of the orce I asked for. enemy's communications, while mine would? Even when in a ubordinate position, I "5th. In case of disaster, would not a re-alway looked beyond the operations of the treat be more difficult by your plan than mine? army of the Potomac; I was never satisfied in Yflours truly, my own mind with a barren victory, but looked " ABRAHAM LINCOLN. to combined and decisive operations. 6"Major General MCCLELLAN." "When I was placed in command of the armies of the United States, I immediately These questions were substantially answered turned my attention to the whole field of operaby the following letter of the same date to the tions, regarding the army of the Potomac as Secretaly of War: only one, while the most important, of the masses under my command. "HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY " I confess that I did not then appreciate the " ^Washington, Feb^ruar 3, 1862 total absence of a general plan which had before existed, nor did I know that utter diorganization "SIR: I ask your indulgence for the follow- and want of preparation pervaded the western ing papers rendered necessary by circum- armies. stances: J "I took it for granted that they were nearly, "I assumed command of the troops in the if not quite, in condition to move towards the vicinity of Washington on Saturday, July 27, fulfilment of my plans. I acknowledge that I 1861, six days after the battle of Bull run. made a great mistake. "I found no army to command; a mere col- "I sent at once-with the approval of the lection of regiments cowering on the banks of Executive-officers I considered competent to the Potomac, some perfectly raw, others dispir- command in Kentucky and Missouri. Their ited by the recent defeat. instrucrions looked to prompt movements. I " Nothing of any consequence had been done soon found that the labor of creation and organto secure the southern approaches to the capital ization had to be performedr there; transporta REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 29 tion-arms-clothing-artillery-discipline, all village of Occoquan; this occupation must be were wanting. These things required time to I continued so long as we continue to draw supprocure them. I plies by the roads from this city, or until a " The generals in command have done their! battle is won. work creditably, but we are still delayed. I The crossing of the Occoqnan should be had hoped that a general advance could be made made at all the fords from Wolf's run to the during the good weather in December; I was mouth; the points of crossing not being necesmiRiaken. sarily confined to the fords themselves. Should M* y wish was to gain possession of the east- the enemy occlpy this line in force, we must, ern Tennessee railroad, as a preliminary move- with what assistance the flotilla can afford, enment, then to follow it up immediately by an deavor to force the passage near the mouth, thus attack on Nashville and Richmond, as nearly at forcing the enemy to abandon the whole line, or the same time as possible. be taken in flank himself. T"I have ever regarded our true policy as "Having gained the line of the Occoquan, being that of fully preparing ourselves, and it would be necessary to throw a column by the then seeking for the most decisive results. I shortest route to Dumfries; partly to force the do not wish to waste life in useless battles, but enemy to abandon his batteries on the Potomac; prefer to strike at the heart. partly to cover our left flank against an attack "Two bases of operations seem to present from the direction of Aquia; and lastly, to themselves for the advance of the army of the establish our communications with the river by Potomac: the best roads, and thus give us new depots. i 1st. That of Washington-its present posi- The enemy would by this time have occupied tion-involving a direct attack upon the in- the line of the Occoquan above Bull run, holdtrenched positions of the enemy at Centreville, ing Brentsville in force, and perhaps extending _Manassas, &c., or else a movement to turn one his lines somewhat further to the southwest. or both flanks of those positions, or a combina- Our next step would then be to prevent the tion of the two plans.. enemy from crossing the Occoquan between' The relative force of the two armies will Bull run and Broad run, to fall upon our right not justify an attack on both flanks; an attack flank while moving on Brentsville. This might on his left flank alone involves a long line of be effected by occupying Bacon Race church wagon communication, and cannot prevent him and the cross-roads near the mouth of Bull run, from collecting for the decisive battle all the or still more effectually by moving to the fords detachments now on his extreme right and left. themselves, and preventing him from debouch" Should we attack his right flank by the line ing on our side. of the Occoquan, and a crossing of the Potomac I These operations would possibly be resisted, below that river, and near his batteries, we and it would require some time to effect them, could perhaps prevent the junction of the ene- as. nearly at the same time as possible, we my's right with his centre, (we might destroy should gain the fords necessary to our purposes the former); we would remove the obstructions above Broad run. Having secured our right to the navigation of the Potomac, reduce the flank, it would become necessary to carry length of wagon transportation by establishing Brentsville at any cost, for we could not leave new depot at the nearest points of the Potomac, it between the right flank and the main body. and strike more directly his main railway com- The final movement on the railroad must be munication. determined by circumstances existing at the " The fords of the Occoquan below the mouth time. of the Bull run are watched by the rebels; bat- " This brief sketch brings out is bold relief teries are said to be placed on the heights in the great advantage possessed by the enemy in the rear, (concealed by the woods), and the the strong central position he occupies, with arrangement of his troops is such that he can roads diverging in every direction, and a strong oppose some considerable resistance to a passage line of defence enabling him to remain on the of that stream. Information has just been re- defensive, with a small force on one flank, while ceived, to the effect that the enemy are intrench- he concentrates everything on the other for a ing a line of heights extending from the vicinity decisive action. of Sangstel's (Union mills) towards Evansport. " Should we place a portion of our force in Early in January, Spriggs's ford was occipied front of Centreville, while the rest crosses the by General Rhodes, with 3,600 men and eight Occoquan, we commit the error of dividing our (8) guns; there are strong reasons for believing army by a very difficult obstacle, and by a disthat Davis's ford is occupied. These circum- tance too great to enable the two parts to supstances indicate or prove that the enemy antici- port each other, should either be attacked by pates the movement in question, and is prepared the masses of the enemy, while the other is to resist it. Assuming for the present that this held in check. d(eration is determined upon, it may be well to "' I should perhaps have dwelt more decidedi examine briefly its probable progress. In the ly on the fact that the force left near Sangster's present state of affairs, our column (for the must be allowed to remain somewhere on that movement of so large a force must be made in side of the Occoquan until the decisive battle several columns, at least five or six) can reach is over, so as to cover our retreat in the event the Accatinck without danger; during the of disaster, unless it should be decided to select march thence to the Occoquan, our right flank and intrench a new base somewhere near Dumbecomes exposed to an attack from Fairfax sta- fries, a proceeding involving much time. tion, Sangster's. and Union mills. This danger "After the passage of the Oocoquan by the mul t be met by occupying in some force either main army, this covering force could be drawn tlhe two first named places, or better, the point into a more central and less exposed positionof junction of the road3I leading thence to the say Brimstone hill or nearer the Occoquan. In 30 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. this latitude the weather will for a considerable Virginia would be in our power, and the enemy period be very uncertain, and a movement cor- forced to abandon Tennessee and North Caromenced in force on roads in tolerably firm con- lina. The alternative presented to the enemy dition will be liable, almost certain, to be much would be, to beat us in a position selected delayed by rains and snow. It will, therefore, by ourselves, disperse, or pass beneath the be next to imposssible to surprise the enemy, or Candine forks. take him at a disadvantage by rapid manoeuvres. "Should we be beaten in a battle, we have Our slow progress will enable him to divine a perfectly secure retreat down the Peninsula our purposes, and take his measures according- upon Fort Monroe, with our flanks perfectly ly. The probability is, from the best informa- covered by the fleet. tion we possess, that the enemy has improved " During the whole movement our left flank the roads leading to his lines of defence, while is covered by the water. Our right is secure, we have to work as we advance. for the reason that the enemy is too distant to "Bearing in mind what has been said, and reach us in time; he can only oppose us in the present unprecedented and impassable con- front; we bring our fleet into full play. dition of the roads, it will be evident that no "After a successful battle our position would precise period can be fixed upon for the move- be-Burnside forming our left-Norfolk held ment on this line., Nor can its duration be securely-our centre connecting Burnside with closely calculated; it seems certain that many Buell, both by Raleigh and Lynchburg-Buell weeks may elapse before it is possible to corn- in eastern Tennessee and North Alabama — mence the march. Assuming the success of Halleck at Nashville and Memphis. this operation, and the defeat of the enemy as " The next movement would be to connect certain, the question at once arises as to the with Sherman on the left, by reducing Wilimportance of the results gained. I think these mington and Charleston; to advance our centre results would be confined to the possession of into South Carolina and Georgia; to push the field of battle, the evacuation of the line of Buell either towards Montgomery, or to unite the upper Potomac by the enemy, and the moral with the main army in Georgia; to throw Haleffect of the victory; important results it is true, leek southward to meet the naval expedition but not decisive of the war, nor securing the from New Orleans. destruction of the enemy's main army, for he " We should then be in a condition to reduce could fall back upon other positions, and fight at our leisure all the southern seaports; to oous again and again, should the condition of his cupy all the avenues of communication; to use troops permit. If he is in no condition to fight the great outlet of the Mississippi; to re-estabus-again out of the range of the intrenchments lish our government and arms in Arkansas, at Richmond, we would find it a very difficult Louisiana and Texas; to force the slaves to and tedious matter to follow him up there, for labor for our subsistence, instead of that of he would'destroy his railroad bridges and other- the rebels; to bid defiance to all foreign inwise impede our progress through a region terference. Such is the object I have ever had where the roads are as bad as they well can be, in view-this is the general plan which I hope and we would probably find ourselves forced at to accomplish. last to change the whole theatre of war, or to' For many long months I have labored to seek a shorter land route to Richmond, with a prepare the army of the Potomac to play its smaller available force, and at an expenditure part in the programme; from the day when I of much more time, than were we to adopt the was placed in command of all our armies, I short line at once. We would also have forced have exerted myself to place all the other arthe enemy to concentrate his forces and perfect mies in such a condition that they, too, could his defensive measures at very points where it perform their allotted duties. is desirable to strike him when least prepared. " Should it be determined to operate from "II. The second base of operations avail- the lower Chesapeake, the point of landing able for the army of the Potomac is that of the which promises the most trilliant result is lower Chesapeake bay, which affords the short- Urbana, on the lower Rappahannock. This est possible land route to Richmond, and strikes point is easily reached by vessels of heavy directly at the heart of the enemy's power in draught; it is neither occupied nor observed the east. by the enemy-it is but one march from West " The roads in that region are passable at all Point, the key of that region, and thence but seasons of the year. two marches to Richmond. A rapid move-' The country now alluded to is much more ment from Urbana would probably cut off favorable for offensive operations than that in Magruder in the Peninsula, and enable us to front of Washington, (which is very unfavor- occupy Richmond, before it could be strongly able), much more level, more cleared land, the re-enforced. Should we fail in that, we could, woods less dense, the soil more sandy, and the with the co-operation of the navy. cross the spring some two or three weeks earlier. A James and throw ourselves in the rear of Richmovement in force on that line obliges the ene- mond, thus forcing the enemy to come out and my to abandon his intrenched position at Ma-attack us. for his position would be untenable, nassas, in order to hasten to cover Richmond with us on the southern bank of the river. and Norfolk. He must do this; for should he "Should circumstances render it not advisapermit us to occupy Richmond, his destruction ble to land at Urbana, we can use Mobjack can be averted only by entirely defeating us in bay; or, the worst coming to the worst, we can a battle, in which he must be the assailant. take Fort Monroe as a base, and operate with This movement, if successful, gives us the complete security, although with less celerity capital, the communications, the supplies of and brilliancy of results-up the Peninsula. the rebels; Norfolk would fall; all the wa- To reach whatever point may be selected ters of the Chesapeake would be ours; all as a base, a large amount of cheap water trans REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MICLELLAN. 31 portation must be collected, consisting mainly permit. I believe that the mass of the people of canal-boats, barges, wood-boats, schooners, have entire confidence in us-I am sure of &c., towed by small steamers, all of a very it. Let us, then, look only to the great result different character from those required for all to be accomplished, and disregard everything previous expeditions. This can certainly be else. accomplished within thirty days from the time " I am, very respectfilly, your ob't serv't, the order is given. I propose, as the best pos- "GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, sible plan that can, in my judgment, be adopt- " M3ajor General Commanding. ed, to select Urbana as a landing place for the "Hon. E. M. STANTON, first detachments; to transport by water four Secretary of War." divisions of infantry with their batteries, the regular infantry, a few wagons, one bridge train This letter must have produced some effect and a few squadrons of cavalry, making the upon the mind of the President, since the exevicinity of Hooker's position the place of em- cution of his order was not required, although barkation.for as many as possible; to move the it was not revoked as formally as it had been regular cavalry and reserve artillery, the re- issued. Many verbal conferences ensued, in maining bridge trains and wagons, to a point which, among other things, it was determined somewhere near Cape Lookout, then ferry them toEollect as many canal boats as possible, with over the river by means of North River ferry- a view to employ them largely in the transportaboats, march them over to the Rappahannock, tion of the army to the lower Chesapeake. The (covering the movement by an infantry force idea was at one time entertained by the Presinear Heathsville), and to cross the Rappahan- dent to use them in forming a bridge across the nock in a similar way. The expense and diffi- Potomac near Liverpool point; but this was culty of he movement will then be very much subsequently abandoned. It was also found diminished, (a saving of transportation of by experience that it would require much time about 10,000 horses), and the result none the to prepare the canal boats for use in transportaless certain. % tion, to the extent it had been anticipated. " The concentration of the cavalry, &c., on Finally, on the 27th of February, 1862, the the lower counties of Maryland can be effected Secretary of War, by the authority of the Preswithout exciting suspicion, and the movement ident, instructed Mr. John Tucker, Assistant made without delay fiom that cause. Secretary of War, to procure at once the neces"This movement, if adopted, will not at all sary steamers and sailing craft to transport the expose the city of Washington to danger. army of the Potomac to its new field of opera" The total force to be thrown upon the new tions. line would be, according to circumstances, from The following extract from the report of Mr. 110,000 to 140,000. I hope to use the latter Tucker, dated April 5, will show the nature and number by bringing fresh troops into Wash- progress of this well-executed service: ington, and still leaving it quite safe. I fully realize that in all projects offered, time will probably be the most valuable consideration. "I was called to Washington by telegraph, It is my decided opinion that, in that point of on 17th January last, by Assistant Secretary of view, the second plan should be adopted. It is War Thomas A. Scott. I was informed that possible., nay, highly probable, that the weather Major General McClellan wished to see me. and state of the roads may be such as to delay From him I learned that he desired to know if the direct movement from Washington, with its transportation on smooth water could be obunsatisfactory result.s and great risks, far be- tained to move at one time, for a short distance, yond the time required to complete the second about 50,000 troops, 10,000 horses, 1,000 wagons, plan. In the first case we can fix no definite 13 batteries and the usual equipments of such an time for an advance. The roads have gone army. He frankly stated to me that he had from bad to worse. Nothing like their present always considered such a movement entirely condition was ever known here before; they feasible, until two experienced quartermasters are impassable at present. We are entirely at had recently reported it impracticable, in their the mercy of the weather. It is by no means judgement. A few days afterwards, I reported certain that we can beat them at Manassas. On I to General McClellan that I was entirely confithe other line I regard the success as certain by dent the transports could be commanded, and all the chances of war. We demoralize the stated the mode by which his object could be enemy by fbrcing him to abandon his prepared accomplished. A week or two afterwards I had position for onewhichwe have chosen, in which the honor of an interview with the President all is in our favor, and where success must pro- and General McClellan, when the subject was duce.immense results. further discussed, and especially as to the time " My judgment, as a general, is clearly in required. favor of this project. Nothing is certain in i I expressed the opinion that, as the movewar, but all the chances are in favor of this ment of the horses and wagons would have to movement. So much am I in favor of the be made chiefly by sc!ooners and barges, that southern line of operations, that I would pre- as each schooner would require to be properly fer the move from Fortress Monroe as a base- fitted for the protection of the horses, and furnas a certain though less brilliant movement ished with a supply of water and forage, and than that from Urbana, to an attack upon Ma- each transport for the troops provided with water, nassas. I did not deem it prudent to assume that such " I know that his excellency the President, an expedition could start within thirty days you, and I, all agree in our wsihes; and that from the time the order was given. these wishes are, to bring this war to a close as' The President and General McClellan both prompil a- the means in our possession will urgently stated the vast importance of an earlier 32 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. movement. I replied that if favorable winds President, was by a movement by land, from prevailed, and there was great despatch in load- the left of our lines, on the right bank of the ing, the time might be materially diminished. Potorac-a movement obviously unwise. " On the 14th February you (Secretary of The attention of the Navy Department, as War) advertised for transports of various de- early as August 12, 1861, had been called to scriptions, inviting bids on the 27th February. the necessity of maintaining a strong force of I was informed that the proposed movement by efficient war vessels on the Potomac. water was decided upon. That evening the Quartermaster General was informed of the de- " HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE POTOMAC, cision. Directions were given to secure the " WVashington, August 12, 1861. transportation-any assistance was tendered. "SR: I have to-day received additional inHe promptly detailed to this duty two most formation which convinces me that it is more efficient assistants in his department. Colonel than probable that the enemy will, within Rufus Ingalls was stationed at Annapolis, where than verbable thatt empt will, within a it was then proposed to embark the troops, and a very fs,rt time, attempt to throw a resleitCaptain Henry C. Hodges was directed to meet able force from the mouth of Aquia creek into Ceatin Phildenyhiogs t a dire d to meaern t Maryland. This attempt will probably be preme in Philadelphia, to attend to chartering the ceded by the erection of batteries at Matthias vessels. With these arrangements I left WaAh- and White House points. Such a movement hngton on the 28th February. hi t e House points. Sch e ngton on the 2h February on the part of the enemy, in connexion with * * * * * * others probably designed, would place WashIbeg to.e hander heret ington in great jeopardy. I most earnestly urge' I beg to hand herewith a statement, pre- that the strongest possible naval force be at pared by Captain Hodges, of the vessels char- once concentrated near the mouth of Acquia tered, which exhibits the prices paid, and par-' creek, and that the most vigilant watch be ties from whom they were taken: maintained day and night, so as to render such passage of the river absolutely impossible. 11 steamers, at an average price per day...... $215 10 Iassage of the rver asotey mosse 188aschooners, 74 1 Ies 5 recommend that the Minnesota and any 188 Schooners, 94 45 88 barges, " " *'...... 14 27 other vessels available from Hampton Roads be at once ordered up there, and that a great quane" In thirty-seven days from the time I re- tity of coal be sent to that vicinity, sufficient ceived the older in Washington, (and most of for several weeks' supply. At least one strong it was accomplished in thirty days), these ves- war vessel should be kept at Alexandria, and I iels transported from Perryville, Alexandria, again urge the concentration of a strong naval and Washintgton to Fort Monroe (the place of force on the Potomac without delay. departure having been changed, which caused "If the Naval Department will render it delay), 121,500 men, 14,592 animals, 1,150 absolutely impossible for the enemy to cross the wagons, 44 batteries, 74 ambllances, besides river below Washington, the security of the pontoon bridges, telegraph materials, and the capital will be greatly increased. enormous quantity of equippage,, &c., required "I cannot loo earnestly urge an immediate for an army of such magnitude. The only loss compliance with these requests. of which I have heard is eight mules and nine "I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient barges, which latter went ashore in a gale a few servant. miles from Fort Monroe-the cargoes being "GEORGE B. MCCLEtLAN', saved. With this trifling exception, not the "Major eneral Commanding. slightest accident has occurred, to my knowl- ",on. GIDEoN WELLES, edge..." I respectfully, but confidently, submit that, " Secretary U. S. Navy." for economy antd celerity of movement, this for ectiono s wan t a parallel onf m ovemen, It was on the 27th of September, 1861, that edition is without a pGeneral Barnard, Chief Engineer, in company * * * * * * * with Captain Wyman of the Potomac flotilla, had been instructed to make a reconnoissance "JOHN TUCKER, of the enemy's batteries as far as Matthias point. "Assistant Secretary of War." In his report of his observations he says: " Batteries at High point and Cockpit point, In the mean time the destruction of the bat- and thence down to Chopawampsic, cannot be peries on the lower Potomac, by crossing our prevented. We cmay, indeed, prevent their troops opposite them, was considered, and construction on certain points, but along here preparations were even made for throwing somewhere the enemy can establish, in spite of Hooker's division across the river, to carry us, as many batteries as he chooses. What is them by assault. Finally, however, after an the remedy? Favorable circumstances, not to adverse report from Brigadier General J. G. be anticipated nor made the basis of any calcuBarnard, Chief Engineer, given below, who lations, might justify and render successful the made a reconnoissance of the positions, and in attack of a particular battery. To suppose that view of the fact that it was still out of the we can capture all, and by mere attacks of this power of the navy department to furnish suit- kind prevent the navigation being molested, is able vessels to co-operate with land troops, this very much the same as to suppose that the hosplan was abandoned as impracticable. A close tile army in our own front can prevent us examination of the enemy's works and their building and maintaining field-works to protect approaches, made after they were evacuated, Arlington and Alexandria by capturing them, showed that the decision was a wise one. The one and all, as fast as they are built." only means, therefore, of accomplishing the In another communication upon the subject capture of these works, so much desired by the of crossing troops for the purpose of destroying REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. 315CLELLAN. 33 the batteries on the Virginia side of the Poto- stated to the President and Secretary of War mac, General Barnard says: that the chief object of the operation would be "The operation involves theforcing of a very to open the Baltimore and Ohio railroad by strong line of defence'of the enemy, and all that crossing the river in force at Harper's Ferry; we would have to do if we were really opening that I had collected the material for making a a campaign against them there. permanent bridge by means of canal-boats; that' It is true we hope to force this line by turn- I from the nature of the river, it was doubtful ing it, by landing on Freestone point. With whether such a bridge could be constructed: reason to believe that this may be successful, it that if it could not, I would at least occupy the cannot be denied that it involves a risk of fail- ground in front of Harper's Ferry, in order to ure. Should we, then, considering all the con- cover the rebuilding of the railroad bridge; and sequences which may be involved, enter into finally, when the communications were perfectthe operation, merely to capture the Potomac ly secure, move on Winchester. batteries? I think not. Will not the Ericsson. n I rri a t n assisted by one other gunboat capable of keep- battean bridge nearly completed; the holdinging alongside these batteries, so far control theirteau bridge nearly compled bette th had been anticipated fire as to keep the navigation sufficiently free ground proved better than had been anticipated: as long as we require it? Captain Wyman says the weather wa favorable, there being no wind. "aes th" I at once crossed over the two brigades which It was the opinion of competent naval offi- had arrived, and took steps to hurry up the cers, and I concur with them, that had an ade- other two, belonging respectively to Banks's and quate force of strong and well-armed vessels Sedgwick's divisions. The difficulty of crossbeen acting on the Potomac from the beginning ina supplies had not then become apparent of August, it would have been next to impos- That nit I telegraphed for a regiment of regsible for the rebels to have constructed or ular cavalry and four batteries of heavy artillery sible for the rebels to have constructed or maintained batteries upon the banks of the to come up the next day, (Thursday), besides river. The enemy never occupied Matthias directing Keyes's division of infantry to be point, nor any other point on the river, which moved p on Friday. was out of supporting distance from the main' Next morning the attempt was made to pass army. the canal-boats through the lift-lock, in order When the enemy commenced the construction to commence at once'the construction of a perof these batteries, the army of the Potomac was manent lbidge. It was then found for the first not in a condition to prevent it. Their des- time that the lock was too small to permit the truction by our army would have afforded but passage of the boats, it having been built for a a temporary relief unless we had been strong class of boats running on the Shenandoah canal, enough to hold the entire line of the Potomac. and too narrow by some four or six inches fot This could be done either by driving the enemy the canal-boats. The lift-locks, above and befrom Manassas and Aquia creek, by main force, low, are all large enough for the ordinary boats. or by manoeuvring to compel them to vacate I had seen them at Edwards's ferry thus used. their positions. The latter course was finally It had always been represented to the engineers pursued, and with success. by the military railroad employes, and others. About the 20th of February, 1862, additional that the lock was large enough, and. the differmeasures were taken to secure the reopening of ence being too small to be detected by the eye, the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. The prelim- no one had thought of measuring it, or suspectinary operations of General Lander for this ing any difficulty. I thus suddenly found:myobject are elsewhere described. self unable to build the permanent bridge. A I had often observed to the President and to violent gale had arisen, which threatened the' members of the cabinet that the reconstruction safety of our only means of communication; the' of this railway could not be undertaken until narrow approach to the bridge was so crowded we were in a condition to fight a battle to secure and clogged with wagons that it was very clear it. I regarded the possession of Winchester that, under existing circumstances, nothing and Strasburg as necessary to cover the railway more could be done than to cross over the bagin the rear, and it was not till the month of gage and supplies of the two brigades. Of the February that I felt prepared to accomplish this others, instead of being able to cross both durvery desirable but not vital purpose. ing the morning, the last arrived only in time The whole of Banks's division and two brig- to go over just before dark. It was evident that ades of Sedgwick's division were thrown across the troops under orders would only be in the the river at Harper's Ferry, leaving one brigade why, should they arrive, and that it would not of Sedgwick's division to observe and guard the be possible to subsist them for a rapid march on Potomac from Great Falls to the mouth of the Winchester. It was therefore deemed necessary Monocacy. A sufficient number of troops of to countermand the order, content ourselves all arms were held in readiness a the vicinity with covering the reopening of the railroad for of Washington, either to march via Leesburg the present, and in the mean time use every or to move by rail to Harper's Ferry, should exertion to establish, as promptly as possible, this become necessary in carrying out the objects depots of forage and subsistence on the Virin view. ginia side, to supply the troops, and enable The subjoined notes from a communication them to move on Winchester independently of subsequently addressed to the War Department the bridge. The next day (Friday) I sent a will sufficiently explain the conduct of these strong reconnoissance to Charlestown, and, operations: under its protection, went there myself. I ~NOTES~~. #then determined to hold that place, and to move the troops composing Landers and Williams's When I started for Harper's Ferry I plainly commands at once on Martinsburg and Bunker 3 34 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. Hill, thus effectually covering the reconstruc- ferred deferring its practical execution until tion of the railroad. some little experience in campaign and on the " Having done this, and taken all the steps field of battle should show what general officers in my power to insure the rapid transmission of were most competent to exercise these high supplies over the river, I returned to this city, commands, for it must be remembered that well satisfied with what had been accomplished. we then had no officers whose experience in While up the river I learned that the President war on a large scale was sufficient to prove that was dissatisfied with the state of affairs; but, they possessed the necessary qualifications. An on return here. understood from the Secretary incompetent commander of an army corps might of War that upon learning the whole state of cause irreparable damage, while it is not probathe case the President was fully satisfied. I ble that an incompetent division commander contented myself, therefore, with giving to the could cause any very serious mischief. These Secretary a brief statement, as I have written views had frequently been expressed by me to here." the President and members of the cabinet; it The design aimed at was entirely compassed, was therefore with as much regret as surprise and before the first of April, the date of my that I learned the existence of this order. departure for the Peninsula, the railroad was The first order has been given above; the in running order. As a demonstration upon second order was as follows: the left flank of the enemy, this movement no doubt assisted in determining the evacuation of [President's General War Order No. 8.] his lines on the 8th and 9th of March. On my return from Harper's Ferry, on thei "'EXEUTIVE MANSION, 28th of February. the preparations necessary Washington, March 8, 1862. to carry out the wishes of the President and " Ordered, That no change of the base of Secretary of War in regard to destroying the operations of the army of the Potomac shall be batteries on the lower Potomac were at once made without leaving in and about Washington undertaken. Mature reflection convinced me such a force as, in the opinion of the generalthat this operation would require the iovement in chief and the commanders of army corps, of the entire army, for I felt sure tharthe ene- shall leave said city entirely secure. my would resist it with his whole strength. I; That no more than two army corps (about undertook it with great reluctance, both on ac- fifty thousand troops) of said army of the PotoW count of the extremely unfavorable condition mac shall be moved en route for a new base of of the roads and my firm conviction that the operations until the navigation of the Potomac, proposed movement to the lower bCesapeake fiom Washington to the Chesapeake bay, shall would necessarily, as it subsequently did, force be freed from enemy's batteries, and other obthe enemy to abandon all his positions in front structions, or until the President shall hereafter of Washington. Besides, it did not forward give express permission. my plan of campaign to precipitate this evacua- "That say movement as aforesaid, en route tion by any direct attack, nor to subject the for a new base of operations, which may be orarmy to any needless loss of life and materiel dered by the general-in-chief, and which may by a battle near Washington, which could pro- be intended to move upon the Chesapeake bay, duce no decisive results. The preparations for shall begin to move upon the bay as early as a movement towards the Occoquan, to carry the the 18th of March instant, and the general-inbatteries, were, h6owever, advanced as rapidly chief shall be responsible that it moves as early as the season permitted, and I had invited the as that day. commanders of divisions to meet at headquar- "Ordered, That the army and navy co-oper. ters on the 8th of March, for the purpose of ate in an immediate effort to capture the enegiving them their instructions, and receiving my's batteries upon the Potomac between Washtheir advice and opinion in regard to their ington and the Chesapeake bay. commands, when an interview with the Presi- "ABRAHAM LINCOLN. dent indicated to me the possibility of a change "L. THOMAS, Adjutant General." of my orders. His excellency sent for me at a very early After what has been said already in regard hour on the morning of the 8th, and renewed to the effect of a movement to the lower Chesahis expression of dissatisfaction with the affair peake it is unnecessary for me to comment upon of Harper's Ferry, and with my plans for the this document, further than to say that the time new movement down the Chesapeake. Another of beginning the movement depended upon the recital of the same facts which had before given state of readiness of the transports, the entire satisfaction to hisexcellency again produced,,as control of which had been placed by the SecreI supposed, the same result. tary of War in the hands of one of the AssistThe views which I expressed to the Presi- ant Secretaries, and not under the Quartermasdent were re-enforced by the result of a meet- ter General; so that even if the movement were ing of my general officers at headquarters. At not impeded by the condition imposed, in regard that meeting my plans were laid before the to the batteries on the Potomac, it could not division commanders, and were approved by a have been in my power to begin it before the majority of those present. Nevertheless, on' 18th of March, unless the Assistant Secretary the same day two important orders were issued of War had completed his arrangements by that by the President, without consultation with me. time. The first of these was the general war order Meanwhile important events were occurring No. 2, directing the formation of army corps, which materially modified the designs for the and assigning their commanders. subsequent campaign. The appearance of the I had always been in favor of the principle Merrimack off Old Point Comfort, and the enof an organization into army corps, but pre- counter with the United States squadron on the REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 85 8th of March, threatened serious derangement quiring immediate compliance with the Presidof the plan for the Peninsula movement. But ent's order, but on my again representing that the engagement between the Monitor and Mer- this would compel the abandonment or postrimack bn the 9th of March, demonstrated so ponement of the movement to Manassas, he satisfactorily the power of the former, and the finally consented to its postponement. other naval preparations were so extensive and At noon on the 10th of March the cavalry formidable, that the security of Fort Monroe, advance reached the enemy's lines at Centreas a base of operations, was placed beyond a ville, passing through his recently occupied doubt; and although the James river was closed camps and works, and finding still burning to us, the York river, with its tributaries, was heaps of military stores and much valuable still open as a line of water communication property. with the fortress. The general plan, therefore. Immediately after being assigned to the cornremained undhtturbed, although less promising mand of the troops around Washington, I in its details than when the James river was in organized a secret service force, under Mr. E. our control. J. Allen, a very experienced and efficient perOn Sunday, the 9th of March, information son. This force, up to the time I was relieved from various sources made it apparent that the from conmand, was continually occupied in enemy was evacuating his positions at Centre- procuring from all possible sources information ville and Manassas as well as on the upper and regarding the strength, positions, and movelower Potomac. The President and Secretary ments of the enemy. of War were present when the most positive All spies, "contrabands," deserters, refugees, information reached me, and I exppressed to and many prisoners of war, coming into our them my intention to cross the river imme- lines from the front, were carefully examined, diately, and there gain the most authentic in- first by the outpost and division commanders, formation, prior to determining what course to and then by my chief of staff and the Provost pursue. Marshal General. Their statements, taken in The retirement of the enemy towards Rich- writing, and in many cases under oath, from mond had been expected as the natural conse- day to day, for a long period previous to the quence of the movement to the Peninsula, but evacuation of Manassas, comprised a mass of the adoption of this course immediately on as- evidence which, by careful digests and collacertaining that such a movement was intended, tions, enabled me to estimate with considerable while it relieved me from the results of the accuracy the strength of the enemy before us. undue anxiety of my superiors, and attested Summaries showing the character and results the character of the design, was unfotrtunate in of the labors of the secret service force accomthat the then almost impassable rodls between pany this report, and I refer to them for the our positions and theirs deprived us of the facts they contain, and as a measure of the opportunity for inflicting damage usually af- ignorance which led some journals at that time forded by the withdrawal of a large army in and persons in high office unwittingly to trifle the face of a powerfiul adversary. with the reputation of an army, and to delude The retirement of the enemy and the occu- the country with quaker gun stories of the pation of the abandoned positions which neces- defences and gross understatements of the numsarily followed presented an opportunity for the bers of the enemy. troops to gain some experience on the march The following orders were issued for the and bivolac preparatory to the canmpaign, and examination of persons coming from the direoto get rid of the superfluous baggage and other tion of the enemy:'impediments" which accumulate so easily around an army encamped for a long time in [" Circular.] one locality. A march to Manassas and back would pro- HEADQUARTERS ARIY OF THE POTOMAC, duce no delay in embarking flor the lower Ches- " Washington, December 16, 1862. apeake, as the traonslorts colld not be ready for " The major general commanding directs that some time, and it afforded a good intermediate hereafter all deserters, prisoners, spies,'constep between the quiet and comiparauive comfort trabands,' and all other persons whatever comof the camps around Washington, and the rigors ing or brought within our lines from Virgilia, of active operations, besides accomplishing the shall be taken immediately to the quarters of important object of determitling the positions the commander of the division within whose and perhaps the future designs of the enemy, lines they may come or be brought, without with the possibility of being able to harass previous examination by any one, except so'r their rear. as mty be necessary for the officer commanding I therefore issued orders during tie night of the advance guard to elicit information regardthe 9th of March for a general movement of the ing his particular post; that the division comarmy the next morning towards Centrevilleand mander examine all such persons himself, or Manassas, sending in advance two regiments of delegate such duty to a proper officer of his ca\alry under Colonel Averill with orders to staff, and allow no other persons to bold any reach Manassas if possible, ascertain the exact communication with them; that be then immecondition of affairs, and do whatever he could diately send them. with a sufficient guard, to to retard and annoy the enemy if really in re- the provost marshai in this city for firther extreat; at the same time I telegraphed to the arnination and safe-keeping, and that stringent Secretary of War that it w-ould he necessary to orders be given to all guard having such perdefer the organization of the army corps until sons in charge not to hold any communication the completion of the projected advance upon with them whatever; and further, that the Manasmsas, as the divisions could not be brought information elicited from such persons shall be together in time. The Secretary replied) re- immediately communicated to the major general 36 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'iCLELLAN. commanding, or to the chief of staff, and to no About three hundred field guns and from other person whatever. twenty-six to thirty siege guns were with the " The major general commanding further rebel army in front of Washington. The redirects that a sufficient guard be placed around port made on the 17th of March, after the every telegraph station pertaining to this army, evacuation of Manassas and Centreville, corand that such guards be instructed not to allow roborates the statements contained in the report any person, except the regular telegraph corps, of the 8th, and is fortified by the affidavits of general officers, and such staff officers as may several railroad engineers, constructors, bagbe authorized by their chief, to enter or loiter gage-masters, &c., whose opportunities for formaround said stations within hearing of the sound ing correct estimates were unusually good. of the telegraph instruments. These affidavits will be found in the accom"By command of Major Gen. MCCLELLAN. panying reports of the chief f the secret ser"S. WILLIAMS, vice corps.'* Assistant Adjutant General." A reconnoissance of the works at Centreville made by Lieutenant McAlester, United States engineers, on March 14, 1862, and a survey of those at Manassas, made by a party of the "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, United States coast survey, in April, 1862, conWa" shington, February 26, 1862. firmed also my conclusions as to the strength of the enemy's defences. Those at Centreville i" GENERAL ORDER } consisted of two lines, one facing east and the No. 27. other north. The former consisted of seven * * * * works, viz: one bastion fort, two redoubts, two "All deserters from the enemy, prisoners, lunettes, and two batteries; all containing emand other persons coming within our lines, will brasures for forty guns, and connected by inbe taken at once to the provost marshal of the fantry parapets and double caponieres. It nearest division, who will examine them in extended along the crest of the ridge a mile presence of the division commander or an officer and three quarters from its junction with the of his staff designated for the purpose. This northern front to ground thickly wooded and examination will only refer to such information impassable to an attacking column. as may affect the division and those near it. The northern front extended about one and especially those remote from general head- one-fourth mile to Great Rocky run, and thence quarters. three-fourths of a mile further to thickly wooded, I As soon as this examination is completed- impassable ground in the valley of Cub run. and it must be made as rapidly as possible- It consisted of six lunettes and batteries with the person will be sent, under proper guard, to embrasures for thirty-one guns, connected by the Provost Marshal General, with a statement an infantry parapet in the form of a cremailof his replies to the questions asked. Upon lere line with redans. At the town of Centrereceiving him, the Provost Marshal General ville, on a high hill commanding the rear of will at once send him, with his statement, to all the works within range, was a large hexthe chief of staff of the army of the Potomac, agonal redoubt with ten embrasures. who will cause the necessary examination to be Manassas station was defended in all direcmade. The Provost Marshal General will have tions by a system of detached works, with platthe custody of all such persons. Division forms for heavy guns arranged for marine carcommanders will at once communicate to other riages, and often connected by infantry parapets. division commanders all information thus ob- This system was rendered complete by a very tained which affects them. large work, with sixteen embrasures, which * * * f *e. * # commanded the highest of the other works by "By command of Major Gen. MCCLELLAN. about fifty feet. "S. oWdILLr A LMS, A Sketches of the reconnoissances above re"Assistant Adjuant General." ferred to will be found among the maps apssistant Adant General.pended to this report. In addition to the foregoing orders, the divis- From this it will be seen that the positions ion commanders were instructed, whenever selected by the enemy at Centreville and Mathey desired to send out scouts towards the nassas were naturally very strong, with imenemy, to make known the object at headquar- passable streams and broken ground, affording ters in order that I might determine whether amp protection for their fanks, and that we had the information it was proposed to ob- strong lines of intrenchments swept all the tain, and that I might give the necessary orders available approaches. to other commanders, so that the scouts should Although the history of every former war not be mnolested by the guards. has conclusively shown the great advantages not r oesen nt~h^ of the whie ch are possessed by an army acting on the It will be seen from the report of the chief ch are possessed by an army acting o the of the secret service corps, dated March 8, that defensive and occupying strong positions, dethe forces of the rebel army of the Potomac, at fended by heavy earthworks; yet, at the comthat date, were as follows: umencement of this war, but few civilians in our country, and, indeed, not all military men of At Manassas, Centreville, Bull run, Upper rank, had a just appreciation of the fact. Occoquan, and vicinity................ 80,000 men. New levies that have never been in battle SAt Bool^ station, Dufriest Low 18,000men- cannot be expected to advance without cover quaa, and vicinity.................... 18,000 men. At Leesburg and vicinity................. 4,500 men. under the murderous fire from such defences, I the Shenandoah valley................. 18,000men. and carry them by assault. This is work in which veteran troops frequently faulter and are 115,500men. repulsed with loss. That an assault of the REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. ACLELLAN. 37 enemy's positions in front of Washington, with saw fit to make of my services, and so informed the new troops composing the army of the him in a note on the 12th of March, in which Potomac, during the winter of 1861-'62, would occur these words: have resulted in defeat and demoralization, was I believe I said to you some weeks since, too probable. in connection with some western matters, that The same army, though inured to war in no feeling of self-interest or ambition should many battles, hard fought and bravely won, ever prevent me from devoting myself to the has twice, under other generals, suffered such service. I am glad to have the opportunity to disasters as it was no excess of prudence then prove it, and you will find that, under present to avoid. My letter to the Secretary of War, circumstances, I shall work just as cheerfully dated February 3, 1862, and given above, ex- as before, and that no consideration of self will pressed the opinion that the movement to the in any manner interfere with the discharge of Peninsula would compel the enemy to retire my public duties. Again thanking you, for the from his position at Manassas and free Wash- official and personal kindness you have so often ington from danger. When the enemy first evinced towards me, I am," &c., &c. learned of that plan, they did thus evacuate On the 14th of March a reconnoissance of a Manassas. During the Peninsula campaign, as large body of cavalry with some intantry, under at no former period, northern Virginia was command of General Stoneman, was sent along completely in our possession, and the vicinity the Orange and Alexandria railroad to deterof Washington free from the presence of the mine the position of the enemy, and. if possienemy. The ground so gained was not lost, ble, force his rear across the Rappahannock, nor Washington again put in danger, until the but the roads were in such condition that, findenemy learned of the orders for the evacuation ing it impossible to subsist his men, General of the Peninsula, sent to me at Harrison's bar, Stoneman was forced to return after reaching and were again left free to advance northward Cedar run. and menace the national capital. Perhaps no The following despatch from him recites the one now doubts that the best defence of Wash- result of this expedition: ington is a Peninsula attack on Richmond. My order for the organization of the army'HEAfQUARTEIRS, UNION MILLS, corps was issued on the 13th of March; it has rh 162 been given above. While at Fairfax Court-house, on March 12,'We arrived here last evening about dark. I was informed through the telegraph, by a We got corn for horses; no provisions for men. member of my staff, that the following docu- Bull run too high to cross. Iad we stayed an ment had appeared in the National Intelligencer hour longer we should not have got here to-day, of that morning: owing to the high water in the streams. Felt the enemy cautiously, and found him in force [President's War Order, No. 8.] at Warrenton Junction. Saw two regiments of cavalry and three bodies of infantry on the other sEXECUoTIVE MIANSI1ON,, side of Cedar run. Had we crossed, should not i1 Washington, March 11, 1862. have been able to get back for high water. Had Major General McClellan having person- three men of 5th cavalry hit driving in enemy's ally taken the field at the head of the army of pickets; one slightly wounded in the head. the Potomac, until otherwise ordered, he is Enemy acted confidently, and followed us some relieved from the command of the other mili- way back on the road, but did not molest us in tary departments, he retaining command of the any way. Enemy's force consisted of Stuart's department of the Potomac. and Ewell's cavalry, a battery of artillery and' Orderedfurther, That the departments now some infantry. Railroad bridges all burned under the respective commands of Generals down up to Warrenton Junction; still entire Halleck and Hunter, together with so much of beyond, but all in readiness to burn at a mothat under General Buell as lies west of a north ment's warning, having dry wood piled upon and south line indefinitely drawn through Knox- them. Heard cars running during night before ville Tennessee, be consolidated and designated last; probably bringing up troops from Rappathe department of the Mississippi; and that, hannock. Heard of two regiments of infantry until otherwise ordered, Major General Halleck at Warrenton engaged in impressing the militia have command of said department. and securing forage. Ieard of a large force of' Ordered also, That the country west of the infantry this side of Rappahannock river, haydepartment of the Potomac and east of the ing come up to Warrenton Junction from Aquia department of the Mississippi be a military creek day before yesterday. Bridges all dedepartment, to be called the mountain depart- stroyed this side of Broad run. The aides who ment, and that the same be commanded by take this will give you further particulars. Major General Fremont.'Very respectfully, &c., "That all the commanders of departments," GEORGE STONEMAN, after the receipt of this order by them, respec- "Brigadier General, Commanding. tively report severally and directly to the Secretary of War, and that prompt, full, and fre- "Col. COLBURN." quent reports will be expected of all and each of them. The main body of the army was, on the 15th "' ABRAHAM LINCOLN." of March, moved back to the vicinity of Alexandria to be embarked, leaving a part of GenThough unaware of the President's intention eral Sumner'* corps at Manassas until other to remove me from the position of general-in- troops could be sent to relieve it. Before it chief, I cheerfully acceded to the disposition he was withdrawn a strong reconnoissance, under 88 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. General BHo ard, was sent towards the Rappa- suffice. (Keys, Heintzelman, and McDowell). bannock, the result of which appears in the A total of 40.000 men for the defence of the following despatch: city would suffice. (Sumner)." WARRENTON JUNCTION, This was assented to by myself, and immedi"March 29, 1862. ately communicated to the War Department. The following reply was received the same "Express just received from General How- day: ard. He drove the enemy across the Rappahannock bridge, and.is now in camp on this "WAR DEPARTMENT, March 13, 1862. bank of and near the Rappahannock rive<. Preid i ir p " The enemy blew up the bridge in his re- T President having considered the plan treat. There was skirmishing during the march, of operations agreed upon by youlrself and the and a few shots exchanged by the artillery, commanders of army corps, makes no objections without any loss on our side. Their loss, if to the same, but gives the following directions any, is not known. General Howard will re- as to its execution: "1. Leave such force at Manassas Jnnction turn to this camp to-morrow morning, as shall make it entirely certain that the enemy " E. V. SUMNER, shall not repossess himself of that position and " Brigadier General. line of communication. r 2. Leave Washington entirely secure. "General S. WILLIAMS." "3. Move the remainder of the force down the Potomac, choosing a new base at Fortress The line of the Rappahannock and the Ma- Monroe, or anywhere between here and. there, nassas Gap railroad was thus left reasonably or, at all events, move such remainder of the secure from menace by any considerable body army at once in pursuit of the enemy by some of the enemy. route. On the 13th March a council of war was as- "EDWIN M. STANTON, semhled at Fairfax Court-house to discuss the Secretary f War. military status. The President's order No. 3, of March 8th, was considered. The following "Major General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN." is a memorandum of the proceedings of the council: My preparations were at once begun in accordance with these directions, and on the 16tb "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. of March the following instructions were sent to Generals Banks and Wadsworth: " Fairfax Court-house, March 13, 1862. " A council of the generals commanding army' HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTAMAC, corps, at the head-quarters of the army of the " March 16 1862. Potomac, were of the opinion — "I. That the enemy having retreated from. "SI: You will post your command in Manassas to (ordonsville, behind the Rappa- the vicinity of Manassas, intrench yourself hannock and Rapidan, it is the opinion of the strongly, and throw cavalry pickets well out to generals commanding army corps that the oper- the front. ations to be carried on will be best undertaken " Your first care will be the rebuilding of the from Old Point Comfort, between the York and railway from Washington to Manassas and to James rivers: Provided, Strasburg, in order to open your communica"1st. That the enemy's vessel, Merrimac, can tions with the valley of the Sheifandoab. As be neutralired. soon as the Manassas Gap railway is in running " 2d. That the means of transportation. suf- order, intrench a brigade of infantry, say four ficient for an immediate transfer of the force to reginents, with two batteries, at or near the its hew base, can be ready at Washington and point where the railway crosses the Shenandoah. Alexandria to move down the Potomac; and, Something like two regiments of cavalry should "3d. Tnat a naval auxiliary force can be had be left in that vicinity to occupy Winchester and to silence, or aid in silencing, the enemy's bat- thoroughly scour the country south of the railteries on the York river. way and up the Shenandoah valley, as well as "4th. That the force to be left to cover Wash- through Chester gap, which might perhaps be ington shall be such as to give an entire feeling advantageously occupied by a regiment of inof security for its safety from menace. (Unan- fantry, well intrenched. Block-houses should imous). be built at all the railway bridges.' Occupy *' II. If the foregoing cannot be, the army by grand guards Warrenton Junction and Warshould then be moved against the enemy, be- renton itself and also some little more adhind the Rappahannock, at the earliest possible vanced point on the Orange and Alexandria moment, and the means for re-constructing railroad, as soon as the railway bridge is rebridges, repairing railroads, and stocking them paired. with materials sufficient for supplying the army, "Great activity should be observed by the should at once be collected, for both the Orange cavalry. Besides the two regiments at Manasand Alexandria and Aquia and Richmond rail- sas, another regiment of cavalry will be at your roads. (Unanimous). disposal, to scout towards the Occoquan, and'N. B.-That with the fotfion the right probably a fourth towards Leesburg. bank of the Potomac filly garrisoned, and those " To recapitulate, the most important points on the left bank occupied, a covering force in I which should engage your attention are as front of t'to Virginia lin.e of:.5.000 n:,-n.m would follows: i,'i~tnC' O GENERAI. GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. 39;1. A strong force, well intrenched, in the you will use every possible precaution to intervicinity ot Manassas, perhaps even Centreville, cept mails; goods and persons passing unauthoand another force, (a brigade), also well in- rized to the enemy's lines. trenched, near Strasburg. "The necessity of maintainirg good order " 2. Block-houses at the railway bridges. within your limits, and.especially in the capital "3. Conetant employment of the cavalry well of the nation, cannot be too strolgly enforced. to the front. " You will forward and facilitate the move"4. Grand guards at Warrenton Junction ment of all troops destined for the active part and in advance, as far as the Rappahannock, if I of the army of the Potomac, and especially the possible. I transit of detachments to their proper regiments "5. Great care to be exercised to obtain full and corps. and early information as to the enemy. I "The charge of the new troops arriving in 6. The general object is to cover the line lof Washington, and of all troops temporarily there, the Potomac and Washington. will devolve upon you. You will form them " The above is communicated by command into provisional brigades, promote ther instruo*f Major General McClellan. tion and discipline, and facilitate their equip"S. WILLIAMS, ment. Report all arrivals of troops, their Assistant Adjutant General. strength, composition and equipment, by every t' Major General N. P. Bal.KS, opportunity. "Commanding Fifth Corps, "Besides the regular reports and returns, "Army of the Potomac. which you will be required to render to the Adjutant General of the army, you will make __-~ — ~ to these headquarters a consolidated report of your command, every Sunday morning, and HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Imonthly returns on the first day of each month. " Mtarch 16, 1862.' The foregoing instructions are communica" SIR: The command to which you have been ted by command of Major General McClellan. assigned, by instructions of the President, as S. WVILLIjAIS, military governor of the District of Columbia, " Assistant Adjutant General. embraces the geographical limits of the District, (' Brigadier Gen. J. S. WADSWORTI, and will also include the city of Alexandria, M ilitary Gov. of the Dist. of Colurbia." the defensive works south of the Potomac, from the Occoquan to Difficult creek, and the post of The Secretary of War had expressed a desire Fort Washington. that I should communicate to the War Depart"I enclose a list of the troops and of the de- mentmy designs with regard to the employment fences embraced in these limits. of the army of the Potomac in an official torm. "' General Banks will command at Manassas I submitted, on the 19th of March, the folJunction, with the divisions of Williams and lowing: Shields, composing the fifth corps, but you should, nevertheless, exercise vigilance in your " HEADQUAIti'ER s ARMtY OF THE POTOMAC, front, carefully guard the approaches in that "Theological Seminary, Va., March 19, 1862. quarter, and maintain the duties of advanced " SI: I have the honor to submit the followguards. You will use the same precautions on ing notes on the proposed operations of the either flank. active portion of the army of the Potomac: " All troops not actually needed for the police'; The proposed plan of campaign is to assume of Washington and Georgetown, for the garri- Fort Monroe as the first base of operations, sons north of the Potomac, and for other indi- taking the line of Yorktown and West Point cated special duties, should be moved to the upon Richmond as the line of operations, Richsouth side of the river. mond being the objective point. It is assumed " In the centre of your front you should post that the fall of Richmond involves that of Northe main body of your troops, and proper pro- folk and the whole of Virginia; also, that we portions at suitable distances towards your right shall fight a decisive battle between West Point and left flanks. Careful patrols will be made, and Richmond, to give which battle the rebels in order thoroughly to scour the country in willconcentrate all their available forces, underfront, from right to left standing, as they will, that it involves the fate It is specially enjoined apon you to main- of their cause. It therefore followstain the forts and their armaments in the best " 1st. That we should collect all our availapossible order, to look ctrefully to the instruc- ble forces and operate upon adjacent lines, tion and discipline of their garrisons, as well maintaining perfect communication between our as all other troops under your command, and, columns. by frequent and rigid inspections, to insure the " 2d. That no time should be lost in reaching attainment of these ends. the field of battle.'"The care of the railways, canals, depots,' The advantages of the Peninsula between bridges and ferries, within the above-named York and James rivers are too obvious to need limits, will devolve upon you, and you are to explanation; it is also clear that West Point insure their security and provide for their pro- should as soon as possible be reached, and uPed tection by every means in your power. You as our main depot, that we may have the shortest will also protect the depots of the public stores line of land transportation for our supplies, and and the transit of stores to troops in active the ius of the York river. service. " There are two methods of reaching this " By means of patrols you will thoroughly pointscour the neighboring country, south of the' I st. By moving directly from Fort Monroe Eastern Branch, and aleo on your right, and t&. a. bas,. and trusting to the roads for our sup 40 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MJCLEL.LAN-. plies, at the same time landing a strong corps my command and give it to General Fremont. as near Yorktown as-possible, in order to turn Ills excellency was good enough to suggest the rebel lines of defence south of Yorktown; several reasons for not taking Blenker's division then to reduce Yorktown and Gloucester by a from me. I assented to the force of his sugsiege, in all probability involving a delay of gestions, and was extremely gratified by his weeks, perhaps. decision to allow the division to remain with " 2d. To make a combined naval and land the army of the Potomac. It was therefore attack upon Yorktown, the first object of the with surprise that I received, on the 31st, the campaign. This leads to the most rapid and following note: decisive results. To accomplish this, the navy should at once concentrate upon the York river' EXECUTIVE MANSION. all their available and most powerful batteries: " oWashington, 2arch 31, 1862. its reduction should not in that case require "MY DEAR SIR: This morning I felt conmany hours. A strong corps would be pushed strained to order Blenker's division to Fremont, up the York, under cover of the navy, directly and I write this to assure you that I did so with upon West Point, immediately upon the fall of great pain, understandingc that you would wish Yorktown and we could at once establish our it otherwise. If you could know the full presnew base of operations at a distance of some sure of the case, I am confident that you would twenty-five miles from Richmond, with every justify it even beyond a mere acknowledgment facility for developing and bringing into play that the conmmander-in-chief may order what the whole of our available force on either or he pleases. both banks of the James. Yours, very truly, "It is impossible to urge too strongly the "A. LINCOLS. absolute necessity of the full co-operation of the "lajor General MCCLELLAN." navy as a part of this programme. Without it the operations may be prolonged for many To this I replied, in substance, that I regretweeks, and we may be forced to carry in front ted the order, and could ill afford to lose ten several strong positions which by their aid thousand troops which had been counted upon could be turned without serious loss of either in forming my plan of campaign, but as there time or men.... was no remedy, I would yield, and do the best " It is also of first importance to bear in mind I could without them. In a conversation with the fact already alluded to, that the capture of the resident a few hour afterwards I repeated Richmond necessarily involves the prompt fall all the same thing, and expressed my reof Norfolk, while an operation against Norfolk,ret a Blenker's diision had been given t& if successful, as the beginning of the campaign, gret that Blener's division had been given t facilitates the reduction of Richmond merely General Fremont from any pressure other than by the demoralization of the rebel troops in- the requirements of the national exigency. I volved, and that after the fall of Norfolk we was partially relieved, however, by the Presishould be obliged to undertake the capture of dent's positive and emphatic assurance that I Richmond by the same means which would have might be confident thatno more troops beyond accomplished it in the beginning. having mean- these ten thousand should in any event be taken while afforded the rebels ample time to perfect from me, or in any way detached from my their defensive arrangements, for they would command. well know, from the moment the army of the At the time of the evacuation of Manassas by Potomac changed its base to Fort Monroe, that the enemy, Jackson was at Winchester, our Richmond must be its ultimate object. forces occupying Charlestown, and Shields's It may be summed up in a few words, that, reaching Bunker Iill on the 11th. On the for the prompt success of this campaign, it is morning of the 12th, a brigade of General absolutely necessary that the navy should at Banks's troops, under General Hamilton, entered once throw its whole available force, its most Winchester, the enemy having left at 6 o'clock powerful vessels, against Yorktown. There is the evening before, his rear guard of cavalry the most important point-there the knot to be leaving an hour before our advance entered the cut. An immediate decision upon the subject- place. The enemy having made his preparations matter of this communication is highly desirable, for evacuation some days before, it was not posand seems called for by the exigencies of the sible to intercept his retreat. On the 13th the occasion. mass of Banks's corps was concentrated in the I am, sir, very respectfully, immediate vicinity of Winchester, the enemy;" Your obedient servant, being in therear of Strasburg. " GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN-, On the 19th General Shields occupied Stras" Major General. burg, driving the enemy twenty miles south to ~ M ount Jackson. " Hon. E. M. STANTON, Mount Jackson.. Secretary of War." On the 20th the first division of Banks's corps commenced its movement towards Manassas, in In the mean time the troops destined to form compliance with my letter of instructions of the the active army were collected in camps con- 16th. venient to the points of embarcation, and every Jackson probably received information of this preparation made to embark them as rapidly as movement, and supposed that no force of any possible when the transports were ready. consequence was left in the vicinity of WinA few days before sailing for Fort Monroe, chester, and upon the falling back of Shields to while still encamped near Alexandria, I met that place for the purpose of enticing Jackson the President, by appointment, on a steamer. in pursuit, the latter promptly followed, whereHe there informed me that he had been strongly upon ensued a skirmish on the 22d, in which pressed to take General Blenker's division from General Shields wna- wvounded, and an a:.fair at REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 41 Winchester on the 23d, resulting in the defeat advisable to move on Staunton, but this would of Jackson, who was pursued as rapidly as the require secure communications, and a force ot exhaustion of our troops, and the difficulty of from twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand obtaining supplies, permitted. It is presumed. for active operations. It should also be nearly that the full reports of the battle of Winchester coincident with my own move on Richmond: were forwarded direct to the War Department at all events, not so long before it as to enable by General Banks. the rebels to concentrate on you, and then return It being now clear that the enemy had no in- on me. I fear that you cannot be ready in time, tention of returning by the Manassas route, the although it may come in very well with a force following letter of April 1st, was written to Gen- less than that I have mentioned, after the main eral Banks: battle near Richmond. When General Sumner leaves Warrenton Junction, General Abercrom" HEADQUARTERS ARMY Or TUE POTOMAC, hie will be placed in immediate command of " On board the Commodore, Apri 1, 1862. Manassas and Warrenton Junction, under your " GENERAL: The change in affairs in the valley general orders. Please inform me frequently, of the Shenandoah, has rendered necessary a by telegraph and otherwise, as to the state of corresponding departure, temporarily at least, things in your front. from the plan we some days since agreed upon. iI am very truly yours, "In my arrangements, I assume that you have " GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, with you a force amply sufficient to drive Jack- " MAajor General Commanding. son before you, provided he is not reinforced " Major General N. P. BANKS, largely. I also assume, that you may find it "' Commanding Fifth Corps. impossible to detach anything towards Manassas for some days, probably not until the operations " P.S.-From what I have just learned, it of the main army have drawn all the rebel force would seem that the two regiments of cavalry toward Richmond. intended for Warrenton Junction have gone to " You are aware that General Sumner has for Harper's Ferry. Of the four additional regisome days been at Manassas Junction, with two ments placed under your orders, two should, as divisions of infantry, six batteries and two reg- promptly as possible, move by the shortest route on Warrenton Junction. iments of cavalry, and that a reconnoissance to on W enton Junction. the Rappahannock, forced the enemy to destroy " I am, sir, very respectfully, the railroad bridge at Rappahannock station, on "Your obedient servant, the Orange nad Alexandria railroad. Since that "GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, time our cavalry have found nothing on this Major General Commanding. side of the Rappahannock in that direction, and it seems clear that we have no reason to fear This letter needs no further explanation tha:n any return of the rebels in that quarter. Their to say that it was my intention, had the operamovements near Fredericksburg, also indicate a tions in that quarter remained under my charge. final abandonment of that neighborhood. I either to have resumed the defensive position doubt whether Johnson will now reinforce Jack- marked out in the letter of March 16, or to have son, with a view of offensive operations. The advanced General Banks upon Staunton,as mighl time is probably passed when he could have in the progress of events seem advisable. gained anything by doing so. I have ordered in It is to be remembered that when I wrote the oneof Sumner's divisions (that of Richardson, preceding and following letters of April 1, I had late Sumner's) to Alexandria for embarkation, no expectation of being relieved from the charge Blenker's has been detached from the army of the of the operations in the Shenandoah valley, and Potomac, and ordered to report to General Fre- in front of Washington, the President's war mont. order No. 3 giving no intimation of such an inten" Abercrombie is probably at Warrenton tion, and that, so far as reference was made to Junction to-day; Geary is at White Plains. final operations after driving Jackson back and " Two regiments of cavalry have been order- taking such a position as to prevent his return, ed out, and are now on the way to relieve the no positive orders were given in the letter-the two regiments of Sumner. matter being left for future consideration, when "Four thousand infantry, and one battery, the proper time arrived for a decision. leave Washington at once for Manassas. Some From the following letter to the Adjutant three thousand more will move in bne or two General, dated April 1, 1862, it will be seen days, and soon after some three thousand addi- that I left for the defence of the national capital tional. and its approaches, when I sailed for the Penin" I will order Blenker to march on Strasburg, sula, 73,456 men, with 109 pieces of light artiland to report to you for temporary duty, so that, lerv, including the 32 pieces in Washington should you find a large force in your front, you alluded to, but not enumerated in my letter to can avail yourself of his aid. As soon as possible, the Adjutant General. It wilt also be seen that please direct him on Winchester, thence to re- I recommended other available troops in New port to the Adjutant General of the army for York (more than 4,000) to be at once ordered orders; but keep him until you are sure what forward to reinforce them. you have in front. "In regard to your own movements, the most important thing at present is to throw Jackson well back, and then to assume such a position " Steamer Conmodore, April 1, 1862. as to enable you to prevent his return. As "GENERAL: I have to request that you wil soon as the railway communications are re-es- l:ay the tollowiin.cormmunic;ation before tse tablished, it will be, )robably, important and Hon. Secretary of War. 42 tEPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. " The approximate numbers and positions of The following letter from General Barry shows the troops left near and in rear of the Potomac that thirty-two (32) field guns, with men, horses, are as follows: and equipments, were also left in Washington "General Dix has, after guarding the railroads city when the army sailed. These were the batunder his charge, sufficient to give him 5,000 teries under instruction referred to above: for the defence of Baltimore, and 1,988 available for the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, &c. Fort Del- "HEADQUARTERS INSPECTOR OF ARTILLERY, aware is very well garrisoned by about 400 men. lWashington, December 16, 1862. "The garrisons of the forts around Washing- "GENERAL: It having been stated in various ton amount to 10,600 men; other disposable public prints, and in a speech of Senator Chandtroops now with General Wadsworth about ler, of Michigan, in his place in the United States 11,400 men. Senate, quoting what he stated to be a portion " The troops employed in guarding the vari- of the testimony of Brigadier General Wadsous railways in Maryland amount to some 3,859 worth, military governor of Washington, before men. These it is designed to relieve, being old the joint Senate and House committee on the regiments, by dismounted cavalry, and to send conduct of the war, that Major General McClelforward to Manassas. larnhad left an insufficient force for the defence " General Abercrombie occupies Warrenton of Washington, and not a gun on wheels. with a force, which, including Colonel Geary, "I have to contradict this charge as follows: at White Plains, and the cavalry to be at his "From official reports made at the time to me, disposal, will amount to some 7,780 men, with (the chief of artillery of the army of the Poto12 pieces of artillery. mac), and now in my possession, by the com"I have the honor to request that all the manding officer of the light artillery troops left troops organized for service in Pennsylvania and in camp in the city of Washington by your orNew York, and in any of the eastern States, may ders, it appears that the following named field be ordered to Washington. I learn fiom Gov- officers were left: ernorCurtin that there are some 3,500 men now "Battery C, 1st New York artillery, Captain ready in Pennsylvania. This' force I should be Barnes, 2 guns; Battery K, 1st New York artilglad to have sent to Manassas. Four thousand lery, Captain Crounse, 6 guns; battery L, 2d men from General Wadsworth I desire to be New York artillery, Captain Robinson, 6 guns; ordered to Manassas. These troops, with the 9th New York independent battery, Captain railroad guards above alluded to, will make up Morozowi, 6 guns; 16th New York independent a force under the command of General Aber- battery, Captain Locke; battery A, 2d battery crombie of something like 18,639 men. New York artillery, Captain Hogan, 6 guns; bat"It is my design to push General Bleuker's tery B, 2d battery New York artillery, Captain division from Warrenton upon Strasburg. He McMahon, 6 guns; total batteries8 32 guns. should remain at Strasburg long enough to allow "With the exception of a few horses which matters to assume a definite form in that region could have been procured from the quartermasbefore proceeding to his ultimate destination. ter's department in a few hours, the batteries "The troops in the valley of the Shenandoah were all fit for immediate service, excepting the will thus be, including Blenker's division, 10,028 16th New York battery, which, having been prestrong, with 24 pieces of artillery; Banks's 5th viously ordered on General Wadsworth applieacorps, which embraces the command of General tion, to report to him for special service, was Shields, 19,687 strong, with 41 guns-some unequipped with either guns or horses. 3,652 disposable cavalry and the railroad " I am, general, very respectfully, your obeguards, about 2,100 men-amount to about 35,- dient servant, 467 men. "W. F. BARRY, "It is designed to relieve General Hooker by "Brig. Gen., Inspector of Artillery, U. S A. one regiment, say 850 men, being, with some "Maj. Gen. MCCLEL. Nx, 600 cavalry, 1,350 men on the lower Potomac. United States Army." " To recapitulate: At Warrenton there is It is true that Blenker's division, which is into be............................... 7,780 men. eluded in the forces enumerated by me, was un"At Manassas, say...................... 10,859 In the valley of the Shenandoah........ 5,46 der orders to reinforce General Fremont, but "On the lower Potomac................. 1350 " the following despatch from the Secretary of l, War, dated March 31st, 1862, will show that I i"st alll..................... was authorized to detain him at Strasburg until "There would thus l:e left for the garrisons matters assumed a definite form in that region, "There would thus 1:le. left for the garrisons proceeding to his ultimate destination and the front of Washington, under Generl before proceeding to his ultimate destination; and the font 180f mesinton, under oenerl in other words, until Jackson was disposed of, Wadsworth, somte 18,000 men inclusive Iof the batteries under insruction. The troops organiz- and had he been detained there, instead of batteries under insruction. The troops organizmoving on to Harper's Ferry and Franklin, ing or ready for service in New York, I learn, n arper err an -) rbb emore than four t,housand with other orders, it is probable that General will probably number moe than for thosand Banks would have defeated Jackson, instead of These should be assembled at Washington, sube ti. my be being himself obliged subsequently to retreat to ject to disposition where their services may be ilamsport. most required. "I am, very respectfully, "A DEPARTMENT " Your obedient servant, N " GEORGE B. MICCLELLAN, Washington, D. C., March 31, 1862. " Major General Commanding. "The order in respect to Blenker is not doBrig. Gen. L. TOMAS, A.. U. S. A. signed to hinder or delay the movement of Rich REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 43 ardson, or any other force. He can remain fence of Washington, and the positions in which wherever you desire him as long as required I designed posting them. Gen. Hitchcock, after for your movements, and in any position you glancing his eye over the list, observed that he, desire. The order is simply to place him in po- was not the judge of what was required for desition for reinforcing Fremont, as soon as your fending the capital, that Gen. McClellan's posidispositions will permit, and he may go to Bar- tion was such as to enable him to understand the per's Ferry by such route and at snch time as subject much better than he did, and he preyou shall direct. State your own wishes as to sumed that if the force designated was in his the movement, when and how it shall be made. judgment sufficient, nothing more would be re" EDWARD. STANTON. quired. He was then told by the chief-of-staff 4" Secretary of War. that I would be glad to have his opinion, as an ajor General MCCLLLA" old and experienced officer. To this he replied, " ajor General MCCELLANthat as I had had entire control of the defences for a long time, I was the best judge of what Without including General Blenker's division,was needed, and he declined to give any other there were left 67,428 men, and 85 pieces of expression of opinion at that time. light artillery, which, under existing circum- On the 2d of April, the day following my destance, I deemed more than adequate to insure parture for Fort Monroe, Generals Hitchcock the perfect security of Washington against any and Thomas were directed by the Secretary of force the enemy could bring against it, tor the ar to examine and report whether the Presif. War to examine and report whether the Presifollowing reasons: dent's instructions to me of March 8th and 13th The light troops I had thrown forward under had been complied with. On the same day General Stoneman in pursuit of the rebel army, their report was submitted, and their decision after the evacuation of Manassas and Centre- wa ville, had driven their rear guard across Cedar "That the requirements of the Presiden run, and subsequent expeditions from Sumner's that this city (Washington) shall be entirely corps had forced them beyond the Rappahannock. cure, not been fully complied with." They had destroyed all the railroad bridges be- The President, in his letterto me on the 19th hind them, thereby indicating that they did not of April, says: intend to return over that route. Indeed, if "n now allow me to ask, do you really they had attempted such a movement, their pro- n I should perit the line from Richmond, gress must have been slow and difficult, as iti Manassas Junction, to this citv to be enwould have involved the reconstruction of the sistc co be tirely open except what resistance could be bridges; and if my orders for keeping numerous presented b les than 20,000 unorganized cavalry patrols well out to the fiont, to give toopli timely notice of any approach of the enemy Genr itchcock nd nad been strictly enforced (and I left seven reg- Tho, l to, it i acknowledge that iments of cavalry for this express purpose), they there was no daner of an attack from the dicould not, by any possibility, have reached W - rection of assa, iu these words: In regard ington before there would have been ample time to occupying Manassas Junction, as the enemy to concentrate the entire forces left for its de- o t aioas ain to it may have destroyetd the railroads leading to it, it may hence, as well as those at Baltimore, at any nc- be fair to assume that they have no intention of essary point. essary point. ^returning for the veoccupation of their late poIt was clear to my mind, as I reiterated to the iticr, and therefore no large force would be authorities, that the movement of the army to ien, h oe no la foe wold the Peninsula, would have the effect to draw offecery to hold at poson the rebel army from Manassas to the defence of That, as remarked before, was precisely the their capital, and thus free Washington from view I took of it, and this was enforced by the menace. This opinion was confirmed the mo- subsequent movements of the enemy. ment the movement commenced, or rather as In another paragraph of the report it is stated soon as the enemy became aware of our inten- that fifty-five thousand men was the number contions; for, with the exception of Jackson's sidered adequate for the defence of the capital. force of some 15,000, which his instructions show That G(neiral McClellan, in his enumeration of to have been intended to operate in such a way the forces left, had included Banks's army corps, as to prevent McDowell's corps from being sent operating in the Shenandoah valley, but whether to reinforce me, no rebel force of any magnitudethis corps should be regarded as available for made its appearance in front of Washingtonthe protection of Washington, they declined to during the progress of our operations on the express an opinion. Peninsula; nor until the order was given for At the time this report was made, the only my return from IIarrison's Landing was Wash- enemy on any approach to Washington was ington again threatened...Jacksoi's force, in front of Banks in the ShenSurrounded as Washington was with numer- andoah valley, with the Manassas Gap railroad ous and strong fortifications well garrisoned, it leading from this valley to Washington, and it was manifest that the enemy could not afford to will be admitted, I presume, that Banks, occudetach from liia main army a force sufficient to pying the Shenandoah valley, was in the best assail them. position to deiend, not only that approach to It is proper to remark, that just previous to Wtashiurgtot, Lut the roads to Harper's Ferry ana my departure for Fort Monroe, I sent my chief- above. of-st;ff to Gen. Iitchcock, who at that time held Thbe numlbe' of troops left by me for the destaff rclations with his excellency the President fence of Washingtop, as given in my letter to and the Secretary of War, to submit to him a tll.,iltaitt I Geret al e, were t-;ken from the latest list of the troops I propose to leave f,:r the (1 - ofifi-i:)l lt(lir -'if'.r'it:L (tl'. and1 the.e t, ef course, 44 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN. constitute the most trustworthy and authentic vicinity, for the purposa of determining upon source, from which such information could be the defensive works necessary to enable us to obtained. hold that place with a small force. The accomAnother statement made by General Hitchcock panying letters from Col. Alexander will show before the " Committee on the Conduct of the what steps were taken by him to carry into War," in reference to this same order, should effect this most important order. be noticed. He was asked the following ques- I regret to say that those who succeeded me Sion: " Do you understand now that the move- in command of the region in front of Washingment made by General McClellan to Fort Monroe, ton, whatever were the fears for its safety, did and up the York river, was in compliance with not deem it necessary to carry out my plans and the recommendation of the council of generals instructions to him. commanding corps, and held at Fairfax Court- Had Manassas been placed in condition for a house, on the 13th of March last, or in violation strong defence, and its communications secured of it?" as recommended by Col. Alexander, the result To which he replied as follows: "I have con- of Gen. Pope's campaign would probably have sidered, and do now consider, that it was in vio- been different. lation of the recommendation of that council, in two important particulars; one particular, being "WASHINGTON, D. C., April 2, 1862. that portion of this report which represents the "SIR: Yu will proceed to Manassas at as council as agreeing to the expedition by way of early a moment as practicable, and mark on the the Peninsula, provided, the rebel steamer Mer- ground the works for the defence of that place, rimac could first be neutralized. That import- on the positions which I indicated to you yes. ant provision General McClellan disregarded." terda. Youwill find two carpenters experiterday. You will find two carpenters experi* * * * * * * * enced in this kind of work, ready to accompany The second particular alluded to by General you, by calling on Mr. Dougherty, the master Hitchcock, was in reference t) the troops left carpenter of the treasury extension. for the defence of Washington, which has been The general idea of the defence of this posidisposed of above. tion, is to occupy the fringe of elevations, which In regard to the steamer Merrimac, I have lies about half way between Manassas depot also stated, that so far as our operations on York and the junction of the railroad, with a series river were concerned, the power of this vessel of works, open to the rear, so that they may be was neutralized. I now proceed to give some commanded by the work hereafter to be deof the evidence which influenced me in coming to scribed. that conclusion. There will be at least four of these works, Previous to our departure for the Peninsula, three of them being on the left of the railroad Mr. Watson, Assistant Secretary of War, was leading from Alexandria, at the positions occusent by the President to Fort Monroe, to consult pied by the enemy's works. The other on the with Flag-officer Goldsborough upon this sub- right of this road, on the position we examined ject. The result of that consultation is contained yesterday. The works of the enemy to the in the following extract from the evidence of north of this latter position, numbered Nos. 1 Admiral Goldsborough before the "Committee and 2 on Lieutenant Comstock's sketch, may on the Conduct of the War," viz: " I told Mr. also form a part of the front line of our defences; Watson, Assistant Secretary of War, that the but the sides of these works, looking towards President might make his mind perfectly easy Manassas station should be leveled, so that the about the Merrimac going up York river, chat interior of the works may be seen from the latter she could never get there, fors had ample means position. to prevent that." Embrasures should be arranged in all these Captain G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the works forfield artillery. The approaches should Navy, testifies before the Committee as follows: be such, that a battery can drive into the works. "General McClellan expected the navy to The number of embrasures in each battery will neutralize the Merimac, and I promised that it depend upon its size and the ground to be comshoud be done." manded. It is supposed that there will be from General Keyes, commanding 4th army corps, four to eight embrasures in each battery. testifies as follows before the Committee: The other works of the enemy looking to"During the time that the subject of the wards the east and south, may be strengthened change of base was discussed, I had refused to so as to afford sufficient defence in these direcconsent to the Peninsula line of operations, un- tions. The work. No. 3, on Lieutenant Comtil I had sent word to the Navy Department and stock's sketch may be also strengthened and arasked two questions. 1st. Whether the Mer- ranged for field artillery, when time will permit. rimac was certainly neutralized or not? 2d. This work.is in a good position to cover a reWhether the navy was in a condition to co-oper- treat, which would be made down the valley in ate efficiently with the army, to break through which the railroad runs towards Bull run. between Yorktown and Gloucester point? To. At Manassas station there should be a fort both of these questions answers were returned constructed. The railroad will pass through in the affirmative, that is, the Merrimac was this fort, and the dapot, if one should be built, neutralized, and the navy was in a condition to should be placed in its rear. This latter work co-operate efficiently to break through between should be regarded as the key of the position. Yorktown and Gloucester Point." It should be as large as the nature of the Before starting for the Peninsula, I instructed ground will permit. Lieut. Col. B. S. Alexander, of the U. S. corps "By going down the slopes, which are not of engineers to visit Manassas Junction and its steep, it may be made large enough to accom REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M1CLELLAN. 45 modate 2,000 or 3,000 men. The top of the "The communication by land would then be position need not be cut away; it will be better through or near Centreville, over the road used to throw up the earth into a large traverse, by the enemy. which may also be a bomb-proof. Its profile "I write this for fear something should deshould be strong, and its ditches should be tain me here; but I hope to leave here to join flanked. It should receive a heavy armament you to-morrow. My health is much improved. of 24 or 32-pounders, with some rifled (Parrott) "Very respectfully, your obedient servant 20 or 30-pounders. Its guns should command' ALEXNR all the exterior works, so that these works could " Lieutenant Colonel, Aid-de-Camp. be of no use to the enemy, should he take them. "Briadier General J. G. BARNARD, In accommodating the fort to the ground, this "Chief E ne, consideration should not be lost sight of. "After tracing these works on the ground, you will make a sketch embracing the whole of I may be permitted also to mention that the them, showing their relative positions and size. plns (also unexecuted by my successor) indiThis sketch should embrace the junction of the cated in my letter of instructions to General railroads and the ground for some distance Banks, dated March 16, 1862, for intrenching around the main work. It need not be made Chester gap and the point where the Manassas with extreme accuracy. The distances may be rilroad crosses the Shenandoah, were for the porseaf preentinlr cs the attenant at wuehr paced or measured with a tape line. The bear- prpose of preventing even the attempt at such ings may be taken by compass. a raid as that of Jackson in the month of May "Having located the works and preparedfollowing. your sketch, you will report to Captain Frederick E. Prime, of the corps of engineers, who MILITARY INCIDENTS OF THE FIRST PERIOD. will furnish you the means of construction. "It is important that tlese works should be Before taking up the history of the embarkabuilt with the least possible delay; you will tion and the Peninsula campaign, I should remark therefore expedite matters as fast as possible. that during the fall and winter of 1861-'62, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, while the army of the Potomac was in position in "B.. ALEXNDER front of Washington, reconnoissances were made "Lieutenant Colonel, Aid-de- from ti time, and skirmishes frequently Captain FRED. R. MUNTHER, Present." occurred, which were of great importance in the education of the troops, accustoming them to the presence of the enemy, and giving them confidence under fire. There were many instances of individual gallantry displayed in "WASPINGTON, April 6, 1862. these affairs: the reports of most of them will "SIR: I enclose you herewith a copy of the be found among the documents which accominstructions which I gave to Captain Munther, pany this report. in reference to the defences of Manassas. One of the most brilliant of these affairs was " As there has been a new department created that which took place at Drainsville, on Decem(that of the Rappahannock), it is possible that ber 20, 1861, when the 3d brigade of McCall's you and I, as well as General McClellan, are division, under Brigadier General E. O. C. Ord, relieved from the further consideration of this with Easton's battery, routed and pursued four subject at the present time. regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and a bat" I will, however, state for your information, tery of six pieces. should the subject ever come before you again, The operations of Brigadier General F. W. that in my opinion the communication with Ma- Lander on the upper Potomac during the nassas by land should be secured, months of January and February, 1862, frus"To effect this in the best manner, so far as trated the attempts of General Jackson against my observations extended, I think the bridge the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, Cumberland, over Bull run, near Union mills, and just above &c., and obliged him to fall back to Winchesthe railroad bridge, should be rebuilt or tho- ter. His constitution was impaired by the hardroughly repaired, and that a small work, or per- ships he had experienced, and on the 2d of haps two or three open batteries, should be March the fearless General Lander expired, a erected on the adjacent heights, to protect it as victim to the excessive fatigues of the camwell as the railroad bridge. paign. 40 RBPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MLCLELLAN. SECOND PERIOD. CHAPTER I. The council, composed of four corps corn- On the 17th of March, Hamilton's division of manders, organized by the President of the Uni- the 3d corps embarked at Alexandria, and proted States, at its meeting on the 13th of March, ceeded to Fort Monroe, with the following adopted Fort Monroe as the base of operations orders: for the movement of the army of the Potomac upon Richmond. For the prompt and success- WASHINGTON D. C., March 17 1862. ful prosecution of the projected operation, it ou will was regarded by all as necessary that the whole "You will, on your arrival at Fort Monroe, of the four corps should be employed, with at rport to Gnral Wool, and rqust him to least the addition of ten thousand men, drawn sign you ground for encamping your division.'ou will remain at Fort M onroe until further from the forces in the vicinity of Fortress Mon- ou will remain at Fort Monroe until further roe: that position and its dependencies being ordersfromGeneralMcClellan. ShouldGeneral regarded as amply protected by the naval force Wool require the services of your division in in its neighborhood, and the advance of the repelling an attacks you will please obey his ormain army up the Peninsula, so that it could be ders and use every effort to carry out his views safely left with a small garrison. "R B. MARCY, In addition to the land forces, the co-opera- "Chief of Staff. tion of the navy was desired in the projected "General C. S. HAMILTON, attack upon the batteries at Yorktown and "Commanding Division." Gloucester, as well as in controlling the York and James rivers for the pr tection of our flanks, On the 22d of March, as soon as transportaand the use of transports, bringing supplies tion was ready, General Fitz John Porter' to the army. With these expectations, and for embrked. eneral reasons stated elsewhere in this report, my orig-Heintzelman was ordered to accompany it, unde. Heintzelman was ordered to accompany it, unde Inal plan of moving by Urbana and West Pointthe following instructions: was abandoned, and the line with Fort Monroe as a base adopted. In the arrangements for the transportation of the army to the Peninsula by HEADQUARTERS ARY OF THE POTOMAC water, the vessels were originally ordered to "Seminary, March 22, 1862. rendezvous mainly at Annapolis, but upon the "GENERAL: Upon the disembarkation of Porevacuation of Manassas and the batteries of the ter's division at Fort Monroe, I have to request lower Potomac by the enemy, it became more that you-will move your two divisions, Porter's convenient to embark the troops and materieland Hamilton's, some three or four miles out at Alexandria, and orders to that effect were at from the fort, to find good camping places where once given. wood and water can be readily obtained, and In making the preliminary arrangements for where your position will be good in a defensive the movement, it was determined that the first point of view. You may find it advisable to corps, Gen. McDowell's, should move as a unit, place one division on or near the road leading first, and effect a landing either at the Sand- to Yorktown from Newport News, the other box, some four miles south of Yorktown, in or-. upon that leading to Yorktown direct from Fort der to turn all. the enemy's defences at Ship Monroe. If you find that the nature of the point, Howard's bridge, Big Bethel, &c., or else, country will permit easy communication and should existing circumstances render it prefera- mutual support between the two divisions, it ble, land on the Gloucester side of York river, will be best to place one on each road. It will and move on West Point. be best to remain pretty near the fort for the The transports, however, arrived slowly and present, in order to give the impression that our few at a time. In order, therefore, to expedite object is to attack Norfolk rather than Yorkmatters, I decided to embark the army by divis- town. You will do well, however, to push ions as transports arrived, keeping army corps strong reconnoissances well to the front, to astogether as much as possible, and to collect the certain the position of the enemy and his pickets. troops at Fort Monroe. In determining the I will, as soon as possible, reinforce you by the order of embarkation, convenience and expedi- 3d division of your corps, and it is probable that tion were especially consulted, except that the a part or the whole of the 4th corps will also first corps was to be embarked last, as I intend- move from Fort Monroe: this will probably ed to move it in mass to its point of disembar. be determined before your disembarkation is kation, and to land it on either bank of the York, completed, and you will be informed accord. as might then be determined. ingly. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MICLELLAN. 47 My desire would be to make no important he had indeed done so, and that Johnston's army move in-advance until you are fully prepared to of Manassas could be brought rapidly by the follow it up, and give the enemy no time. to.James and York rivers to the same point, I prorecover..-eeded to invest that town without delay. t' The quartermasters of your corps will receive The accompanying map of Colonel Cram, U. detailed instructions in regard to land transpor- S. topographical engiineers, attached to General tation from General Van Vliet Wool's staff, given to me as the result of several "It will be advisable to mobilize your corps months' labor, indicated the feasibility of the with the least possible delay, and have'i pre- design. It was also an object of primary iniporpared for an advance. I ihave directed extra tance to reach the vicinity of Yorktown before clothing, ammunition, &c., to' be sent to Fort the enemy was reinforced sufficiently to enable Monroe, so that all deficiencies may be supplied him to hold in force his works at Big Bethel, without delay. Howards's bridge, Ship point, &c., on the direct "Please report to me frequently and fully the road to Yorktown and Young's mills on the road condition of things on the new field of opera- from Newport News. This was the more urgent tions, and whatever intelligence you gain as to as it was now evident that some days: muss the enemy. - elapse before the first corps could arrive. Engage guides in sufficient numbers at once, Everything possible was done to hasten the aud endeavor to send out spies. disembarkation of the cavalry, artillery; and " I am very truly ours, wagons in the harbor, and on the 3d the orders " GsEO. B.'McGLELLAN, of march were given for the following day. " Major General Commmanding. There were at Fort Monroe and its vicinity, on' Brigadier General S. P. H.EINTZELMAN,' " the 3d, ready to move, two divisions of the 3d " Gommanding 3d corps." corps, two divisions of the 4th corps, one division of the 2d corps, and Sykes's brigade of The remaining divisions embarked as rapidly regular infantry, together with Hunt's artillery as transports could be supplied. reserve, and the regiments of cavalry before On the 1st of April I embarked, with: the named, in all about 58,000 men and 100 guns. headquarters on the steamer Commodore, and Richardson's and Hooker's Divisions of the 2d reacied Fort Monroe on the afternoon of the 2d. and 8d corps: had not yet arrived, and Casey's In consequence of the delay in the arrival of division of the 4th corps was unable to mo-ve for the horse transports at Alexandria, but a small want of wagons. portion of the cavalry had arrived, and the Before I left Washington an order had been artillery reserve had not yet completed its dis- issued by the War Department, pl cing Fort embarkation. Monroe and its dependencies under my control, I'found there the 3d Pennsylvania cavalry, and authorizing me to draw from the troops unand the 5th regular cavalry; the' 2d regular der General Wool, a division of about 10,000 cavalry and a portion of the 1st had arrived, men, which wwas to he assigned to the 1st corps. but not disc ibarked: *so few wagons had Diuing the night of the 3d I received a telearrived that'. k'as not possible to move Casey's granl fiom the Adjutant General of the army, division at all tir several days, while tle other stating that, by the President's order, I was dedivisions weic obliged to move with scant prived of all control over General Wool and supplies. the troops under his cormmand, and forbidden As to the force and position of the enemy, the to detach any of his troops without his sanction. information then in our possession was vague This order lift me without any base of operaand untrustworthy. Much of it was obtained tions unde(r my own control, and to this day I from,the staff officers of General Wool, and am ignorant of the-causes which led to it. was simplv to the:effect that Yorktown was sur- On niv arrival at Fort Monroe the James river rounded bsy a: continuous line of earthworks, was declared, by the: nval authorities, closed to with'strong water batteries on the York rivfer, tie operations of thir vessels,- by the combiined and garrisoned by not less than 15,000 troops, influence of the enem's batteries on its binks under the command of General J. B. Magruder. anfd the confederate stfeamers Merrimac, YorkMaps,. which had been prepared by the topo- towvn, ltJamstown, and Teazer. Flag Officer griaphiceil engineers under General Wool's coinm C,,'idsbor:ough, then in command of the United mand, were furnished me, in which the W'arwick States squad'ron in Hampton roads, regarded it river wias erpresented as flowing parallel t,:but (irid, no doubt, justly) as lis highest and most not:crOssirng the road from Newport Nwl91to imperative duty to-watch and neutrkli7ze'the Williamsburg, making the so-called M-luleirv Merrimalc, and as he designed using his most island a real island; and we had no informatioin poweiful vessels in a contest with her, he did as tO th'e true course of the Warwi'ck across the inot feel able to detach for the assistance of the Peninsula, nor of the formnidable line of works army, a suita ble force to attack the water battewhiCh it, covered.'.. ries at Yorktown and Gloucester. All this was Information which I had 0ollected durinig the ( Ontra.ry to'wh-t had: been previously stated to winter placed General Magruder's omnmand at me, and nmaterially affected ms planls. fromi li),000 to- 20,00o rnien, independently of At no timie during the operations against General Huger's'force at Nor folk, estimated at Yorktown w-1s the navy prepared to lend us iny about 15,000, s':....', material, assistance in' its reduction, unitil after It was iilso known that there were strong de- our lind batteries had partially silenced the fenAire -vorks iator -near Williamsburg. works. Kimnowi-ig that General TIitge: could easily I ha hoped, et tne: say,,by rapid mvements, spaieo omeoo troops to reiforce Yorktown,:that td drive before me or captIre Uit enenmy on the 48 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MtCLELLAN. Peninsula, open the James River, and press on by the James river road; the 5th regular cavaito Richmond before he should be materially ry, temporally assigned to this corps, will move reinforced from other portions of his territory. with Smith's division, which will encamp at As the narrative proceeds, the causes will be Young's mills, throwing. forward at least one developed which frustrated these apparently brigade to the road from Big Bethel to Warwell-grounded expectations. wick; Couch's division will encamp at Fisher's I determined, then, to move the two divisions creek. of the 4th corps by the Newport News and "The reserve cavalry, artillery, and infantry Williamsburg road, to take up a position between will move at 8.30 A.M. by the Newmarket bridge Yorktown and Williamsburg, while the two to Big Bethel, where it will encamp; on the divisions of the 3d corps moved direct from march it will keep in the rear of Sedgwick's Fort Monroe upon Yorktown, the reserves mov- division." ing so as to support either corps, as might prove The following is an extract from the orders necessary. I designed, should the works at issued on the 4th for the march of the 5th Yorktown and Williamsburg offer a serious resistance, to land the 1st corps, reinforced, if "The following movements of the army will necessary, on the left bank of the York, or on be carrried out to-morrow (5th). the Severn, to move it on Gloucester and West "General Keyes will move forward Smith's Point, in order to take in reverse whatever force division at 6 A.M., via Warwick Court House, the enemy might have on the Peninsula, and and the road leading near the old ship yard, to compel him to abandon his positions. the Half-way house on the Yorktown and In the commencement of the movement from Williamsburg road. Fort Monroe, serious difficulties were encoun- " General Couch's division will march at 6 tered from the want of precise topographical A.M., to close up on General Smith's division at information as to the country in advance. the Half-way house. Correct local maps were not to be found, and "General Keyes's command will occupy and the country, though known in its general fea- hold the narrow dividing ridge near the Halftures, we found to be inaccurately described, in way house, so as to prevent the escape of the essential particulars, in the only maps and geo- garrison at Yorktown by land, and prevent reingraphical memoirs or papers to which access fbrcements being thrown in. could be had; erroneous courses to streams and "General Heintzelman will move forward roads were frequently given, and no dependence General Porter's two rear brigades at 6 A.M., could be placed on the information thus derived. upon the advanced guard, when the entire This difficulty has been found to exist with res- division will advance to a point about two and pect to most portions of the State of Virginia, three quarters miles from Yorktown, where the through which my military operations have road turns abruptly to the north, and where a extended. Reconnoissances, frequently under road comes in from Warwick Court House. fire, proved the only trustworthy source of in- General Hamilton's division will move at 6 A.M., formation. Negroes, however truthful their and follow General Porter's division, camping reports, possessed or were able to communicate, as near it as possible. General Sedgwick's very little accurate and no comprehensive topo- division will march at 5 A. M., as far as the Wargraphical information. wick road, which enters the main Yorktown On the 3d the following orders were given for road near Dr. Power's house, and will await the movement of the 4th: further orders. " Porter's and Hamilton's divisions, and Aver- " The reserves will march at 6 A.M., upon the ill's cavalry of the 8d corps, and Sedwick's main Yorktown road, halting for further orders division of the 2d corps, under Brigadier Gene- at Dr. Power's house; the infantry leading, the ral Heintzelman, commanding 3d corps, will artillery following next, and the cavalry in rear. move to.morrow in the following order: Porter's "General Sedgwick's division will, for the division, with Averill's cavalry, at 6 A. M., over present, act with the reserve, and he will the New Market and New bridges to Big Bethel receive orders from headquarters." and Howard's bridge. This division will send In giving these orders of march for the 4th forward to the batteries where the Ship point and 5th, it was expected that there would beno road intersects the main Yorktown road, a suf- serious opposition at Big Bethel, and that the ficient force to hold that point, and cut off the advance of the 3d corps beyond that point would garrison of the Ship point batteries; the whole force the enemy to evacuate the works at Young's division may be used for this purpose, if neces- mills, while our possession of the latter would sary, and if possible the batteries should be make it necessary for him to abandon those at occupied by our troops to-morrow. The portion Howard's bridge, and the advance thence on of the division not necessary for this purpose Yorktown would place Ship point in our posseswill encamp at Howard's bridge. sion, together with its garrison, unless they "Hamilton's division will march at 7 A. M. by abandoned it promptly. The result answered the New bridge road to Big Bethel, and will the expectation. encamp on Howard's creek. During the afternoon of the 4th, General " Sedgwick's division will march at 8 A. M. by Keyes obtained information of the presence of the Newmarket bridge, taking the direct road some 5,000 to 8,000 of the enemy in a strong to Big Bethel, and will also encamp at Howard's position at Lee's mills: the nature of that posbridge. ition in relation to the Warwick not being at "Brigadier General Keyes; commanding 4th that time understood, I instructed General Keyes corps, will move with Smith's and Couch's to attack and carry this position upon coming division at 6 A.M. (Smith's division in advance), in front of it. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B.i M7'CELYAN. 49 Early in the afternoon of the 5th, the advance of the Warwiek river were iiaar TYorktown, of each column was brought to a halt: that of commanded by its guns, while i:hiat stream for Heintzelman (Porter's diSsion in front of some distance from its niouith on the James river Yorktown, after overcoming some sresistance at was controlled by the uonifelrate gun-boats; Big Bethel alld Howard's bridge,:,that of Kcves tlhat the fords had been destroyed by danm, the (Smitlh'. division unexpectedly before the ene- aplproaches to which were generally th1rough rmv's works at Lee's mills, where the road from dense forests, and deep swamps, and defended Ne wport I ews to Williamsburg crosses Warwick by extensive and formidable works; that timber river. felled for defensive purposes, and the flooding The progress of each column had been retard-'of the roads caused by the dains had made these ed by }heavy rlains on that day, wlich had made works apparently inaccessible and impossible to the roads almost iopassable to the infantry of turn:; that Yorktpwn. was strongly fortified, Keves's column, and impracticable to all but a armed and garrisoned, and connected with the small portion of the artillery, while the ammu- defences of the Warwick by forts andi intrenchnition, provision,anrd forage could hot be brought ments, the ground of which was swept by the up at all. guns of Yorktown. It was also ascertained that When General Keces approached Lee's mills the garrisons had been and were daily being. his left flank was exposed to a sharp artillery reinforced by troops from Norfolkl and the army fire from the further bank of the Warwick, and under General J. E. Johnston. upon reaching the vicinity of the mill he found Heavy rains made the roads to Fort Monroe it altogether stronger than was expected, unap- impassable, and delayed the arrival of troops, proachable by reason of the Warwick river, and ammunition and supplies, while storms preventincapable of being carried by assault. ed, for several days, the sailing of transports: The troops composing the advance of each fiom Hampton roads, and the establishment of column were during the afternootl under a depots on the creeks of, York river, near the warm artillery fire-the sharpshooters even of army. the right column being engaged, when covering The ground bordering the Warwick river is reconnoissances. covered by very dense and extensive forests, the It was at this stage and moment of the cam- clearings being small and few, This,' with the paign that the following telegram was sent to comparative flatness of the cotintry, and the me: alertness of the.enemy, everywhere in force, rendered thorough reconnoissances slow, dan"ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, gerous and difficult, yet, it was impossible Qther"April 4, 1862. wise to determine whether any assault was "By direction of the President, General anywhere practicable, or whether the more McDowell's army corps has been detached from tedious, but sue operations of a siege must be the force under your imimediate command; and resorted to. the general is ordered to report to the Secretaiy I made on the 6th and th, close personal of War; letter by mail. reconnoissar:e.8 of' the right and. left of the " L. TIOMAS enemy's positiolns, which,uwJth information ac"AdjutaCl General. quired already, convinced te that itwas best to "General McCLELiAN." prepa:r for an assault by the preliminary employment oi heavy guns, and sonie siege operThe President having promised in oun ihter- vticns.- Insta.lt ae:sault would have been simple view following his order of March 31, withdraw- folly. ing Blenker's division of 10,000 men fiom my On the 7th I telegraphed to the President as comnmand, that notlhingu of the sort should be fillows: repeated, that I might rest assured that the campaign should proced, with no further de-' LEADQUA.lTEFS ARY O TE POT ductions fromi the force upon which its opera- "April 7, 1862. tions hld beer planned, I i ay confess to having "Your telegram of yesterda.y received. In bieen shocked at this orlder, which, with that of reply I have the honor to state that my entire the 31st ultimo, removed nearly 60,000 nmen force for duty, amounts to' only' bout (85,000) from nv command, and reduced my force e-thtv-fiv u thousand men. General Wool's by more than one-third after its task had conpmirnd, as you will observe from the accombeen assigned, its operations planned, its fight- patying order, has been taken out of my control, ipg begun. To me the blovsw Was most dis- although lie ias mnost cheerfully co-opeiated cotulaging. It frustrated all my plans for with me. The only tse that can be made of his in pending operations. It fell when I-was command, is to protect my comiunilcations in too deeply cormmitted to -ithdraw. It left me rear of this point. At this tilt onle y n fty-three incpbilb! of cofntinuilitng operations which had thousand ment h};v jointed mSe, but they are been bI gulr. It con::elled the adoption of crming up a^ rapidly a' y mmeans of tramsporanolther, diiffernt, -andi a 1;ss effective plail of tation witi per, nit. camtpain. It m!:de irapid and brilliant operations Please refer to n;y despatch to the Secretary impossible. It w as a fital error. of War of to-nigih, t'o' te -detAils of our present It was now, of course, out of my power to situation. turn Yorktown by WVest Point, I had therefore' GE(.. B. M:CCiELLAN no choice left, but to attack it directly in froatt,.' -,r Cieral. as I best could with the force at my comritand. " To the PR:SIDEsNT, U tWshingti,, 1. e." Reconnoissances made under fire on that.and the followit:g day deterined, th't th;:8oucei'8e On the same same itay Tsent th-^ ll borihg4 50 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLLAN. "HEADQUARTEnS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, While the engineer officers were engaged in "I~N fl'ONT o~F YORKTOWN, ascertaining the character and strength of all ".iprld 7, 1862-7 P.M. the defences, and the configurationi of the "Your telegram of?yesterd~ay arrived lhere I ground in front of Yorktown, in order to deterwhile I was absent examining the enemy's right, mne the point ofttck, and to develop the whic 1 did pretty lo approaches, the troops were occupied iII op disaleo ill its rear; Stinllmt ls cor,is. o( As )oon as our sullipes hadl been received, the railroad, t Ili'ree miles fronm the Cilickaand the cndiition of' ie roads h ad become a ominy, Cilitecting the right wi h tie ilt'l; little better, tlotllgh still very badll, the alvatnc Kicyes, cirps,,on New Kentt road, near Bi trof the rcntai'iing troops was begunt, miih's di- t,,'os hlaii!li'i. witlh ieintzelmrtan's crpl;s at sipvision loving'on the 8tli. porh iit, disiance in the rear. On the 10tih, bead-quuarters were at R,per',- Te Ford', a B13ttrn's lriig(e was in our pisslschInrch, 19 miles froeu Williawlslbarg. Al I I hi sion,'l,l the rItilhliliiigof tie bridge, which had divisions which had moved by land (excepi teln ldestroyid ly the' eonemy, was colitll'e{c(ed. looekers) being iin the vicinliy of' Ithal. ilace. On tthe 22d head-quarters moved to Coal'We were' now in direct cmillminicalioln with itle Ha tor. portion of tthe airmly which had gone by wIiliaer. 0;1 li 2G6th the railrad was in operation as and we began lo draw spplllies lfrom Eli ham far as the Chiika'lominy, andl tle railroad'On accouit of thie smiall nutmber and narrow- bridge'across that stream nearly comipleted. C IIAPTER II. When, on the 20th of May, our advanced between Bottom's and Meadow brides i, which light troops reachedl the banks of thie Chicka- cio:red the principtle aplproaches to Richiniird bonminy river. at Boftsttm's iridge, theyi tiflluni'om the east. thar this, as well as the railro(ad bridgle abllti Within these limits the firm pronnd, lyirng a mile above. had lieeni destiroyedih Iby the enerimy above high-water rnairk. seldinim al)ltitacies i(.:ir T he Ciickaihonminy, in this vicinity, is about the riveroni cither i ank.and no ltcalily was f rnd forty feet wide. fI'rnged witIi a derit-I:lIrowth of wvi hin this sctio(in vwhere the hir')i gr)rotid cainme h,,avy tilrest Iines.;atl biordered iy Io,),. marslhy iat' the11 s:reltn on ho(th sides. It \. i jeoct bottom-lauds, variyimng front btalf a mile to a mie I frecqient, slnllddl anld g'rat \ariaiions in tlhe iu wildth..lii e! it' water, l' ant a. rise of!' a!w feet overOur opera.ions emibracod that part of the river howetd ile bottom-lands on both sides. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 69 At low water it could be forded at almost any fight the rebel aruny with whatever force I may poini, bit., (iring thigli wa:er it rme aove aI have; butL dulty requires me to urge thaat every loutling stage, and could then be crio,.ssed o;ily at lefolt be iade to eiuntre me m without delay the t,\v poiults wiere bridges i.ad been con-1 with all the dis)posable troops in Eastern V irstiuc edi.'e.-e bridges had all been destroyed ginia, and that we cuncenirale all oiur foirces as by tile enemy, on oour approach,'and it was neC- lar as posible, to light the great battle now imessary. no. onl' ito reconstruct these, but to pending, aold to tmake it decisive. built several oierl's. "It is possible that the enetmy may abandon T'ie twet baiik of the river, opposite the New Richmnoud without a seiiotus strtga'le; biu I do and Mlechatiicsvil!e bridges, was bordered by not believe lie will-and it would be tinwise to elevated bluff-, whichi atllrded itbe etnemy corn- count upon anything btltt a stutbborn and despernlalidiing positionls to fort fy, establi-h his ate defence, a life and death conie.-t. I see Laitetries, eiililadiing the approaches uilpon the no other hope for hii than to light this battle, two principal roads to Richmonld, in one night, and we mltls will it. I shall light them whatand resist tle reconstriction of the imp!oraut ever their force many be; but I ask lor every bridlges. This obliged uts to select other less ex- man that the Delpartment can send me. No posed 1 oints tfor our crossing troops should now be lei'f unemtployed. Those As tie entmy was not in great force opposite who entertain the opinion that tthe rebels will Bot tom' bridge, on hlie arrivai of our left at I hat abandon Richmonld without a struggle, are in poinlt, ai, as it was imiporlant to secure a lodg- my judgment badly advised, and do not comL,el it upon the right balnk bebore lie should pretiend titeir,ituation, which is one requiring Lave time to conicentrate his forces and contest desperate n tasures. the,assage, I firthwith ordered Casey's divi- I1 beg that the President and Secretary will siio to ford tlie river and occulpy the opposite nimaturely weigh what I say, and leave nIothing heights. This was promptly done on the 20th, utnldone to comply with Imty request. If I ami anId reconnnuissances were at once pushed out in not reinlorcc d, it is probable that I will be advance. obliged to light nearly double my lUlllbte'rs, The'Iie troops were directed to throw up de- strongly intrenched. I do not think it will be feties il an a(lvan ageotis position to secitre o0tr at ail possible for ine to Ibring more than (70,lef tlanik. General Heinizltellan'. corps was 000) seventy thousand men upon the held of lthrowvn Itrwardl in support, and Bottom's bridge battle. itime'dia ely rebulilt. "GEORaE B. MCCLELLAN, In tihe meaniime our center and right were " Major General ount'g. advanoel to the river above, and, on the 24t11. "Hon. EDWIN M. T'rAN'rON, we carried the village of Mechanicsville, driv- -'' Sec-etar, of War." ing tle eteuny out with our artillery, and fortcing them across tlhe bridge, which they destroy- On the 14th of May I sent the following teleea. General Naglee, oil the same day, dis- gram to o the President: lodgaed a foirce it' tle enemy from the vicinity of lthe "Seven Pines," on the Bottom's bridge "CAMP Ar CUMBERLA.ND, May 14, 1862. roadl, and cur advance on the left secured a "I have more thian twice teleigripuhed to the trong.,position near that place. Secreltary of War, slating, thatin mly opinion Ail the ilfotmation oUt tain d from deserters, the enemiy were concentrating all their av.ilanJ-groes aid dspies indicated that the enenmy oc- lle force to tight this armty in ironiu of Riichcllpied, ill ftrce, all Ihe appar aches to Richmond mond, and that stuch ouight to be their policy. fior1 the ca-t, andI that he iniended to disipute I have received no reply whatever to these teleevery step of' oltl' advance beyond the Chicka- graphs. homony, and the lpas-age, of the slream opposite "1 beg to repeat their substance to your Ex our rigitr. That, their army was superior to cellency, and to ask that kind conu.idermation yoiq ours ill nli11mbe-'s, did not admtit of' a doubt. have ever taccorded to my represeni aitots aind.Strong detences had been constructed around views. All my inlibrma itn from every source Richmond. acce-sible to tme, establishes thte txe.l purpose Imnressedl, by these facts, with the necessity oe ths rebels to defetnd Richimond against this of s;rengihening thie army for the strrlggle, I army by offering uts bartle with all the troops did not tail to urge, reljeatedly, upon my slip:e- they cart collect firma east, wes;, and south, riors, the iminporliace of rcinfiorcing the armty of arid my own opiniou is confirmcdi by all my thle Poltmac with every disposable man, in or- commanders whoni I have been able to cousutllt. der to insure the success of an attack upon the "Casutalties, sickne'ss, garrisons, and gtards rebel capital. have match weakened amy force, anid will continOn the 10th of May I telegraphed as follows: tie to do so. I connot bring into ac.ual battle against the enemy more than eighty thousand " CAMP AT EWEiL'S FARM, THREE MULES itenl at the uttnmost, and wit-h them I imuist atiack' BEYOND WitLIAMSBrI:O, il position, li'otably intrenched, a mitch larger May 10, 1862-5 A. M. force-perhaps double my numbers. It is pos"Furom the infirmation reaching me ftim sible that Richiond ntmay be abati loned withoutl wveiry UIru(ee, I regard it as certain that the en- a serious strigglrl', but the enemy are aeiuaily my will nieet us withl all his force, on or near in great strength between here and there, and the Chickahtominy. Thleycn cancncentrale many it woild be unwise, and even insane, for me to more ment than I have, and are collect ii, troops calciulae lupon anything bitt a stubblorn and from all (lqatrers, especially well-disciplined deslperate resistance. If they shoulld abandlon troops, fnm the South. Casuallies, sickne-s. Riclimond, it miay well be that it is done with gatrrisns, andtl atta'ls, have mInuc reduced my lhe puripose of making the standl snelt place in numbers, and will continue to do so. I shall Virginia, south or west of there, and we shunld O6 iLEPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLFLLAN. be in condition to press them without delay "It is believed that this communication can The confederate leaders must employ their ut- be safely established either north or south of most efforts against this army in Virginia, and! the Pamunkey river. they will be supported by the whole body of "In any event you will be able to prevent the their military officers, among whom there may enemi-y's forces from leaving Richmond, and fallbe said to be no Union feeling, as there is also ing in overwhelming force upon General Mcvery little among the higher class of citizens in Dowell. IIe will move with between thirty-five the seceding Stales. (35) and forty thousand (40,t)000) men. I have found no fighting men in this Pen- "A copy of the instructions to General Mcinsula-all are in the ranks of the opposing foe. Dowell are with this. The specific task assigned " Even if more troops than I now have to his command has been to provide against any should prove unnecessary tor purposes of mill- dalger to the capital of the nation. tary occupation, our greatest display of irnpos-'At your earnest call for reinforcements, he ing force in the capital of the rebel government is seut forward to co-operate in the reduction of will have the best moral effect. I most respect- Richmiond, but charged, in attempting this, not fully and earnestly urge upon your Excellency to uncover the city of Washington, and you will that the opportunity has comne for striking, a give no order, either before or after your juncfatal blow at the enemies of the constitution, and tion, which can put him out of position to cover I beg that you will cause this army to be rein- thi ity. You and he will conmu)icate with forced without delay by all the disposable each other by telegraph or otherwise, as fretroops of the government. I ak forevery man quently as tmay be necessary for sufficient cothat the government can send me. Any com- operation. When General McDowell'is in mander oft the reinforcements, wlhom your Ex- position on your right; his supplies must be cellency may designate, will be acceptable to drawn front West Point, and you will instruct me, whatever expression I may have hereto- your staff offi your staff officers to be prepared to stapply him fore addressed to you on that subjct b route. "1 will fight the enemy, whatever their forceeside desires that Generl cDo - ~ "The President desires that General McDowmay be, with whatever force I may have, and I ell retain the command of the Departinent firmly believe that we shall beat them, but our the Rappahannock, and of tie forces with triulmph should be made decisive and complete. which he oves forward. The soldiers of this army love their goverinent, y oder of the President, and will fight well in its support: you may rely "' EDWIN M. TANTON, upon theml. They have confidence in me as "' Secretary of Var. their general, and in you as their President. "Major G eral GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN Stlong reinforcements will at least isvc the Crmd'q Army of Potomac before lichnond. lives of many of them. The greater our force,' Foln PWashington, May 1S, 2 p. rn." the more perfect will be our combinations, and the less ourl 108l. It will be observed, that this order rendered " Fol obviolus reasons, I beg you to give im- it impossible for me to use the James river as a mediate. consideration to this communicationi, base of operations, and forced ne to establish and to infolrm me fully at the earliest moment our depots on the Pamunkey, and to approach of your final determination. Richmond from the north. "'GEo. B. aMCCLELLAN, I had advised, and preferred, that reinforce"Hi "lMajor General Ccmrnmandin. mnents should be sent by water, for the reasons His Excellency, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, that thpir arrival would be more safe and certain,' President U. S." and that I would be left free to rest the army on the James river, whenever the navigation of To which, on the 18th of May, I received this that stleam should be opened. The land movereply: nment obliged me to expose my right in order to HEAD, D T P C secure the junction; and as the order for Gern" HEADQUAP.TE.S, DEP1RTMENT POTOMC, al McDowell's march was soon countermanded,' tM h 1 PIh, 18(e2. I incurred great risk, of which the enemy finally " GENERAL: Yolur despatch to the President, took advantage, and fi'ustrated the plan of canmasking reinforcements, has been received and paiga. Had G;enelal McDowell joined nle by carefully considered. water, I could have approached Richmond by "The Precsident is not willing to uncover the the Jales, and thus avoided the delays and capital entirely, and it is believed that even if loss ircurled in bridgilg the Chickahoniny this were pruldent it would require more timne and would have had the army massed in one to effect a junction between your army and that body instead of being necessarily divided by of the Rapp-lannock, by the way of' the Poto- that stream. mac and York river, tlhan by a land march. In order, therefore, to increase the strength of the The fllowing is a copy of the instructions to attack upon Richmond at the earliest noment, General McDowell: Gener.1 McDow-ell has been ordered to march' WAR DEPARTMENT, upon that city by the shortest route. I-e is or- WVashngtoL, D. C., May 17, 1862. dered, keepiiln hinself always in position to "GENERAL: Upon being joined by General save the capital fromr all possible attack, so to Shield's division, you will move upon RIichmlond operate as to put his left wing in conlruunica- by the general route of the Richnonld and Fredtion with our righlt wing, aid you are instruct- ericksburg railroad, co-operating with the forces ed to co-operate so as to establish this cormmu- under General McClellan, now threatening nication as soon as possible, by extending your Richmond from the linle of the Panmxkey and right wing to the north of Richmond. York rivers. ItE}1Ot T OFA GENERAL GEORGE:. M. mCLELLAN. 61 "While seeking to establish, as soon as possi- action of the city government, the conduct of ble, a communication between your left wing the citizens, and all other sources of informaand the right wing of General McClellan, you tion accessible to me, give positive assuiance will hold yourself always in such a position as that our approach to Richmond involves a desto coverl the capital of the nation against a sud- perate battle between the opposing armies. den dash of any large body of the rebel forces. "All our divisions are moving towards the foe. "General i cClellan will be furnished with a I shall advance steadily and carefully, and attack copy of these instructions, and will be directed them according to my best judgment, and in to hold himself in readiness to establish corn- such manner as to employ my greatest force. munication with your left wing, and to prevent "I regret the state of things as to General the main body of the enemy's army from leav- McDowsell's command. We must beat the eneing Richmond, and throwing itself upon your my in front of Richmond. One division added column, before the junction of the two armies to this army for that effort would do more to is effected. protect Washington than his whole force can "A copy of his instructions in regard to the possibly do anywhere else in the field. The employment of your force is annexed. rebels are concentrating fiom all points for the "By order of the President. two battles at Richmond and Corinth. I would " EDWIN M. STANTON, still most respectfully suggest the policy of your "Secretary of War. concentrating here by movements on water. I "GENERAL McDOWELL, have heard nothing as to the probabilities of " Com'g. Dep't. of Rappahannock." the contemplated junction of McDowell's force with mine. I have no idea when he can start, Having some doubts from the wording of the what are his means of transportation, or when foregoing orders, as to the extent of my author- he may be expected to reach this vicinity. I ity over the troops of General McDowell, and fear there is little hope that le can join me as to the time when I might anticipate his ar- overland in time for the coming battle; delays, rival, on the 21st of May I sent this dispatch: on my part, will be dangerous. I fear sickness and demoralization. This region is unhealthy " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, for northern men, and unless kept moving I fear " Camp near Tunstalls Station, Va., that our soldiers may become discouraged. At " May 21, 1862, I1 p. m. present our numbers are weakening from dis"Your dispatch of yesterday respecting our ease, but our men remain in good heart. situation and the batteries at Fort Darling, was "I regret, also, the configuratio of the Dereceived while I was absent with the advance, partment of the Rappahannock. It includes a where I have been all this day. I have corn- portion even of the city of Richmond. I think nmulicated personally with Capt. Goldsborough, that my own department should embrace the and by letter with Cappt. Sit Thle vessels entire field of military operations designed for can do nothing without co-operation onf that city. which I will not be in condition to afford for "Again I agree with your Excellency, that several days; circumstances must determine one bad general is better than two good ones. the propriety of a land attack. "I am not sure that I fully comprehend yonr "It rained again last night, and rain on this orders of the 17th inst., addressed to myself soil soon makes the roads incredibly bad for and General McDowell. If a junction is effectarmy transportation. I personally crossed the ed before we occupy Richmond, it must necesChickahomiiny to-day, at Bottom's bridge ford, sarily be east of the railroad to Fredericksburg, and went a mile beyond, the enemy being about and within my department. This fact, my supehalf a mile in fiont. I have three regiments on rior rank, and the express language of the 62d the other bank, guarding the rebuilding of the article of war, will place his command under my bridge. Kcyes's corps is on the New Kent road, orders, unless it is otherwise specially directed near Bottom's bridge. Heintzelman is on the by your Excellency, and I consider that he will same road, within supporting distance. Sumner be under my commard, except that I am not to is on the railroad, connecting right with left. detach any portion of his forces, or give any Stoneman, with advanced gualrd, is within one orders which can put him out of position to cover mile of New bridge. Franklin, with two divi- Washington. If I err in my construction I desions, is about two miles this side of Stoneman. sire to be at once set right. Frankness compels Porter's division, with the reserves of infantry me to say-anxious as I am for an increase of and artillery, is within supporting distance. force-that the march of McDowell's force upon Iiead-quarters will probably be at Coal Iarbor Richmond by the shortest route, will, in my to-morrow, one mile this side of Franklin. All opinion, uncover Washington, as to any interpothe bridges over the Chickahominv are destroy- sition by it, as completely as its movement by ed. The enemy are in force on every road water. The enemy cannot advance by Frederleading to Richmond, within a mile dr two west icksburg on Washington. of the stream. Their main body is on the road " Should they attempt a movement, which to fromi New bridge, encamped along it for four or me seems utterly improbable, their route would five miles, spreading over the open gronnd on be by Gordonsville and Manassaa, I desire that both sides. Johnson's head-quarters hre about the extent of my authority over McDowell may two miles beyond the bridge. be clearly defined, lest misunderstandings and "All accounts report their numbers as greatly conflicting views may produce some of those exceeding our own. The position of the rebel injurious results which a divided command has forces, the declaration of the rebel allthorities, so often caused. I would resp'ctful'y suggest the resolutions of the Virginia legislature, the that thia d; g:a:r cr:.:l c:i ( f snly l guarded 62 IREPORT OF GENERAL GEORIGE B. M'C.EILI,, AN. against by explicitly placing General McDowell At a later hour on the same dayv I received uuder my orders ioi the ordinary way, anid hold,- the following: ing me strictly r'esponsible for tile clos.t,obei'vatice oc' youL ilst'ructioins. I 1.ope, Mr. M^AY 24, 1862. I'resident, trat it is init inecessarv for ine to assure you ti at your iistvuctions would be 11ob-'In consequence of General inaks's cr;iic:;al served ii thle utmiiost good fiti, anl tih.it 1 Ilave position, I have been compelled to suspend ullenno pdrsonal feelings which could oiuuence me clyl cirowel's novenents to join you. The to disrevgard tniciim iIn aiy particular. edCIIIe aire,makintg a desperate push upon Ilar" 1 believe ttiat there is a great str'uggle before I' -'e rrr, ind we aie tryiig to tGirow (eiieal this army, but I alli neither dismllayed nor dis-' i''enont's force anid part0 ot' (eneCal IUclowell's couraged'. I wishi to strengt:c n its iforce as: in thleir rear. "A. I. INC.LN, President. nmuch as I can, but in an vet I slaill tinigt itm " Major General GEo. B. MCCLL.ILAN." with all the skill, caution aldl dctei minatiou tlhat I possess, aid I tr-st tliat thle resulit my Front which it will he seen that I could not either obtaiii for mie tlie permianet confidence expect General McDowell to join me inl t;ie to Of nyv governmuent, or tehat it nmaiy close ly i participate in iimmediate operations ill fronit of ~ca-er. I*jKlliclhmondi,, and oui the same evening I replied to'' GKiiOHGKI B. M(;CC|.ElLAN, ithe I'reidenti that I would make ii)', calculations jor' (/e ei Coonniindor. accordingly. It then only remained for nie to make the "His Excellency, A Rn.!i5 A ItlINCOLN,, "His Excellency, An ir'iro HaMiuiN, best usIe of the foces at mv disposal, and to'sid!,' the Uilitd States." avail mnyself of all artificial aixiliariies, to cormpensate as mucli as possible tor the inadequacy On the 24th I received the following relly: of men. I conceurred fully witli the l'resident i24n the in'uinction contauined in his telegr;imn of IM'Y'Lt, }'"1, the 24th, that it was nIecessairy with my limited k',',im 1lahinqtfor, 24/h. for'ce to iove' cauitiously iInd -atfelV." In view "I left General Mcl)owell's camp at dark last of the peculiar chlaracter of tile Chicka lomiyv,, evening, Shield's commaniiiiiiiid is there, but is so auid the liability of its botrom-lands to sud(len worn that lie cannot move before MIonday imorri- inundation, it becanie necessary to construct ing, the twenty-sixth (26th). We have so thin- between Bottom's bridge and Mechanicsville ned our line to get troops for other places, that eleven (11) new bridges, all long and d ifficult, it was broken yesterday at Front Royal, with a with extensive log-way approaches. probable loss to us off one (I) regiieltit infaintry,'I lie entire armyv could probab)ly h;ve been two 21 compainies cavalry, putting Geieral thrown across the t'hickahomlinv immlediattely Banks in soime peril. - fier our arrival, but this wou li have left no "' e eneiynv's fin'ces under eniernal Ander- foice oin the left bank to guard our comllmnlicnt — son, unow opposingi;,neral M<'iov\ell's adlvance, tiiins or to pr'otect our right and irear. If the liave as their line of' suiplry and retreat the road1 communiiiiiication, with out supl)ply depot had )een to i-ichmnond. cut by the enemy, with oiur army concentr'ated "If, in conjunction with McDowell's move- oi thle right bank of' the Chickahomtiny, and the ment ag:-inst Anderson, you could sencd a force stage of water as it was for mainv days after our from your ri'ght to cut olt' tie eiemyn's supplies arrival, tlre bridges carried awayi, an(l omr means from Rlichmond, preserve tile railroad bridges of transportation not furnishling a single day's across the two ( o2) forks of the Panlunkey, and suipplies in advance, thle troops must liave one intercept the cnemny's retreat, ryou will prevelit withiout rationrs, and the aniimals without forage, the army now opposed to you troiii receivirng an the arn1I would have been painlyzed. accession of numbers of nearlyv fifteen thousand It is Iu'l, I nighlt have abanlioned my com(15,0111) mein, and if you succeed in savillg the mtnications and [isimhed forwmard towaids lIich1bridges you will secure a line of railroad for niond, 1tittsliog to th Sleerly Idelfat of the enesupplies in nrddition to the one you now iave. my and the cnseqteu!nt faIll (if flie city, frIt a reCain Vou not do this alnmost as well as not, whlile neual of Silipplies; bit thle alqi'oachies were fi;ryou are building the Chickiihominv bridges? lifted, and the lown itself was sitrrioiuide.d with McDowell and Shields both say they can, and a str'"ig liu of' intirenchmenis reqtirintg a positively will, move Monday nmorning. I wish r'ae'r letgth of time to reduce than oit troops you to march cautiously and safelv. colld luv nae ililneiisId \ithl rations. " You will have comnimand of McDowell after ti'd'r the circnmsiances. I di-cido fo i-fain lie joins yu, precisely as vou indicated in your, a piortion of' the army on the left'bank of' the long dispatch to us of the twenty-first, 21st). oitrhi we'e completed. A. Lus'L P —/et It will bhe remibet-el rd thai ihe rilder ftr fho "A. T'(IN.'~ ):1 i l(neil's'.S 1iiI'. On the 26th I recelivc dl the fiollowing: *"t:~,,.{;rc otf M.lciiiwell's iiri;odies is ordi-r- " WASHINGTON. May 26, 1862. 4(i i.i r<;,; c tHar} s er I\; r i ( li isti' o' Can yoUi not cot t lie Acqnia Cieek railroad; ii.. i, s:,<:,iilln fr IIthe pil'ti, i ant Frledericks- alt-o what impressioin hiaie yii as to inirenched hI)xi:. v nI i situlig srcti te iiniiis ad, works for yo'i i t) cotteiidil with il fro t of Richit.i i. l.;',!'. u~il Bal im,,re ais ie can sl ant l(li mon. Can yot get near enough to throw tlo ii,'- }c'iirrv. snii pld inig l icihi Ilac in nes in stells into the city? at,:l.,. i,.it;ii's in m Ii ia fl'rom the a'lja-;' A. LiNCcoLN, President. ( i W',\ ha~v'i e;al l-,)(,ig' hi(, C.nii(ill lit N- l MHjor General iMi('CLE.JIAN." in',o;i, Jt t.VI-pe, l Fery, f whih arm there rhie' 1'en y if whiel iltere On thie sanm day I sent the fIllowing: i ifio I, -(n.,. t oMe a! tila |'>imlt i"Tli s,.w ior siltta'it. If Mc~l)iiiwelh' COAL BIAilnOIR, fMay 26, 1862.',vas,w l~evolo veeh ue sho.ld.le.: lta eil iSe Vir/iinia Ciontial it.ad in ile<' *\tli<'iil - f aotiu f tbee tlaces tei wieren ITianover Ci.ur H ie,,e and liki thlis ain I: uwitlt gnl...u lustai oil h1as!h< CIick;lt, mi ru. Will iy ti- ct! lhe oiher. iI I lm, a r< a-ia lotur wiitibotldiuig AMe- I I fit, not Ihiltk Richtli, nid inlri ic-1 men t forurniD1).vvel's Fi rces frcm you. dable. but am not certain. Ill;pe very soon to 64 REPORT OF GENERAt GEORGE B.'MI'CLELLAN. b within shelling distance. Have railroad in Qltade, with Berdan's regiment of sharpshooter operation from White House to Chickahominy. and three batteries, under Captairl Chatesi GrifHope to have Chickahominy bridge repaired to- tin, 5th United States artilley follo(wed on the night. Nothing of interest to-day. same rovad. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, Colohel G. K. Warren, commandilg a pro"'Major General Comd'g. visional brigad'e composed of the 5.ib, and 13th i His excellency, A. LINCOLN, President." New York, the 1st Connecticut arti!ery.acting,as infantry; the 6th Pennsylvania cxvt.lrv and The interruption of the railroad here referred infantry; tRhe 6th tennsylvy mwna ir:! hsd to was effected by the command of Brigadier station at Old ChIslrh, ba a road ru-rt iu to General Stoneman, and was intended to prevent anover Court House, parallel to lhe t'aminthe enemy from drawing supplies by tha lrute, kay.oe ourt Hoitse, parallel to trh mtt - i fll or from sending reinfbrcements to Anderson or tey. At ie ad ratig in. m arch of u teny, at throuigli the, mid and rain. General E;wvtry, at J snoon, reached a point aoll t two mi'ls from At 10 A. M. I also sent the followingdispatch: Hanover Court House, where the road forks to " Telegrams of last night received. I am Ashlland, and found a portion of the enelmy glad to know affairs are not so bad as might torned in line across the HIanover Coutt House have been. I would earnestly call yolr road. attention to my instructions to General Banks, General Emory had, before this, been joined of March 16th, to General Wadsworth, of same by the 25th New York (of lartindale's brigade) date, and to my letter of April 1st, to tile adjlt- and Berdan's sharpmhooters; these regiments tant general. I cannot but think that a prompt were deployed with a setlion of lBenson's hattereturn to the principles there laid down wolid ry, and advanced slowly towards the enemy unrelieve all probability of danger. I will forward til reitlf;rced by General BuIterfield, with four copies by mail. I beg to urge the imporiance ot regiments of his brigade, wMhen the enemy was Manassas and Front Royal in contradistinction charged and qtrickly rotited, ole of his guns to Fredericksburg. being caitulred by the 17tlh New York, under i" G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General. Colonel Lansing, after havitng been disabled by t'His excellency, A. LIxNCOLN, President." the lire of Benson's bat:ery. The firint here t sent the f g lasted about an hour. Tlie cavalry and BenLate on the 26th, I sent the following: o's attery wre itmediately ordered in purCAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE, suit, fillowed by Morell's ilntfaity and artillery, May 26, 1862-7.30 p. m. with the exception of Martindale's brigade.: Have arranged to carry out your last orders. Warren's brigade, having- benri delaved by reWe are quietly closing in upon the enemy, pre- pairing bridges, &c., now arrived, too late to paratory to the last struggle. Situated as I am aniticilate in the affair; a portio(-, of this comI feel forced to take every possible precautiotn manrl was sent to the Pamnlkey to destroy against disaster, and to secure my flanks against )bridge-, and captured qulite a Inumbler of prisonthe probable stuperior force in front of me. My ers; tile remainder fotlulod MtOeil's division. arrangements for to-morrow are very important, In the evan little General Malrindale with the and, if uccessful, will leave me free to strike few remiiing regiments if ihis brigade and a on the return of the force detached. eclitio of artilltey, advanced on the Ashland G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major General. road, and f( ulnd a force of the enemy's ii;antry,' His excellency, A. LINCOLN, President." cavalry andl artillery in position! nolar Peak's On the same day I received intelligence that slation, on the Virginia Cennral railroad; he a very considerable force of lihe enlemy was in soon fiirced( them to; retire towardls Ashtlnd. the vicinity of Hanover Court House, to the The 25th New York havlilng been ordered to right and rear of our armly, thus threateniingr ejoin hliin. General Marnitldale was directed to our communications, and in a position eitheer io fi, m o' is ibrigrade and mcove tt) the railroad to reinforce Jackson, or to impede McDoweil's r'Ji:Kin the rest of the command at Hanover Court junction, should he tiially move to unite witLh Iiuse. us. On the sane day I also received infuormal- IIt' snt one regiment up the railroad, but retion tiom General McI)owell, through the tSec- nmatld with the 2d Maine, afterwal ds joined by retary of War, that the eltemy had iallen back ile 25th New York, to guard the rear of the from Frederickshbrg towards Richmond, and lmain columln. that General McDowell's advance was eiglit T Ie enemy soon returned to attack General miles south;of the Rappahannock. It was thlis Mnarin(l'.ze. lwho at once formed tile 2d1 Maine, imperative to dislodge or defeat this force, inde- 25 th New York, and a porti m of th!e 44th New pendently evn of the wishes of the President, as Jers'y. with one rection of Martin's battery, on expressed in his telegram of the 26th. I in- the New bridge roat, facing his own position of trusted this task to Brigadier General Fitz John the morning, and then held( his ground for an Porter, commanding the fifth corps, with orders honr against large odds until mrinforced. to move at daybreak on the 27th. General Porier was at Hanover Coort Hotise, Through a heavy rain, and over bad roads, near the hea,! of his column, wilhen l:e learn-d that officer moved his command as follows: that the rear had been attackld by a large force. Brigadier General W. H. Emory led the ad- He at once taced- the wltole column about. revance with the 5,th and 6th regiments United c tild tile ctaalry sent in pursuit towards AshStates cavalry, and Benson's horse'battery of the land, moveid;the 13th and 14th New York and 2d United States artillery, taking the road fromn Griffin's battery direct to Martindale's assistance, New bridge via Mechanicsville, to Hanover pushed the 9th Massachusetts and (62d PennsylCourt Holise. vania, of McQuads brigade; through the woods General MAiell's division, composed of the on the right (,ir original left) -lld a'tacked the brigades of Marltindalc, Buttertield aind Mlc- fank of tlhe enemy, while Buttertkild, with the REPO'RT OF GENERA.L GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 65 83d Pennsylvania and 16th Michigan, hastened Having ascertained the state of affairs, intowards the scene of actiun by te railroa d and structions were given for the operations of the thron h 1 the vwoods fiur:her to the right, and following day. cImile':d the rout of tl:e enenmy. Dt'ing the On the 28th a party under Major Williams, remainder of this and the following- day ouri 6!h United States cavalry, destroyed the coIncavalry wnas a;ive eim thf pursuit., tking a um- inon road bridges over the Pamintnkey and the ber otr irioners. Caiptain Hlarrison, of the 5ih Virginia Central railroad bridge over the South United States cavalry. with a single comp'any, Anna. brought in, as i)risoners. two entire companaics On the 29th he destroyed the Fredericksburg of infant ry. with teir arms and ammunintion. and lRichmond railroad bridge over ttie South A part of Rpsh's lancers also captured am entile Anna, and the turnpike bridge over the same compmany. wit}l heir armns. stream. Tile immedliate resulits of these affairs were On the same day, anrid mainly to cover the some two hundred of the enemy's ldead, buried movement of Major Williams, General Emory by our trool,. seven lhundred and thirty prison- moved a coliimn of cavalry towards Ashlaid, era sent to the rear. otne 12-poulnder howitzer, from Hanover Court House, the advance of this one caisson. a large number of small arms, and column. utindier Captain Chambliss, 5ih United two railroa'd trains captured. States cavalry, entered Ashland, driving out a Our loss amounted to 53 killed, 344 wounded party of the enemy, destroyed the railroad and missing. bridge over Stony creek, and broke up the railThe force encountered antd defeated was road and telegraph. General Branch's division of North Carolina Another column, of all arms, under Colonel and Georgia troops, supposed to have been Warren was sent, on the same day, by the disomeo 9.000 strong. Their camp at Hanover rect road to Ashland, and entered it shortly Court House was taken and destroyed. after General Emory's column had retired, capHaving reason to believe that General An- turing a small party there. derson, wih a strong force, was still at'Ashland, General Stoneman, on the same day, moved I ordered General Sykes's division of regulars to on Ashland by Leach's station, covering well move on tihe 281ih, from New bridge towards the movements of the other columns. Hanover Court House, to be in jlosition to sup- The objects of the expedition having been port General Porter. They reached a point accomplished, and it being certain that the 1st within three miles of Ianover Coilrt House, anid corpc would not join.us at once, General Porremained there until the evening of the 29th, ter withdrew his command to thleir camps with when they returned to their original camp. the main army, on the evening of the 29th. On the 28th General Stoneman's command of On the night of the 27th and 28th, I sent the cavalry, horse artillery and two regiments ot following dispatch to the Secretary of War: infantry, were also placed under General Porter's orders. "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, On the same day I visited Hanover Court "CAMP NEAR NEW BIRIDGE, IHouse, whence I sent the following dispatch: ":]May 28, 18621-2.30 A. M. "HAN.aOVERi CoURT nlOU-SE 1ay 28..2 P+. M. Porter has gained two complete victories ANOVER C OURT E, May 28. 2.. over superior forces, yet I feel obliged to move "; Porter's action of yesterday was truly a there in the morning with reinforcements, to glorioius victory-too mtuch credit cannot be secure the complete destruction of the rebels in given to his magnificent division and its accom- I that quarter. In doing so, I run some rihk, biut plished leader. The rout of the rebels was I cannot help it. The enemy are even in great*omplete, not a defeat, but a complete rout. eir force tlhin I had supposei-d. I will do all Prisoners are constanwly co.minig in, two com1ipa- that quick movements can accomplish, but you,nies have this moment arrived, with excellent must send me all thetroops you mcan, and leavo arqms.'....~,. to me fuill latitude ns-to choice of commanders. "' There is no doubt that: th' enemy are con- It is LIbslutely n'eces.ary to deotroy the rebels centrating everything on Richnbond.r I willdo hear Hlanbver Court Hdfoie,efore0' I c: n admy best to cut off Jackson,h:ft ati do.ibtful vance. whether I -can "GEO. B.' MCLE1A;. * "It is the policy and dnTy o? tnqe-govrfnment f"Maji r GennL to send me by wate:r all the well di'fhd troldps' HON. E. M. STANTON, available. Inam confident, thlat Washiigton'is "' Secretary of VaTr.' in-no dlang(e'.' Engines anid car ini large'nuitfibers have been' 86nt up to'bring down Jacksoi's TIn reply to which; I received the following command. firom the Presid-ent: I may not be able' to cut them off, but will try; xxe h.ave cut all but time F. & R.1R.1. M"WASHIGToN, by 28, 1802. The real i.:,e is in the: ljattlenboittot; ol'eig;ilit "I anm very gla'd of General F. J.- Porter's in front, of Richmond:. Alli our available tl-ro'p)s victory; still, ii' it wa s. a total rout of the ene. should be collected here, not raw i'gimilts, hbut- mty, I am puzzled tokrrnow why: the Riolihmond the well di'illed troops.'t1 -:cannot be, ignbred ud and Frederic bLug railroad wvas not: esixud that a deslerate battle is:before us; it'any regi- agaiUn, as you say you have all tihe railroalts but ment of good tr(ops memain tuemployed it will the Ricimnond'and Fredemricksburg; I am puzbe an irreparable f!uil cminmitted. zled tn see how, lacking that, you can! aye; G. B. 1it C 1.F!.i.AN.;!mv. exet, tlie -crap fromI Richmond to West "Jl. ijor General.' t, tc e,, )' nh, Viri'iia,'enhmal. from 1 IONI E. M." TANTON. i ic'i r'a to v i une it,,. Vittm;u1. mlore,'.,_% i.c:,i'r/./,j < i;'a." ie:;:?i n.-:,thisg. Th' miat';; i witole o f t.ie-, e e5_ 66 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. my is concentrating on Richmond, I think can- On the 30th I sent the following: not certainly be known to you or me. Saxton, at Harper's Ferry, informs us that a large torce,' HIEADQUARTERs ARMY OF' TIK: POTOMrAC, supposed to be Jackson's and Ewell's, forced Ma/y 30. 1862. his advance from Charlestown to-day. General' From tone of your dlspiatrc-s mant Ir''siKing telegraphed us from Frederich;sbiirg, that dent's I do nor thi, k rhat yorr at ait aitcontrabands give certain infoirmaion, that tifreen i peciare tile value aild magniitllte I,I' IPrter's thousarnd left I-Ianover Junction oin Monrday victory. It has elnirly lelt ic.l,iv rigrt morning, to reinfoirce Jackson. I am pairnrtlyy flan k which was se-i,,ir-ly Itratirc,'cnd, rtriiic. impressed with the importance of the stimr le aind delinralizdrl a-considleirabrlt por,,ir, i, f tle before you, and shall aid you all I can consist- i rebel ficCs. lakinl over seveln tIrndirlri alnl;lty ently with niy view of due regard! to ll pinti,,iors. 1risolrs. killed and wrolrnded l;rr. I11111' irnrer's; "A. LINCOLN. one gurn,, narrV smill arnmis. andl nricrt hat-:a'ite "Major General MCCLELLAN." itaken. It was toe (o tite t aitialdssirn,-L lril is il tle war't, 1!o01 il! ilself' a id its v,.sillts. P.,Cer At 6 p. M. of the 29th, I sent the Secretary ]i ris re'tliur, uand m ar'ny is avaini well ill of War the following dispatch: hand. Anithtr &iIv will mako e li, probable ti'!d of biitll pia-sabli e Iti li rlirilcv. it is pnrr e IHEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTAMAC. certain rlatt Ilielree i. noltrin ig in ont i, NI( I)wtell- Fi1,'rt iicklmtrr g. II in'1-rnt rl e tnniiriilr';M'a!^/ 29:, St)2 —t eP. t. M. it Souith Anra l' i il's as the tiriz, i(l,.;:.;i recnived. U1 nier'liNdiig these i,,iiits to be oc, recon!ioissan'e wa' IShii'i ti:' the Rich,,,uiid rind Fredevicksb airg nail ra with hi tbrilade, hevond: heartily Cn t.n; iiiie the cimiury, a-id t i. the u' ti thet 4tlni.,:-ip-. General M cCtlellan and lhiis iarmy I;,r ihti se.;z i i, n'l t:..vtif-nt i,'" i,~ i uire. Seven I'ies. T I A" ABRAHAM LINCOLN,'. a srron lille'f' i'-;n.'General R 3. B. MARCY." co*trructinct at ittli-:' REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 67 the nine-mile road comes into the Williams- General Keyes to be inder arms at 11 o'clock. burg road. Ietwoecn 11 and 12 it was r'e orle(I toGeitnral (lI the szime dav GCeneral Heintzclman was ('.:c tlhat ite enemy were allejroaching in',rnord01r ed to ciro1ss wii: lis corps (tlie'd),:, p.' 1,c Ic. fi;cnce on lie WVillianishuirrg roa(l. At take, positin t,-O ii,;;I advtace,' Jtoi'i' li-' i]le C"asey's d1ivision \\ as dislused,of as fi 1br0i_',';v:':.l''-: t cP1 i'P iii.i''gs of W i ie 0(k, h 5^ 0' 1' t ht.'l i' "r (~'~. N, i' 1ce'sln'iande (extending frcim nlte Villitms01 Wt..10111 i i I,.' i, a,' d in, tii dieiK'-l i 1l; one 5(01 4^.gn,. 1 i,- mI,n lcnkiit:(; oi:d al] Ae )rrct'(P t,i bri- ll the u',-,,ii"t,..; fie e!iiie-mile ro:1 vith~ i o regi~our pikets and those of': the enemy, hile thoe:, Illl'.ed his btheade beoailote ar Large bodies of Confederate troops were x j. (1.pt':ed for' G;neral Hooker to moe up, fro position. it Savage'::. station.'il Feck's bl, (le o il a7 vei- violent storm occurred. The raint,, fatI, a orders were sent to General Sumn eri to get ingin torkentes, rendered work on the rifle-tmistu, hiie tlic~,s comnand under arms, sad be ready to movesistl'mpwae, and threatened the destruction of, of: enerals Richardson's and Sedgwicks dii- the the bridges oer e Chickahominy. s ls, was encamped on the north si de of thered'.. "'n, ereivingthe unfavorable posi- Chik ahomi, y, some (six miles bove k' Iotade tion'l'. w~t.e w'r p'ce~,,d tie w evuid.l, Ieh andi had t hle leftr a bridge il-...u.g that piir' ut,-, ou simi which ov r;: *streimI opposite to its own posito cT -};,; v. cut o to mai,;,dy l~,,'Ad.ok Geerad S:)l ne ove thes t woeethe ndri' imp srti i. e hiew Ite ovIrwhelm- da v's to their respective hries, u1ih mining ti:'1( 1divisions of Generals 1II. l stn.l- l' ito whalt' and await further ide trs. Hllt:. llln^?te t an11. W' Sumith), up- At -i o'cloek orders were sent from headqu;~r-..on ]i'";iti a ~i'ii *-ied by ( a's~y' divion(l). tei- in cross these divisionis without yeoila and i':: i'(. i, theti. ~-( o)rtsf General, plo Inn te rapi u l- to General l eisntzle.i' a supK-yi.H uiii.dii-laic te1'oiti', dale's joined liis riglit. anid i i ird G i:ifiil's sil til furtl ihe to tli' rig-iilt, join(' till' ILtfL o'f G(,i,;l II-', o id Sykes's division, xx'liici, i)tritly iln woiids;i(l i i i.:s' x i i i' i i t,,,v'9 i'.' points partly in open ground, extendiigln n rear ioh' Col''' or harblor. r l,,visg,i,(Mt'',-': c;it.cad, Each brigade haid in reserve two of its iwx i'i' i i ei:,1ql,', i:i';:('!e.. oSf i'ciirdregiments Mc,'all's division, liavini le e- -, i.'' visiom (2d':,-) i.i(- i i tled 0 co)ss gaged oni thle day efoire, wais foried I ill i, st''ii sU t.' Tc:i'Iciii *ii (kd ii aii, inf line in rear of the first; Meade's brig;'de o (ti, ii., ii:;( lifi';'.., i, I' i l(1 ti biieak our left, near the (:hitckahoininv; levnoiilds's l'i- tius tioiiui', 1'ici' Io-' \\, veiyv l'e: vv. gade on tile right, covering thie:ippi'oach'is F'c(il,;: t. 5'. x1t.i i,x,,,i' -i('h tr'oops against Coal harbor and Despatch station tio Sunll(i's (;a Ii' nter wii.;I s,;l igreater fixnv, andl bridge, and Seviiiou's in reserve to tiie secodt;,,il;ly alix el;lie w( ()(l>,.I' Ill dx (ollr left. This line still furitlher in rear. Geier:ial 1P. St. (;. x.ivie,;ided ll )v tli, c(',: tllait followed Cooke, with five comiptinies of the 5tlh'eguilair n:, I lii cKcesst'\ul tliatige In iivex comlpanuies ot the cavalry, two squadrons of the 1st regular i' v: l —', " x.:a,, i >n f lxowid,.as' it was, by more ry, and three squadrons of the 1st Penuisylvait i: (etciminled asslllnls io the reainder of our cavalry (lancers), were posted behind a lill illn ies,, vow out-l.:iuked,.caisetd a general retreat rear of the position, and.near the Chickahominy, iroi our' position to the hiill in rear, overlookto aid in watching the left flank and defending i tie bride. the slope to the river. Fren.cl''nid Me,gher's brigades now appearThe troops were all in position by noon, with ed, daivii g liefore them the stragglers, who were the artillery on the commanding ground, and thronging towards the bridge. in the intervals between the divisions and brigades. Besides the division batteries, there Ifc-c byhiga-de am aid boldly to the front, 0:~,1 bry tht. ir(*xample,..twel a.~ by the steadin.t were Pohi~-tsmon's and TidbIhI's horse battteries a i t,'anm a t, and froiu "'tilleri res.',:.-, thle litter nosted on I." i' i'ii h' r edairowimealtd hadtroop arthe' f Sx'ka~ia di. i-islam. aiud the forinci e lIt t, i i ha,. reinlaorcemeut4 had artb,:.':'kS:s's division-. and the former on Theenemy, lre tht'' If ftetiu.i hexslxo the frivel'. I xv'I wa-1w du-k. The enemy, aready the,.:[;! of the li!t,. in the valley of the,, with trril lauhter I s":.'ad t]-tx e,;'l inmes with terrible slaughter. 2':i,,'. r! o,:; it.Ial iuig' 1l'e shout of the fresh trool;s, failed * i us' tf e t m i.; tis.- were discovered i:,i'li,a ) uI t;,.ir andvaniage. This gave an (pdArp. r c'c. } ro; u hbc''nne evi ci':.;-itv'() r.itlly our men behind the brigrades di'".....'l J~.: I], tobe itriked.f (.a.uu I.I Fniich and Meagher, and they I,:-'1v, nald so)on the 1.in imar,'(.led up the hill. ieudy to repulse fii::',':~'.e fi'nit. At 2' al.!' n %;ek. )uring the nighr, or thintmad r.:,, -,, nifimvementsClIi.i. i t.,,l (:jxjh:,lu;'(.d r(egiments wxere all withdrawn'in S:,.'...s,wves ordered's!;-'v. a lrd h y tl-e tilawiig nurlrning, all had to -;.l'! - " C. L',v Alexan- i c;c';-, t!e tlt oleu' side of thel stream. Tihc regi(h, i. -i "'.;;pit. i,;,i i';ft'uiir, f':rmtcdI the rear gnaird. and alait (;,,"'- h:-~~-.:,:(:,f'r(.ucnmeTts, (;'.]'e ot. ()on i!>e marmning ~t' flue 2s 1h crossaSSd th!i' B.::* (,'t, nI i t' dit u (''. I <' stt-,. i' ig fthi tbti(lge W.hin(d Ihl m. hls'',i,,,,,r.:.. ^ t',e s, i, - of (li' -iss iu: itii Ibauule,. in killel,. womulded ti,',';!,,.1 I:i.cole ai ald minuig. was very Leavy, esI ecially in ufti~~~~!i'~l,c'('Olltf i ~nl Ini~ill~v. vtls Ve.Y I~vRY1 ('Yl~cially iu ur5 ti'EPORT OF G ENERAL GEORGE B1. MI CLELLLAN. T9 fcers, many of whom were killeod, wounded or General Keyes telegraphed: taken p:;riso'elrs, while gallantly leading on their men, or rallying themn to renewel exertions.' Asto how many men will be able to hold this It is impossi)ble to arrive at the exact nlmbers position tor twenty-fourl hollls. 1 nmlst answer,'ost in this d: lerale egagentienit, owing to the all I have, if the enemy is as strongt as ever in series ('f ha)iles w\hich ft;lowied each olher in front, it having at, all times alpl)(pared to nre lnick slccpssiion, and in whicht the whole army that our forces on this flank are smlall enough.",vas engaged. No general returns were made, until atlfer we ( hal arri(ved at Harrison's land- On the morning of the 27th the following desing, wlien tlIe losses for the whole seven days patch was sent to General Sumner: were' estimated together. Altholltnt we were finally forced from our first "HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF TrHE POTOMAC, line, aftter tle Ienemyn had tbeen irepeatedly driven " JuLe 27-8.45 a. m. back, yet tie olbjects sou0lit fir had been at- "General Slnith just reports that i six or eight tained. 1'The enemy was held at bay, our seige regimnents have Imoved down to the woods in guns atid mlateriel were siaved a( r d the right front of General Sumner.' wing had now joined the main body of the "R. B. MARCY army.' /Chief of Staff. The number of guns captured by the enemy "General E. V. SUMNER." at this battle was 22, three of' which were lost by being rim run off the bridge during the final At 11 o'clock, A. M., General Sumner telewithdrawal. graphed as follows: Great credit is due for the efficiency and bravery wihi which this avm of the service (the "The enemy threatens an attack on my right, artillety) was fought, and it was not until the near Smith." last successful charge of.the enemy, that the cannoneers were drive fon from their pieces, or. M. he telegraphed: At 12.30, P. m. he telegraphed: si ir(ik down, and the giuns caiptured. Diedri'ch's K ni-riem's, and Grimmistli batteries took shell on both ide." "Sharp shelling on both sides." posp(i:on, dutringu the eng'ageicment, in the front otf GC,i':ai Smith's line, on he ioght bank of the t 2 streal. lndii with a battery of seige guns, served... by tlht litst Conneclicut artillery, helped to t;ill Ial the enetmy in fa'nt of Giv eri'tdtl "Sharp musketry firing in front of Burns. IPo/ kh nm n n fGeter1'.a We are replying with artillery and infantry. The man on the look-out reports some troops So th eitenino' were the movements of the en- The man onthe lookot o soe toops (eIvy on boti(h btanks of the Chickahominy, that drawn up ii line of biattle about opposite my it.as imTp)ossibe( to decide, unltil tle afternoon, right alnd Smith's left; the number cannot be whlre Il it retal attack would be -made. Large made out." force( of itllanltry were seetn dll1ring the day, near the I1 tavern, on Franlklin's right, anid In accordance with orders given on the night ti'reat!enin- demonstrations were frequently of the 26th, General Slocurn's division coinmande o.hmr the entire line. on this side of the "nmeced crossing the river to support General river, vhich tendered it necessary to hold a Porter, soon after daybreak on the morning of coisiiderable force in position Io meet them. the 27th; but, as the filing iI fiont of General O()rt -',e I2fth circular was sent to the corps Po'ter ceased, the movement was suspended. cemlll,,1',s on the right bank of the river, ask- At 2 P. m., General Porter called for reinforcein" (h. i rw many of their troops could be ments. I ordered them at once, and at 3.25 Si alred (1, r tinforce General Porter, after retain- P. M., sent him the following: ing slhicienrlr to hold their positions for twentytwttiofo~u~ lir to bol. th o"Slocum is now crossing Alexander's bridge To iq the following replies were received: with his whole command. Enemy has commenced an infantry attack on Smith's left. I " HEADQUARTRS,, 3D CORPS, have ordered down Sumner's and Beintzelman's June 26-4 p. m. reserves, and you can count on the whole of " I i:,k I can hold the intrenchments with Slocum's. Go on as you have begun." four -:<. ibor twenty-four lmours. That wio).'.o tiwo brigades diispoabtle for service rI Pring the div the following d(e-,,.i',-, were on t,'.ide of the river. but the inetl are received. which will show tihe otti i.li.;., {', tlhirs nso -ti-!'.:oru out t t [ht fi te -hey would noti on the right bmi;k of the Chlickahiil,.~:.. be i.-,;-ion to fight. atert'' n:alki'gr a n:arch of a:' ce. * * "Jr:,;. S' 8. P. HiT'1 7t:TmiAN 4, "(^1enertl Snmitih thinks the ", ^ 1'.: s"Brigadier G(.en'ral. "13r' B.IAtt(' " iznmge i^,,svv e.jtnumn S in the cleda.ri!:, 1;.. right ":: R'; [I. B. 1 AU C.Y."'.' of.' "O1.Jo'I::es (;lItr nett's honse, i4nd {11 t.;T rsde'r1- f r(< Gem (reral Heintzelman,' the i 9th, Haz- verse by a movement across the lower part of zard's and Pettit's batteries again doing good the swamp, or across the Chickahominy below service. Osborne's and Braimhall's batteries the swamp. Moreover, the troops were then also took part effectively in this action, which retly exhausted and required rest in a more was continued with great obstancy until be- e e usre st i o tween 8 and 9 P. M., when the enemy were secure position. driven from the field. I extended my examinations of the country Immediately after the battle the orders were as far as Haxall's, looking at all the approaches repeated for all the troops to fall back and cross to Malvern, which position I precewvod to be the White Oak swamp, which was accomplished key to our operations in this quarter, and was during the night in good order. during the night in good order. thus enabled to expedite, very considerably, the By midnight all the troops were on the road passage of the trains, and to rectify the positions to White Oak swamp bridge, General French, of the troops. with his brigade, acting as rear guard, and at Everything being then quiet, I sent aides to 5 A. M. on the 30th all had crossed, and the the different corps commanders to inform them bridge was destroyed. what I had done on the left, and to bring me inOn the afiernoon and night of the 29th I gave formation of the condition of affairs on the the corps commanders their instructions for the right. I returntd fiom Malvern to Haxall's, operalions ofthe following day. As stated before. and, having made arrangements for instant comPorter's corps was to move forward to James munication from Malvern by signals, went on river, and with the corps of General Keyes, to board of Captain Roger's gun-boat, lying near, occupy a position at or near Turkey band, on a to confer with him in reference to the condition line perpendicular to the river, thus covering of our supply vessels, and the state of things on the Charles City road to Richmond, opening the river. 84 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. It was his opinion that it would be necessary General McCall, in his report of the battle, for the army to fill back to a position below says: City Point, as the channel there was so near the * * * * * southern shore that it would not be possible to "About half-past two my pickets were driven bring up the transports, should the enemy occu- in by & strong advance, after some skirmishing py it. Harrison's Landing was, in his opinion, without losB on our part. At 3 o'clock the enethe nearest suitable point. Upon the termina- my sent forward a regiment on the left centre tion of this interview, I returned to Malvern and another on the right centre, to feel for a hill, and remained there until shortly before weak point. They were under cover of a shower daylight. of shells, and boldly advanced, but were both driven back, on the left by the 12th regiment, BATTLE OF NELSON'S FARM. and on the right by the'7th regiment. * * For near two hours the battle raged hotly here. On the morning of the 30th General Sumner was ordered to march with Sedgwick's division ** "At last the tneiny was compelled to retire to Glendale ( "Nelson's farm "). compelled to retire General McCall's division (Pennsylvania re- before the well-directed musketry fire of the serves) was halted during the morning on the reserves. The German batteries were driven to New Market road, just in advance of the point the rear, but I rode up and sent them back. It.where a road turns off to Quaker church. His was however of little avail, and they were soon line.was formed perpendicularly to the Newafter abandoned by the cannoneers * * Market road, with Meade's brigade on the right, The batteries in front of the centre were boldly Seymour's on the left, and Reynold's brigade, charged upon, but the enemy was speedily forccommanded by Colonel S. G..immons, of the ed back. 5th Pennsvlvania, in reserve. Randall's regular battery on the right, Kern's and Cooper's bat- "Soon after ths a most determined charge teries opposite the center, and Deitrich's and was made on Randall's battery by a fll brigade Kauerhem's batteries, of the artillery reserve, advancing in wedge-shape, without order, butin on the left-all in front of the infantry line. perfect recklessness. The country in General McCall's fiont was open, "Somewhat similar charges had, I have statintersected towards the right by the New Mar- ed, been previously made on Cooper's and Kern's ket road, and a small strip of timber parallel to batteries by single regiments without success, it. The open front was about 800 yards, its depth they having recoiled before the storm of canisabout 1,000 yards. ter hurled against them. "A like result was anticipated by Randall's On the morning of the 30th General Heintzel- battery, and the 4th regiment was requested not man ordered the bridge at Brackctt's ford to be to fire until the battery had done with them. destroyed, and trees to be felled across that Its g;llant commander did not doubt his ability road and the Charles City road. to repel the attack, and his guns did indeed mow General Slocum's division was to extend to down the advancing host, but still the gaps were the Charles City road. closed, and the enem came in upon a run to General Kearney's right to connect with Gen- the very muzzle of his guns. Geral Slocum'scalspst w lteft.of "It was a perfect torrent of men, and they General McCall's position was to the left of were in his battery before the guns could be rethe Long Bridge road, in coniecetion with Gene- Ioved. Two guns that were indeed successfully ral Kearney's left. General Hooker was on the limbered had their horses killed and wounded, left of General McCall. ald were overturned on the spot, and the enemy Between 12 and 1 o'clock the enemy opened dashing past drove the greater part of the 4th a fierce cannonade upon the divisions of Smlith reginent before them. The left company (B) and Richardson and Nanglee's brigade at White nevertheless stood its ground, with its captain, Oak Swamp bridge. This artillery fire was con- Fred. A. Conrad, as did likewise certain men of tinued by the enemy through the dry, and he other companies. I had ridden into the regicrossed some infantry below our position. Rich- mient and endeavored to check them, but with ardson's division suffered severely. Captain only partial success. Ayres directed our artillery with great effect..* * * * * Captain Hazjzard's battery, afftr losinlg mnl:y l"There was no running; but my division, recannoneers, and Captain lfHazzard being mortally duced by the previous battles to less than (6,wounded, was comlpelled to retire. It was re- (o) six thousand, had to contend with the diplaced by Pettit's battery, which partially si- visions of lngstreet and A.'. Hill, considered lenced the enemy's guns. two of the strongest and best almong many of the General Franklin held his position until after Confederate army, numbering that day, 18,o00 dark, repeatedly driving back the eeney inl or 20,000 mien. and it was reluctantly compelled their attempts to cross the White Oak swaimp. to give way before heaver force accumulated At 2 o'clock in the day the eneVmy were re- upon them." ported advancing in force by the Charles City * * * * road, and at half-past 2 o'clock the attack was General Heintzelman states, that about 5 P.M. made down the road on General Slocumi's left, General McCall's division was attacked in large but was chlecked by his artillery. After this the force, evidently the principle attac; that in C.Inelli, in l.nge force, comlprising the divisions less than an hour the division gave way and of l,ongstr'eet 1rid A. 1'. Ilill, ittnacl(keld nerl adds: Mc(';all, wulse, livisioi, after evere fighting, " Gener:il II,eker, being on his left, by movwas coimpelled to retire. ing to the rihit repuled the rebels in the handn ier e r oerau REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. 85 somest manner, with great slaughter. General was very late at night before my aides returned Sumner, who was with General Sedgwick in Mc- to give me the result of the day's fighting along Call's rear, also greatly aided with his artillery the whole line, and the true position of affairs. and infiantry in driving back the enemy. They While waiting to hear. from General Franklin now renewed their attack with vigor on General before sending orders to Generals Sumner and Kearney's left, and were again repulsed with Heintzelinan, I received a message from heavy loss. the latter that General Franklin was falling ~* * * * * back; whereupon I sent. Colonel Colburn of."This attack commenced about 4 P.M., and my staff with orders to verify this, and, if it were true, to order in Gen ral Sumncr and was pushed by heavy masses with the utmost de- ee intzelan at onle. He had not gone far termination and vigor. Captain Thompson's wlen he nnt tw ofice r sent fhrom General battery, directed with great precision, firing rakin headquarters with the information double charges, swept them back. The whole a as al ba. Orers were then open.,ae,.,,0 1aces~,.,. tilh at he was fallinrg back. Oldels were then open space, 200 paces wide, was filled with the sent to Generals Sunruer and Heintzelmnau to enemy'; each repulse brought fiesh troops. The set to Geels Sininr and eintela to r) fenemy; each repulsefill back also, and definite instructions were third attack was only repulsed by the rapid vol- ivn as t movement, which was to congiven as to the movement, which wvas to comleys and determined charge of the 63d PennsS l- vania, Colonel Hays, and half of the 87th Tew e the rigl T s mt York vorl l-lteers." troops already en route to Malvern. Instruc(eYork vol!inteersnl'tro." xoo e tions were also sent to General Franklin as to General McCall's troops soon began to emerrge n. r. the route he was to follow. from the woods into the open field. Several t batteries were in position and began to fire into Gnerl Bnd then received full ist the woods over theheasofoumtions for posting the troops as they arrived. I the wood, over the heads of our men in front. Captain De Russyv's battery was placed on thre then returned to Haxall's and again left for MalCaptamn De RuISs/s8 battery was placed on the vern soon after daybreak, accompanied by sevright of General munner's artillery, with orders vern soon aftel daybreak, accompanied by seto shell the woods. General Buirns's brigade was. I o m thteemhn entire circuit of the position, and then returned then advanced to meet the eney, and soon drove to Haxall's, whence I went with Captain Rodirn back. Other troops began to return fi'o I ers to select the final location for the army and the White Oak swamp. n Later in the day, at the call of General Kear- its depots. I returned to Malvern before the te General Tlr's 1st Ntew Jersey bi e iserious fighting conmenced, and after riding ney, Gcneral Taylor's 1st New Jersey brigade, ln the lines and seeing most cause to feel Slocuin's division, was sent to occupy a plortioin al a t te remained in that of General McCall's deserted position, a battery nxis t the right, reained n that vicinitv. accompanying the brigade. They soon drove,back the enemy, who shortly after gave up the BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL. attack, contenting themselves with keeping up The position selected for resisting the fura desultory firing till late at night. Between ther advance of the eneniv on the 1st of July, 12 and 1 o'clock at night General Heintzelinan was with the left and centre of our lines restcommenced to withdraw his corps, and soon after ing on " Malvern Hill," while the right curved davlight both of his divisions, with General Slo- backwards through a wooded country toward a cum's division, and a portion of General Sum- point below Ilaxall's on James river. Malvern ner's command, reached Malvern hill. hill is an elevated plateau about a nile and a On the morning of the 38)th General Suiner, half by three-fourths of a mile area, well cleared in obedience to orders, had moved promptly to of tiniber, and with several converging roads Glendale, and, upon a call froim General Frank- miming over it. In front are numerous defenlin for reinforcements, sent him two brigades, sible ravines, and the ground slopes gradually which returned in time to participate and ren- toward the north and east to the wood-land, der good service in the battle near Glendale. giving clear ranges for artillery in those direcGeneral Sumner says of this battle: tions. Toward the northwest the plateau falls "The battle of Glendale was the most severe off nore abrubptly into a ravine which extends action since the battle of Fair Oaks. About 3 to Jamles river. From the position of the eneo'clock P.M. the action commenced, and, after a Iny, his most obvious lines of attack would come furious contest, lasting till after dark, the ene- fiom the directions of Richmond and White my was routed at all points and driven fronm the Oak swamp, and would almost of necessity field." strike us upon our left wing. Here, therefore, The rear of the supply trains and the reserve the lines were strengthened by massing the artillery of the army reached Malvern hill about troops, and collecting the principal part of the 4 P.M. At about this time the enemy began to artillery. Porter's corps held the left of the appear in General Porter's front, and at 5 o'- line (S-kes's division on the left, Morrell's on clock, advanced in large force against his left the right) with the artillery of his two divisions flank, posting artillery under cover of a skirt of advantageously posted; and the artillery of the timber, with a view to engage our force on Mal- reserve so disposed on the high ground, that a vern hill, while with his infantrv and some artil- concentrated fire of some sixty guns could be lerv he attacked Colonel Warren's brigade. A Ibrought to bear on any point in his fiont or left. concentrated fire of about thirty guns was Colonel Tyler also had, with great exertion, brought to bear on the enemy, which, with the sueceded in getting ten of his siege.uns in poinfantrv fire of Colonel Warren's command, coin- sition on the highest point of the hill. pelled him to retreat, leaving two guns in the.Coulh's division was placed on the right or hand of Colonel Warren. Porter, next cmrie Kearney and Hooker, next The g.rn-)oats rendered most efficient aid at Sedgwick and Richardson, next Smith and Slothis time.and helped to drive back the enemy. It cum, then the remainder of Keyes's corps, ex 86 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. tending by a backward curve nearly to the river. canister and shell from our artillery, had reachThe Pennsylvania Reserve corps was held in ed within a few yards of our lines. They then reserve, and stationed behind Porter's and poured in a single volley and dashed forward Couch's position. One brigade of Porter's was. with the bayonet, capturing prisoners and colthrown to the left on the low ground, to protect ors, and driving the routed columns in confusion the flank from any movement direct from the from the field. Richmond road. The line was very strong along About seven o'clock, as fresh troops were acthe whole front of the open plateau; but from cumulating in fiont of Porter and Couch, thence to the extreme right, the troops were Meagher and Sickles were sent with their brimore deployed. This formation was imperative gades as soon as it was considered prudent to as an attack would probably be made upon our withdraw any portion of Sumner's and Heintzelleft. man's troops to reinforce that part of the line The right was rendered as secure as possible and hold the position. These brigades relieved by slashing the timber and barricading the road. such regiments of Porter's corps and Couch's Commodore Rodgers, commanding the flotilla division as had expended their ammunition, and on James river, placed his gun-boats so as to batteries from the reserve were pushed forward protect our flanks, and to command the ap- to replace those whose boxes were empty. Unproaches from Richmond. til dark the enemy persisted in his efforts to Between 9 and 10 A.M. the enemy commenced take the position so tenaciously defended; but feeling along our whole left wing with his artil- despite his vastly supeior numbers, his repeatcry and skirmishers, as far to the right as ed and desperate attacks were repulsed with Hooker's division. fearful loss, and darkness ended the battle of About two o'clock a column of the enemy Malvern hill, though it was not until after nine was observed moving towards our right, within oclock that the artillery ceased its fire. the skirt of woods in front of Heintzelman's During the whole battle Commodore Rodgers corps, but beyond the range of our artillerv. added geatl to the discomfiture of the enemy Arrangements were at once made to meet the by throwing shells among his reserves and adanticipated attack in that quarter; but though "ncing columns. the column was long, occupying more than two As the army, in its movement from the Chickhours in passing, it disappeared, and was not ahominy to Harrison's landing, was continually again heard of. The presumption is, that it re- occupied in marching by night and fighting by tired by the rear, and participated in the attack day, its commanders found no time or opportuafterwards made on our left. nity for collecting data, which would enable About 3 P.M. a heavy fire of artillery opened them to give exact returns of casualties in each on Kearney's left, and Couch's division, speedily engagement. The aggregate of our entire lossfollowed up by a brisk attack of infantry on es. from the 26th of June to the 1st of July, inCouch's front. The artillery was replied to elusive, was ascertained, after arriving at Harwith good effect by our. own, and the infantry rison's landing, to be as follows: of Couch's division remained lying on the ground until the advancing column was within short mus- List of the killed, wounded and missing, in the ketry range, when thev sprang to their feet, and army of the Potomac, from the 26th of June, poured in a deadly volley, which entirely broke to the 1st of July, 1862, inclusive. the attacking force, and drove them in dis- Corps. Kil'd. Woun'd Mis'g. Ag'te. order back over their own ground. This advan- 1st. —McCall's Pa. Res'vs 253 1,24 1,581 8, 74 tage was followed up until we had advanced the 2d.-Sumnel's - - 187 1,076 848 2,111 Sd.-leintzelman's - 189 1,0'51 833 2,073 right of our line some seven or eight hundred dth.-Keyes's tz9,51 20 2'777 yards, and rested upon a thick clump of trees, ith.-Porter's - - - 6 0,460 1,198 4,278 giving us a stronger position, and a better fire. 6th —Fr:nklin's - - 1,313 1,79 2,737 r-'0 c. i3 Engineers - 2 21 28 Shortly after four o'clock the firing ceased Cavalry 19 60 97 176 along the whole front, but no disposition was evinced on the part of the enemy to withdraw Totl - 1,582 7,709 5,958 15,9 from the field. Caldwell's brigade, having been detached Although the result of the battle of Malverp. from Richardson's division, was stationed upon was a complete victory, it was nevertheless neCouch's right, by General Porter, to whom he cess:,rv to fill back still further in order to reach had been ordered to report. The whole line was a point where our supplies could be brought to surveyed by the gener;lls, and everything held us with certainty. As before stated, in the in readiness to meet the coming attack. At six opinion of Captain Rodgers, commanding the o'clock the enemy suddenly opened upon Couch gun-boat flotilla, this could only be done below and Porter with the whole strength of his artil- City point; concurring in his opinion, I selectlery, and at once began pushing forward his ed Harrison's bar as the new position of the columns of attack to carry the hill. Brigade army. The exhaustion of our supplies of food, after brigade formed under cover of the woods, forage and ammunition made it imperative to started at a run to cross the open space and reach the transports immediately. charge our batteries; but the heavy fire of our The greater portion of the transportation of guns, with the cool and steady volleys of our the army having been started for Harrison's infa;ntry, in every case, sent them reeling back landing, during the night of the ruth of June, to shelter, and covered the ground with tLeir and 1st of July, the order for the movement of dead and wounded. In several ii stances our the troops was at once issued upon the final reinfantry withheld their fire until the attacking pulse of the enemy at Malvern hill. columns, which rushed through the storm of The order prescribed a movement by the left REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. 87 an] rear. General Keyes's corps to cover the an attack from any quarter. His dispositions manwuvre. It was not carried out in detail as were so successful that, to use his own words: regards the divisions on the left, the roads be- " I do not think more vehicles or more public ing somewhat blocked by the rear of our trains. property were abandoned on the march from Porter and Couch were not able to move out as Turkey bridge than would have been left, in the early as had been anticipated, and Porter found same state of the roads, if the army had been it necessary to place a rear-guard between his moving toward the enemy, instead of away from command and the enemy. Golonel Averill, of him; and when it is understood that the carthe 3d Pennsylvania cavalry, was entrusted with riages and teams belonging to this army, this delicate duty. He had under his command stretched out in one line, would extend not far his own regiment and Lieutenant Colonel Bu- from forty miles, the energy and caution neceschanan's brigade of regular infantry, and one sary for their safe withdrawal from the presence battery. By a judicious use of the resources at of an, nemy vastly superior in numbers, will be his command, he deceived the enemy so as to appreciated." cover the withdrawal of the left wing without being attacked, remaining himself on the pre- The last of the wagons did not reach the site vious day's battle-field until about 7 o'clock of selected at Harrison's bar, until after dark on the 2d July. Meantime, General Keyes having the 3d of July, and the rear guard did not move received his orders, commenced vigorous pre- into their camp until every thing was secure parations for covering the movement of the en- The enemy followed up with a small force, and tire army, and protecting the trains. It being on the 3d threw a few shells at the rear guard, evident that the immense number of wagons and but were quickly dispersed by our batteries, artillery carriages pertaining to the army could and the fire of the gun-boats. not move with celerity along a single road, Ge- Great credit must be awarded to General neral Keves took advantage of every accident Keyes, for the skill and energy which characterof the ground to open new avenues, and to fa- ized his performance of the important and delicilitate the movement. He made preparations cate duties entrusted to his charge. for obstructing the roads after the army had High praise is also due to the officers and men passed, so as to prevent any rapid pursuit, des- of the 1st Connecticut artillery, Col. T ler, for troying effectually Turkey bridge, on the main the manner in which they withdrew all the road, and rendering other roads and approaches heavy guns during the seven days, and from temporarily impassible by felling trees across Malvern hill. Owing to the crowded state of them. He kept the trains well closed up, and the roads, the teams could not be brought within directed the march so that the troops could a couple of miles of the position, but these enmove on each side of the roads, not obstructing ergetic soldiers removed the guns by hand for the passage, but being in good position to repel that distance, leaving nothing behind. THIRD PERIOD. CLOSE OF THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN. On the 1st of July, I received the following have been disastrous in the extreme. This from the President: closed the hard fighting which had continued fiom the afternoon of the 26th ult., il a daily "WASHINGTON, July 1, 1862-3.30 p. m. series of engagements, wholly unparalleled on "It is impossible to reillf'orce y ou r your pres- this continent for determination and slaughter ent emergency. If we had a million of Omen, on both sides. we could not get them to give you in tine. We "The Inutual loss, in killed and wounded, is have not the men to send. If you are not enormous. That of the enemy certainly greatstrong enough to face the enemy, you must find est. On Tuesday evening, the 1st, our army a place of security and wait, rest and repair. commnenced its movement from Haxall's to this " Maintain your ground if you can, but save point. (ur line of defence there, being too exthe army at all events, even if you fall back to tended to be maintained by our weakened forces. Fort Monroe. We still have strength enough Our train was immense, and about 4 A. M., on in the country, and will bring it out. the 2d, a heavy stolr of rain began, which con-' A. LINCOLN. tinued during the entire day, and until the fore( Maj. Gen. GEO. B. McCLELJ AN." noon of yesterday. "The road became horrible. Troops, artillery In a despatch from the President to me on the and wagons, moved on steadily, and our whole 2d of July, he says: army, men and materiel, was finally brought safe into this camp. The last of the wagons "If you think you are not strong enough to reached here at noon yesterday. The exhaustion take Richmond just now, I do not ask you to. was very great, but the annv preserved its Try just now to save the army materiel and per- morale, and would have repelled any attack sonnel, and I will strengthen it for the offensive which the enemy was in condition to make. a_~ain as farst as I can. again "s fast as I can. We now occupy a line of heights about two The governors of eiglteen (18) staltes offer miles frol the James, a plain extending fiom me a new levy of three hundred thousand, which tee to te ive. r frot is bout thee I accept." miles long. These heights command our whole pos.ition, and must be maintained. The gunOn the 3d of July, the following kind desptc,atc chal reder valuable support upon both was received from the President: flanks. If the enemy attack us in front, we must hold our ground as best we may and at ['Extract.l] whatever cost. "WASHINGTON. Jullh1 3. 186f2-3 p. m.' ur(U positions can be carried only by over"Yours of 5.30, yesterday, is just received. whelrlling numbers. The spirit of the army is rself offiers ai e excellent. Stragglers are finding their regiI am satisfied that vourself, officers and inen have done the best you could. All accounts say Illent, a;ld the soldiery exhibit the best results better fighting was never done. Tel tlousand of discipline. Our position is by no means imthanks for it. 0pregnable, especially as a morass extends on * * * ** * this side of the high ground, from our centre to'"A. * INCOLn. the Jamies on our right. The enemy may attack " Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." in vast numbers, and if so our front will be the scene of a desperate battle, which, if lost, will On the 4thI sent the fllowin to the Presi-be decisive. Our army is fearfully weakened by On the 4th, I sent the following to the President: killed, wounded and prisoners. I cannot now approximate to any statement of our losses, but " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, we were not beaten in any conflict. The enemy, ere utnable by their utmost efforts to drive us "' Harrison's Bar, James River, July 4, 1862. f.om arly field. Never did such a change of "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt base, involving a retrogade movement, and of your despatch of the 2d instanlt. under incessant attacks from a most deter" I shall make a stand at this place, and en- mlliled and vastly more numerous foe, partake of deavor to give mymenthe repose they so much so little disorder. We have lo-st no guns, exrequire. cept 2. on the field of battle, 21 of which were " After sending mv communication on Tues- lost by the giving way of McCall's division undav, the enemy attacked the left of our lines, der the onset of superior numbers. and a fierce battle ensued, lastirng until night; "Our communications by the James river are thev were repulsed with great slaughrter. Had not secure. There are points where the enemy their attack succeeded, the consequences would can establish themselves with cannon or musRR REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 8 ketrv and command the river, and where it is "P. S.-If at any time you feel able to take not certain' that our gun-boats can drive them the offensive, you are not restrained from doing out. In case of this, or in case our front is so. A. L." broken, I will still make every effort to preserve at least the personnel of the army, and the The following telegram was sent on the 7th: events of the last few days leave no question that the troops will do all that their country can ask. " IEADQTUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Send such reinforcements as you can. I will do " Berkeley, July 7, 1862-P8.30 a. m. what I can. We are shipping our wounded and "As boat is starting, I have only time to acsick, and landing supplies. The navy depart- knowledge receipt of despatch by General Marment should co-operate with us to the extent of cy. Enemy have not attacked. My position is its resources. Captain Rodgers is doing all in his very strong, and daily becoming more so. If power, in the kindest and most efficient man- not attacked to-day, I shall laugh at them. I ner. have been anxious about my communications "When all the circumstances of the case are lItd long consultation about it with Flag-officer known, it will be acknowledged by all compe- Goldsborough last night; he is confident he can tent judges, that the movement just completed keep river open. He should have all gun-boats by this army is unparalleled in the annals of possible. Will see him again this morning. My war. Under the most difficult circumstances mien are in splendid spirits, and anxious to try we have preserved o-ur trains, our guns, ourma- it again. teriel, and, above all, our honor. "Alarm yourself as little as possible about me, " GEUnORGE B. \1i:CCLELLAN, and don't lose confidence in this army. " lMajor General." G. B. McCLELLAN, Major eeneral To which I received the following reply: "A. LINCOLN, President." "A Ys INGTOX, -JT, ly 5, 1862 —9 a. m. "A thousand thanks for the relief your two While general-in-chief, and directing the despatcheis of 12 and 1 P. y. esterdayv, gave me. operations of all our armies in the field, I had Be assuredl, the heroism and skill of yourself, become deeply impressed with the importance officers, and men, is and forever will be appre- of adopting and carrying out certain views reciated.. garding the conduct of the war, which, in my "If you can hold your present position we judgment, were essential to its objects and its shall hive the enemy Set. success. During an active campaign of three "A. LINCOLN. months in the enemy's country, these were so "Major General G. B. McCLEL.LA, fully confirmed that I conceived it a duty, in' Commnasndwj Army of the Potomac." the critical position we then occupied not to withhold a candid expression of the more iiaThe following letters were received from his portant of these views from the commander-inexcellency the President: chief whom the constitution places at the head " W\A DEPARTMENT, of the armies and navies, as well as of the gov" WT.ashin:.ton Cit/. D. (,., JLdy 4th, 1862. ernmnent of the nation. The followingis a copy "I understand your position, as stated in your of my letter to Mr. Lincoln: letter, and by General Marcy. To reinforce you so as to enable you to resume the offensive with- "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, in a month, or even six weeks, is impossible. " Camp near Harrison's Landbin, Va., In addition to that arrived and now arriving " July 7, 1862. fiom the Potomqac (about ten thousand, I sup. "MR. PR:SIDENT: You have been fully inpose), and about ten thousandl I hope you will formed that the rebel army is in our front, with have from Burnside very soon, and about five the purpose of overwhelming us by attacking thousand from hlunter a little later, I do not our positions, or reducing us by blocking our see how I c;n send you anothier man within a river commlunications. I cannot but regard our month. Under the'e circumsLtances, the defen- condition as critical, and I earnestly desire, in sive, for the present, must be your only care. view of possible contingencies, to lay before Save the armv first, where you are, if you can, your excellency, for your private consderation, and, secondly, by removal, if you must. You, my general views concerning the existing state on the ground, must be the judge as to which of the rebellion, although they do not strictly you will attempt, and of the means for effecting relate to the situation of this armv, or strictly it. I but give it as mvy opinion, that with come within the scope of my official duties. the aid of the gunboats and reinforcements These views amount to convictions, and are deepmentioned above, you can hold yourpresent po- ly impressed upon my mind and heart. Our sition; provided, and so long as you can keep cause must never be abandoned; it is the cause James river open below you. If you are not of free institutions and self government. The tolerably confident you can keep the James river Constitution and the Union must be preserved, open, you had better remove as soon as possible. whatever may be the cost in time, treasure and I do not remrember that you have expressed any blood. If secession is successful, oth, r dissoluapprehension as to the danger of having your tions are clearly to be seen in the future. Let communication cut on the river below you, yet neither military disaster, political faction, nor I do not suppose it can have escaped your at- foreign war, shake your settled purpose to entention. force the equal operation of the laws of the "Yours, very truly, United States upon the people of every State. 4 A LINcoIN. "The time has come when the government "Major General McCLELL.LAN. must determine upon a civil and military policy 90 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGB B. M CLELLAN. covering the whole ground of our national masses, and brought to bear upon the armies trouble. The responsibility of determining, de- of the confederate states. Those armies thorclaring and (supportin such civil and military oughly defeated, the political structure which policy, and of directing the whole course of na- they support would soon cease to exist. tioiIi afi;tirs in regcard to the rebellion must In carrying out any system of policy which now be assumed and exercised by you, or our you may foim, you will require a commandercaue will be lost. Thie constitution gives you in-chiefof the army; one who possesses your p war sufficielt even for the present terrible ex- confidence, understands your views, and who is igency. competent to execute your orders by directing This rebellion has assumed the character of the military forces of the nation to the accomwar; as such it should be regarded; and it plishment of the objects by you proposed. I do should be conducted upon the highest princi- not ask that place for myself. I am willing to ples known to christian civilization. It should serve you in such position as you may assign not be a war lo'king to the subjugation of the me, and I will do so as faithfully as ever suborpeople of any state in any event. It should not dinate served superior. be at all a war upoenpopulation, but against arm- I may be on the brink of eternity, and as I ed forces and politiqal organizations. Neither hope for forgiveness from my Maker, I have confiscation of property, political executions of written this letter with sincerity towards you, persons, territorial organization of states, or and from love for my country. forcible abolition of slavery should be contem- "Very respectfully, your obedient servant, plated for a moment. In prosecuting the war, "G. B. MCCLELLAN, all private property and unarmed persons "M3ajor General ComCdg. should be strictly protected, subject only to the " His excellency, A. LINCOLN, President." necessity of military operations. All private property taken for military use should be paid I telegraphed the Presidednt on the 11th an or receipted for: pillage and waste should be follows: treated as high crimes: all unneccessary trespass sternly prohibited, and offensive demeanor "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAO, by the military towards citizens promptly re- Berkeley, July 11, 1862-3 p. m. buked. l ill,ary arres's should not be tolerated, * * * * * except in places where active hostilities exist, We are very strong here now so far as defenand oaths not required by enactments con- sive is concerned. Hope you will soon make us stitntiotally made, silhuld be neither demanded strong enough to advance and try it again. All nor received. Military government should be in fine spirits. confint d to the preservation tf public order and' G. B. MCCLELLAN. the protection of political rights. Military "'lMajor General porer should not be allowed to interfere with "A. LINCOLN, President." the relations of servitude, eirher by supporting or impliring the authority of the master, except These telegrams were sent on the 12th, 17thL for repressing disorder, as in other cases. and 18th, to his excellency the President: Slaves contraband under the act of Congress. seeking military protec:ion, should receive it. "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, The right of the government to appropriate "Berkele/, July 12, 1862-7.15 a. m. permanently to its own service, claims to slave "Hill and Longstreet crossed into New Kent labor, should be asserted, and the right of the county via Long bridge. I am still ignorant owner to compensation therefor should be re- what road they afterwards took, but will know cognized. shortly. This principle might be extended, upon " Nothing else of interest since last despatch, grounds of military necessity and security, to rain ceased and everything quiet. Men resting wrall the slaes wmitin a particular state, thus well, but beginning to be impatient for another working manumission in such state; and in fight. Missouri, perhaps in Western Virginia also, I am more and more convinced that th and possibly even in Maryland. the expediency withdrawn from here; but army ought not to be withdrawn from here; but of such a ineatire is only a question ot time. promptly reinforced and thrown again upon A system of policy thus constitutional and ichmod. If we have a little more than half a conservative, and pervaded by the influences of we have a little ore than half a Christianity andI freedom. would receive the chance we can take it. I dread the effects of christianity aid freedom. would receive the support of almost all truly loyal men, would any retreat on the morale of the men. deeply impress the rebel masses and all foreign. B. MCCLELLAN, nations, and it might be humbly hoped that it "Maor General Com'g. would commend itself to the favor of the L1- " LINCOLN, Preside." mighty. Unless the principles governing the fiutre "HEADQURTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, conduct of our struggle shall be made known "Berkeley, July 18 18f2-8 a m. and approved, tihe effort to obtain requsite forces I have consulted fully with General Burn will he almost hopeless. A declaration of side, and would commend to your favorable conradi al views, especially upon slavery, will rap. sideration the general's plan for bringing (7) idly disintegrate our present armies. seven additional regiments from North Carolina, The policy of the government must be sup- by leaving Newbern to the care of the gun-boats. ported by concentrations of military power. It appears manifestly to be our policy to conThe national forces should not be dispersed in centrate here everything we can possibly spare expeditions, posts of occupation, and numerous from'less important points, to make sure of armies, but should be mainly collected into crushing the enemy at Richmond, which seems REPORT OF GENENRAr GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. ilv to be the most important point in rebeldom. "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOA(O, Nothing should be left to chance here. I would Berkeley, August 2, 1862 —8/a. m. recommend that General Burnside, with all his Firing of night before last killed some ten troops, be ordered to this army, to enable it to men, and wounded about fifteen. No harm of assume the offensive as soon as possible. the slightest consequence done to the shipping, "G. B. MCCLELLAN, although several struck. Sent party across " Major Geneal Gomd'g. river to Cole's house; destroyed and cut down A. LINCOLN, President." the timber; will complete work to-day; and also send party to Coggin's point, which I will "HEADQUARTERS AIRMY OF THE POTOMAC, probably occupy. I will attend to your tele-' Berkeley', July 18, 1862-8'a. m. graph about pressing at once, will send Hooker "No change worth reporting in the state of out. Give me Burnside and I will stir these affairs. Some twenty to twenty-five thousand people up. I need more cavalry, have only of enemy at Petersburg, and others thence thirty-seven hundred for duty in cavalry dito Richmond. Those at Petersburg say they vision; are part of Beauregard's army. New troops "Adjutant general's office forgot to send arriving via Petersburg.. Am anxious to have Sykes's commission as major general, with those determiniation, of government, that no time may of other division commanders. Do me the fabe lost in preparing for it. Hours are very vor to hurry it on. precious now, and perfect unity of action nec-( G. B. MCCLELLAN, essary "GEo.B. MCLELLAN, Major General Commanding. "Gro. B. MCCLeLLAn, " Atjor General Comd'g." "Major General H. W. H]ALLECK, A. LINCOLN, Pr.esident."' " WTashington, D. C.." The following was telegraphed to General Hal- To prevent another demonstration of this leck on the 28th: character, and to secure a debouche on the south side of the James, it became necessary to "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THV POTOMAC, ccupy Coggin's Point, which was done on the " Berkeley, Ju'y 28, 1862-8 a m 3d, and the enemy, as will be seen from the fol"Nothing especially new except corrobora- lowing desp'atch, driven back towards Petertion of reports that reinforcements reaching Rich- burg: mond from south. It is not confirmed that any of Bragg's troops are yet here. Myopinion is'HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, more. and more firm, that here is the defence of Washington, and that I should be at once rein- Berkeley, August 3, 1862-10 p. m. forced by all available troops, to enable me to " Coggin's point was occupied to-day, and advance. Retreat would be disastrous to the timber felled so as to make it quite defensible. army and the cause. I am confident of that. I went over the ground myself, and found that " G. B. MCCLELLAN, Duane had, as usual, selected an admirable po " Major General. sition, which can be intrenched with a small "Mjor General I. W. HALLEamount of labor, so as to make it a formidable "Comd'g G S. Army, l~alhingt. oAnLLE D. tete-de-pont, covering the landing of a large force. I shall begin intrenching it by the laOn the 30th I sent the following to the gen- bor of contrabands to-morrow. The position eral-in-chief: covers the Cole's house, which is directly in front of Westover. We have now a safe de" HEADQUARTERS, ARMY O THE POTOMAC, bouche on the, south bank, and are secure "BEADQARTERl, JRM OP THE 1 OTO AC, against midnight cannonading. A few thousand "' Berkeley, July 30, 1862-7 a. m. more men would place us in condition at least.* * *. *. * * to annoy and disconcert the enemy very much. "I hope that it may soon be decfded what is "I sent Colonel Averill this morning with tobe done by thisarmy; and that the decision three hundred cavalry to examine the country may ble to reinforce it at once. We are losing onsouth side of the James, and try to catch much valuable time, and that at a moment when some cavalry at Sycamore church, which is on energy and decision are sadly needed. the main road from Petersburg to Suffolk, and " G. B. MCCLELLAN, some five miles from Cole's house. "Major General. He found a cavalry force of five hundred M e W. HL, Xand fiftv men, attacked them at once, drove in a" Major. General H. W. HALLECK, their advanced guard to the camp, where he had " Comd'g U. S. Army, Tashington, D. C." a sharp skirmish, and drove them off in disorder. About half an hour after midnight, on the'"He burned their entire camp, with their morning of August 1st, the enemy brought somecommissary and quartermaster's stores, and then light batteries to Coggin's point and the Coles returned and re-crossed the river. He took but house, on the right bank of James river, directly two prisoners, had one man wounded bv a ball, opposite Harrison's landing, and opened a heavy and one by a sabre cut. Captain McIntosh fire upon odr shipping and encampments. It was made a handsome charge. The troops engaged continued rapidly for about thirty minutes, when were of the fifth regulars and the third Pennthey were driven back by the fire of our guns. sylvania cavalry. This affair was reported in the following despatch:' Colonel Averill conducted this affair, as he 92 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. does everything he undertakes, to my entire the 2d of August. He failed to dc so, as the satisfaction. following despatch recites: "G. B. MCCLELLAN,'l Mjor Genercd Commanding. " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "Major General H. W. HALLECK, " Berkeley, Aug. 3, 1862-10.20 p. m. C(omd'g U. S. Army, Washington, D. C." "The movement undertaken up the river last night faiied, on account of the incompetency of On the 1st of August, I received the follow- guides. The proper steps have been taken toing despatches: day to remedy this evil, and I hope to be ready to-morrow night to carry out your suggestions " WCahington, July 30, 1862-8 p.m. as to pressing: at least to accomplish the first "A despatch just received fiom General indispensable step. Pope, says that deserters report that the enemy l G. B. MCCLELLAN, is moving south of James river, and that the.' Maj, Gen. Comdcg. force in Richmond is very small. I suggest that "Maj. Gen. HALLECK, he be pressed in that direction, so as to ascer-' Comdg U. S. Army." tain the facts of the case. "H. W. HALLECK, On the 4th General Hooker was reinforced by " (Mjor General. General Sedgwick's division, and, having ob" Maj. Gen. G. B. MCCLELLAN." tained a knowledge of the roads, he succeeded in turning Malvern hill, and driving the enemy "W Wahington, July 30, 1862-8 p. m. back towards Richmond. "In order to enable you to move in any direction, it is necessary to relieve you of your sick. The surgeon-general has therefore been The following is my report of this affair at the directed to nake arrangements for them at time: Other places, and the quarter-master-general to " Malvern Hill, Aug. 5, 1862-1 p. m. provide transportation. I hope you will send "General Hooker, at 5.30 this morning, attlhen away as quickly as possible, aqd advise me tacked a very considerable force of infantry of their renmoval. and artillery stationed at this place, and carried " H. W. HALLECK, it handsomely, driving the enemy towards New' Mjior General. Market, which is four miles distant, and where "Maj. Gen. G. B. tMCCLELLAN." it is said they have a large force. We have captured }00 prisoners, killed and wounded It is clear that the general-in-chief attached several, with a loss on our part of only three some weight to the report received from Gene- killed and eleven wounded-anmong the latter ral Pope, and I was justified in supposing that two officers. the order in regard to tcn;oving the sick, con- "I shall probably remain here to-night, ready templated an offensive movement, rather than a to act as circumstances may require, after the retr-at, as I hnd no other data than the tele- return of my cavalry reconnoissances. grams just given, fronm which to form an opinion "The mass of the enemy escaped under the as to the intentions of tho government. The cover of a dense fog, but our cavalry are still following telegram strengthened me in that be- in pursuit, and I trust may succeed in capturing lief: many more. " This is a very advantageous position to cover " Washinfton, Jdrln31. 1862-10 a.m. an advance on Richmond, and only 144 miles " General Pope again telegraphs thst the en- distant, and I feel confident that, with reinemv is reported to be evacuA;ting Richnond, forcements, I could march this army there in and falling back on Danville and Lynchburgh. five days. "H. W. HIALLFCK, "I this instant learn that several brigades of " Major General. the enemy are four miles fiom here, on the Raj. Gen. G. B. MCCLELLAN." Quaker rol, and I have taken steps to prepare to meet them. Tn occupying Coggin's point, as already de- "General Hooker's disposeiions were admira crihed. I was influenced by the necessity of pos- ble, and his officers and men displayed their sessing a secure debouche on the south of the usual gallantry. James, in order to enable me to move on the "GEO. B. MCCLELAN, commlunications of Richmond in that direction, "ajor General as well as to prevent a repetition of midnight " Major General H. W. HALLECK, cannonades. " Commanding U. S. Army." To carry out General Halleck's first order of July.3th, it was necessary first to gain posses- On the same day the following telegram was sion of Malvern hlill, which was occupied by the sent: enemy, apparently in some little force, and controlled the direct approach to Richmond. Its " MALVERN H~LL, Aug. 5, 1862-8 p. m. temporary occupation, at least, was equally ne- "Since my last despatch Colonel Averill h:s ccssarv in the event of a movement upon Peters- returned from a reconnoissance in the direction burg, or even the abandonment of the Peninsula. of Savage's station, towards Richmond. He General Hooker, with his own division and encountered the 10th Virginia cavalry near Pleasonton's cavalry, was therefore directed to White ()ak swamp bridge, charged and drove gain possession of Malvern hill on the night of them some distance towards Richmond, captured REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 93 28 men and horses, and killing and wounding and hold the entire position, should the enemy several. attack in large force at daybreak, which there " Our troops have advanced twelve miles in is strong reason to suppose he inLends doing. one direction, and seventeen in another, towards " Should we fight a general battle at MalRichmond, to-day. vern, it will be necessary to abandon the whole " We have secured a strong position at Cog- of our works here, and run the risk of getting gin's poinlt, opposite our quarter-master's depot, back here. which will effectually prevent the rebels from Under advices I have received from Washusing artillery hereafter against our camps. ington, I think it necessary for you to abandon 4" learn this evening that there is a force of the position to-night, getting everything away 20,000 men about six miles back from this point, before daylight. on the south bank of the river, what their object' I'lease leave cavalry pickets at Malvern, is I do not know, but will keep a sharp look out with ordcrs to destroy the Turkey creek bridge on their movements. when they are forced back. "I am sending off sick as rapidly as our'"The roads leading into Haxall's from the transports will take them. I am also doing right should be strongly watched, and l1axall's, everything in my power to carry out your orders, at least, held by strong cavalry force and some to push reconnoissances towards the rebel capi- light batteies, as long as posible. tal, and hope soon to find out whether the I leave the manner of the withdrawal enreports regarding the abandonment of that place tirely to your discretion. are true.' "Please signal to the fleet when the withdraw" GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, al is about completed. " B Major. eneral. "Report frequently to these headquarters 4" Major General.. ALLEK, General Sumner was ordered up to support you, " Comrmanding U S. Army." but will halt where this passes him, and will inform you where he is. To the despatch of 1 P. M., August 5, the fol- "GEo. B. MCCLELLAN, lowing answer was received: "Major General "General J. HOOKER, " WASHINGTON, August 6, 1862-3 a. m. "U omd'g ai IMalern hil." "I have no reinforcements to send you. "H. W. IHALLECK, And the following reply was sent to General i" Major General. Halleck: " Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." "' HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTAMAC, And soon after the following: "Berkeley, August 6, 1862-11.80 p. m. " Despatches of to-day received. I have not "WASHINGTON, August 6, 1862. quite four thousand cavalry for duty in cavalry "You will immediately send a regiment of divisions, so that I cannot possibly spare any cavalry and several batteries of artillery to more. I really need many more than I now Burnside's 3ommand at Acquia Creek. It is have, to carry out your instructions. reported that Jackson is moving north with a "The enemy are moving a large force upon very large force. Malvern hill. In view of your despatches, and "H. W. HALLECK, the fact that I cannot place the whole army in " Major General. position before daybreak, I have ordered Hooker " Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." to withdraw during the night, if it is possible. If he cannot do so I nust support him. Until On the 4th I had received General Halleck's this matter is developed, I cannot send any batorder of the 3d (which appears below), direct- terics. 1 hope I can do so to-morrow, if transing me to withdraw the army to Acquia, and on portation is on hand. the same day sent an earnest prote aagainst it. "I will obey the order as soon as circumA few hours before this, Generallooker had stances will permit. My artillery is none too informed me that his cavalry pickets reported numerous now. I have only been able to send large bodies of the enemy advancing and driv- off sonme twelve hundred sick no transportaing them in, and that he would probably be tion. There shall be no delay that I can avoid. attacked at daybreak. Under these circuni- "GEo. B. MCCLELLAN, stances I had determined to support him; but J"Major General Comd'g. as I could inot get the whole army in position "Major General H. W. HALLECK, until the next afternoon, I concluded, upon the " Comd'g U. S. Army." receipt of the above telegram from the generalin-chief, to withdraw General Hooker, that there Five batteries with their horses and equipmight be the least possible delay in conformning ments complete, were embarked on the 7th and to General Halleck's orders I therefore sent 8th. Simultaneously with General Hooker's op to General Hooker the following letter: erations upon Malvern, I despatched a cavalry force under Colonel Averill towards Savage's " EADQUARTERS ARMY OF TllE POTOMAC, station, to ascertain if the enemy were making " Berkeley, August 6, 1862-10 p. m. aniy Ioveiients towards our left flank. IIe fonud "MY DEAR GENERAL,- a reblel cavalry regimenlt near ti e VWhite (.ak "I find-it will not he possible to get the whole I wamp brildge, and coipletely r'outed it, Iursuanny in position before some time to-morrow i ng well towards Savag(e's st;tiol. afternoon, which will be cto late to support you Tleze impoitant prelimlinary operations as 94 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. Listed my preparations for the removal of the without distinctly setting forth my views upon army to Acquia creek, and the sending off our the subject to the authorities, as in the followsick and supplies was pushed both day and night ing telegram: as rapidly as the means for transportation permitted. " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMA.C On the subject of the withdrawal of the army Berkeley, August 3, 1862. from Harrison's landing, the following corres- "1 hear of sea-steamers at Fort Monroe: are pondence passed between the general-in-chief they for removing my sick? If so, to what exand myself while the reconnoissances towards extent am I required to go in sending them Richmond were in progress: o On the 2d of August I received the follow- "There are not many who need go. lag. As I am not in any way informed of the inWASHINGTON 2 1862 3.45 tentions of the government in regard to this ar" WASHINGTON, August 2, 1862 3.45 p. my, I am unable to judge what proportion of You have not answered my telegram [of July the sick should leave here, and must ask for 30, 8 P. M.] about the removal of your sick. specific orders. Remove them as rapidly as possible, and tel- "G. B. MCCLELLAN, egraph me when they will be out of your way. "aor General Comd'g The President wishes an answer as early as possible. " Major General H. W. HALLECK, tIH. XV. HALLECK, "Comd'g U. S. Army Washington." Major General. "Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." If the army was to retreat to Fort Monroe, it was important that it should be unincumbered To which this reply was sent. with any sick, wounded, or other men who might at all interfere with its mobility: but if "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, the object was to operate directly on Richmond Berkeley, August 3, 1862-11 p. m. from the position we then occupied, there were Your telegram (f 2d is received. The an- many cases of slight sickness which would swer [to despatch of July 30] was sent this morn- speedily be cured, and the patients returned to ing. We have about twelve thousand five hun- duty. As the service of every man would be dred sick, of whom perhaps four thousand important in the event of a forward offensive might make easy marches. We have here the movement, I conceived it to be of the utmost means to transport twelve hundred, and will consequence that I should know what was to be embark to-morrow that number of the worst done. It was to ascertain this that I sent the gases. With all the means at the disposal of the despatch of 11 P. M. on the 3d, before receiving medical director, the remainder could be ship- the following telegram: ped in from seven to ten days. It is impossible for me to decide what cases to send off, unless I "WASHINGTON, August 3, 1862 —.45 p. m. know what is to be done with this army.I anxiously to learn the " Were the disastrous measuresof a retreat adopted, all the sick who can not march and result of your forced reconno ssance towards fight should be despatched by water. Should Richmond, and also whether all your sick have the army advance, many of the sick could be of been sent away, and I can get no answer to my service at the depots. If it is to remain here telegram. It is determined to withdraw your any length of time, the question assumes still a army from the eninsula to Acquia creek You different phase. will take immediate measures to effect this, " Until I am informed what is to be done, I covering the movement the best you can. Its cannot act undefstandingly, or for the good of real object and withdrawal should be concealed the service. If I am kept longer in ignorance even fiom your own officers. Your materiel and of what is to be effected, I cannot e expected transportation should be removed first. You to accomplish the object in view. In the mean will assume control of all the means of transportime I will do all in my power to carry out tation witl your reach, and applyto the naval what I conceive to be your wishes. forces for Hl the assistance they can render you. "G. B. MCCLELLAN You will consult freely with the commander of " Major General Com'g. these forces. The entire execution of the movement is left to your discretion and judgement. *Major General H. W. HALLECK. YOU may leave such forces as you may deem' Comd'g U. S. Army, Washington, D. C." proper at Fort Monroe Norfolk and other places which we must occupy. The moment I received the instructions for "I h TALECK removing the sick, I at once gave the necessary C U. Army directions for carrying them out. With the Genel mg S. A y. small amount of transportation at band, the re- Major General GEO. B. MCCLELLAN." moval of the severe cases alone would necessarily take several days, and in the mean time I I proceeded to obey this order with all possidesired information to determine what I should ble rapidity, firmly impressed, however, with the do with others. conviction that the withdrawal of the army of The order required me to send them away the Potomac from Harrison's landing. where its as quickly as possible, and to notify the gen- communications had, by the co-operation of the eral-in-chief when they were removed." gun-boat.*, been rendered perfectly secure,' Previous to the receipt of the despatch of would at that time have the most disastrous cfthe 2d of August, not having been advised of feet upon our cause. I did not, as the com REPORT OF GENIERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLA.W. 95 mander of that army, allow the occasiox to pass ington; it is here. on the banks of the James, what tle armny under my command was expect- that tle fate of the Union should be decided. ed to do, or which way it was to move, if it " Clear in my conviction of right, strong in the moved at all, I sent the following despatch: consciousness that I have ever been and still am " HEADQIUARTEPRS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, actuated solely by love of country, knowing that f uBerkeley, Au gst 4, 1 862-12 m. no ambitious or selfish motives have influenced " Your telegram of last evening is received. me from the commencement of this war, I do now I must eonfess that it has cause e the greatest what I never did in my life before, I intreat that I must confess that it has caused me the greatest pain I ever experienced, for I am convincedths order may be rescinded. that the order to witlhdraw this aiwny to Acquia "If my counsel does not prevail, I will with a sad heart obey your orders to ti e utmost of my creek will prove disastrous to our cause. ad heart obe our ders to e utmost of n " I fear it will be a fatal blow. power, directing to the movement which I "Several days are necessary to complete the clearly forsee will be one of the utmost delicacy and difficulty, whatever skill I may possess. preparations for so important a movement as and dfficulty, whatever skill Imay possess. this; and while they are in progress I beg thatte herslt ma be and may God careful consideration may be given to my state- grant that I am mistke in nly folebodings, I ments. shall at least have the internal satisfaction that "This army is now in excellent discipline andI hae wtten and ken kland have condition. We hold a debouche on both banks sought to do the best in my power to avert diof the James river, so that we are free to act in aster from my country. any direction, and, with the assistance of the G. B. MCCLELLAN, gun-boats, I consider our communications as "l< jor General Comdq. now secure. We are twenty-five miles from Major General H. W. IALLECK, Richmond, and are not likely to meet the enemy jor General ComdV U. S. A. in force sufficient to fight a battle, until we march fifteen to eighteen miles, which brings Soon after sending this telegram, I received us practically within ten miles of Richmond. the following in reply to mine of 11 P. M. of the Our longest line of land transportation would be d fronm this point twenty-five miles; but with the aid of the gun-boats we can supply the army by SNTON Auust 4,62- 45 p. water during its advance, certainly to within "Mytelegram to ou ofyesterday will satisfy twelve miles of Richmond. you in regard to future operations. It was exAt Acquia creek we would be seventy-five pected that you would have sent off your sick miles from Richmliond with land transportation as directed, without waiting to know what were tasoall the way. rtio or would be the intentions of the government "FLom here to Fort Monroe is a march of respecting future movements. The President about seventy miles; for I regard it as imprac-expects that the instruction wh were sent to ticable to withdraw this army and its lateriel^ you yesterday, with his approval, will be carexcept by land. n ried out with all possible do spatch and caution. "' he result of the movement would thus be The quarter-master-general is sending to Fort Monroe all the transportation he can collect. a march of one hundred and forty-five niles to roe a the transpoatn he can collect. reach a point now only twenty-five miles disH. W. Hjor Gene tant, and to deprive ourselves entirely of the ener powerful aid of the gun-boats and water trans- "Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." portation. Add to this the certain demoralization of this army, which would ensue, the terri- To which the following is my reply: bly depressing effect upon the people of the north, and the strong probability that it would "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, influence foreign powers to recognize our ad- "Berkeley, August 5, 1862-7 a. m. versaries, and there appear "to me sufficient "Your telegram of yesterday received and is reasons to make it my imiperative duty to urge, being carried out as promptly as possible. With in the strongest terms afforded by our language, the means at my command no human power that this order may be rescinded, and that, far could have moved the sick in the time you say from recalling this army, it be promptly rein- you expected them to be moved. forced to enable it to resume the offensive. * * * * "It mav be said that there are no reinforce- "G. B. MCCLELLAN, ments available. I point to Burnside's force, to "Major General that of Pope, not necessary to maintain a strict "Major General H. W. HALLECK, defensive in front of Washington and Ilarper's "CGmd'g U. S. Army." Ferry, to those p rtions of the army of the west not required for a strict defensive there. Bere, My efforts for bringing about a change of poldirectly in front of this army, is the heart of icv were unsuccessful, as will be seen from the this rebellion; it is here that all our resources following telegram and letter received by me in should be collected to strike the blow which will reply to mine of 12 M. of the 4th: determine the fate of the nation. All points of secondary importance elsewhere should be "WASHINTON, August 5, 1862-12 m. abandoned, and every available man brought "You cannot regret the order of withdrawal here-a decided victory here, and the military more than I did the necessity of giving it. It strength of the rebellion is crushed-it matters will not be rescinded, and you will be expected not whatpartial reverses we may meet with to execute it with all possible promptness. It elsewhere. Here is the true defence of Wash- is believed that it can be done now without 6 BZREPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. serious danger. This may not be so if, there sition to a new and by no means distant base, should be any delay. will demoralize an army in excellent discipline, I will write you my views more fully by unless the officers themselves assist in that demail. moralization, which I am satisfied they wil not "' H. W. IIALLECK, Your change of front from your extreme right " Matjor General Cotrd'g U.. A. at Hanover Court House to your present posti" Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN.'" tion was over thirty mi es, but I have not heard that it Demoralized your troops, notwithstandThe letter was as follows: ing the severe losses they sustained in effecting it. " tEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, " A new base on the Rappahannock at Fred-' Washinqton, August 6, 1862. ericksburg hrings yol within about sixty miles GENERAL: Your telegram of yesterday was of Richmond, and secures a reinforcement of received this morning, and I immediately tele- forty or fifty thousand fresh and disciplined graphed a brief reply, promising to write you troops. This change with such advanltes, more fully by mail. will, I think, if properly represented to your ar"You, General, certainly could not have my, encourage rather than demoralize your been more pained at receiving my order, than troops. Moreover, you yourself suggested that I was at the necessity of issuing it I was ad- a junction might be effected at Yorktown; but vised by high officers, in whose judgment I had that a flank march across the Isthmus would be great confidence, to make the order immediate- more hazardous t than rrto retire to Fot Monroe. ly on my arrival here, but I determined not to You will remember that Yorktown is two or do so until I could learn your wishes from a three miles further from Richmond than Fredpersonal interview: and even after that inter- ericksburg is. Besides the later is between view I tried every means in my power to avoid Richmond and Washington, and covers Washwithdrawing your army, and delayed my de- ington from an attack by the enemy. cision as long as I dared to delay it. "The political effect of the withdrawal may "I assure you, General, it was not a hasty and at first be unfavora!le; but I think the publio unconsidered act, bilt one that caused me more are beginning to understand its necessity, and anxious thoughts than any other of my life. that they will have much more confidence in a But after full and mature consideration of all united army, than in its separated fragments. the pros and cons, I was reluctantly forced to the " But you will reply, why not reinforce me'conclusion that the order must be issued. here, so that I can strike Richmond from my There was, to my mind, no alternative, present position? To this you said ato tr inter" Allow me to allude to a few of the facts in view, that you required thirty thousand addithe case. You and yolr officers, at our inter- tional troops. I told you that it was impossible view, estimated the enemy's forces in and to give you so many. Yoo fina'ly thought you around Richmond at two hundred thousand would have "some chance" of success with men. Since then, you and others report that twenty thousand. But you afterwards telethey have received and are receiving large re- graphed me that you would require thirty-fiveinfoicements fiom the South. thousand, as the enemy was being largely rein"General Pope's army, now covering Wash- forced. If your estimate of the enemy's strength ington, is only about forty tholtsand. Your ef- was correct, your requisition was perfict'y fective force is only alout ninety thousand. reasonable; but it was utterly impossible to fill You are about thirty miles from Richmond, and it until new troops could be enlisted and organGeneral Pope eighty or ninety, with the enemy ized, which would re(llire several weeks. directly between you, ready to fall with his su- To keep your army in its present position perior numbers upon one or the other, as he until it could be so reinforced, would almost may elect. Neither can reinforce the other in destroy it in that climate. The months of Aucase of such an attack. If General Pope's army gust and September are almost fatal to whites be diminished to reinforce you, Washington, Ma- who live on that part of James river, and even ryland, and Pennsylvania woulld be left uncov- after you receive the reinforcements asked for, ered and exposed. If your foree be reduced to you admitted that you must reduce Fort Darstrengtben Pope, you would be too weak to even ling and the river batteries, before you could hold the position you now occupy, should the advance on Richmond. It is by no meotns cerenemy turn round and attack you in fuill force. tain that the reduction of these fortifications In other words, the old army of the Potomac is would not require considerable time, perhaps as split into two parts, with the entire force of the much as those at Yorktown. Thi.s delay might enemy directly between them. They can not not only be fatal to the health ot your army; be unlied by land without exposing both to de- but in the mean time General Pope's forces struction, and yet they must be united. To would be exposed to the heavy blows of the ensend Pope's forces by water to the Peninsula, emy without the slightest hope of assistance is, under present circumstances, a mi itary im- fiom you. possibility. The only alternative is to.send the " In regard to the demoralizing effect of a forces on the Peninsula to some point by water, withdrawal from the Peninsula to the Rappasay Fredericksburg, where the two armies can hannock, I must remark that a large number be united. of your highest officers, indeed. a majuriy of " Let me allude to some of the objections those whose opinions have been reported to me, which you have urged. You say that the with- are decidedly in favor of the movement. Even diawal froml the present position will cause the; several of those who originally advocated the certain d(lnmraiization of the a my. " which is line of the Peninsula, now advise its abandonnow inl exc:llent discipline a1id c'ndition." I ment. cannot underls!anud why a simple change of po- " I have not inquired, and do not wish to REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CNLELLAN, i know by whose advice, or for what reasons the oners of war; and have only been available ftr army of the Po',n ac was sepalated into two the sick to-day. parts with the el'-iy between them. I must "GEo. B. MCCLELLA.N, take things as I fii, them. 1 tind the forces di- "" lajor eneral vided, and 1 wish to lnite them. Only one "Major General H. W. IHAILECK, feasible plan has been resented for doing this. " Comanding U. S. Army." If you or any one else hlad presented a better plan, I certainly should':ave adopted it. But The report of my chief-quarter-master upon all of your platjs reqtire.einforcements, which the suLject is as follows: it is imlpositsle io ive you. It is very easy to ask f)r reintlorcemIeL_; but it is not so easy to "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, give them when you I ove no disposable troops at OFFICE OF CHIEF QCARTERMASTEKR your cilommanid.' Harrison's Landin, Auyust 7, 1862. " I have written very plainly, as I understand "GENE:RAL: I have the honor to return the the case, and 1 hpe ytou will give me credil e tor papers herewith, which you sent me, with the having fully considered the matter, although followilg remarksI may have arrived at very difftrent conclusions are elbarking five batteties of art;ery from your owtnt. with their hlorses, baggage, etc., which requirtes' Very respectfully, your obedient servant, the (let;iling of lost of our available boat, ex"H. W. HAI.LECK, cept the ferry boats.'"General-in- Chief. Tle niedical department has 16 or 12 of our' Maj. Gen. MCCLELLAN. largest transport vessels, which, if disposable, *t" Comrd'g. &c., Berkeley Va.' could carry 12,)000 men. Besides, there tire sonme heavv draft steamers at Fort Monroe, that On the 7th I received the following telegram: catollt come to this point, but which can carry 8,0 o or (),0()0t infanttry. 4' Wash'n.iulton, Aug. 7, 1862-10 a. m. "I have ordered all up here that can ascend "You wtill immttdia-telv report th nllmber of to this depot. They will be here to-morrow sick sent off' since you receivedl my order; the evelnilng. As it now is, after the'details alreildy ninimer still t be stipped, alnd the anolunt of imade, we calnnot transport from this placelmore ltansllortation at; iourl, disposal; that is, the tha, 56,(100 intfantrv. number lot Arsons that can be carried on all'*There are no transports now available for the vessels which by my order you were author- cavalry. From and after to-morrow, if the -vesized to control. sels arrive, I could transport 10,000 infantry. "H. W. HALLECK, In two or three days, a regiment of cavalry can " t Major General. be sent if required. "If you wait and ship from Yorktown or Fort "Major General GEO. B. MCCLELLANS." Monroe, after the sick and wounded tratnIolrts are at my disposal, we can transport 25,)00 at Ou which I made this reply: a time. The number that can be transported, ".IAU.. A. S _A~ OF THEis contingent on circumstances referred to. "HIHKADUARTERS ARMY OP T-HE POTOMAC, ( Most of the propellers here are laden with'"Auj. 7, 1862-t1.40 p. c. ommissary or other supplies, and most of the In reply to your despatch of 10 A. M. to-day, tugs are necessary to tow off sail craft, also laden I report the nullber of sick sent off since I re- with supplies. ceived your order, as follows: 3.740, inclldingl "I am very respectfully, your most obedient some that are embarked to-night; and will leave servant, to-morrow morning. The number still to be "RUFUS INGALLS, shipped, is as nearly as can be ascertained, Chief Quatermaster.,70(0. - "General R. B. MARCY,?" The embarkation of five batteries of artille- " chief of Stiff. ry, with their horses, wagons, etc., required most of our available boats, except the ferry-boate. On the 9th I received this despatch: All the transports that can ascend to this place, have been ordered up, they will be here to-mor- "WASHINGTON, Aug. 9,1862-12.45 p. m. row evening. Colonel. Ingalls reports to me am of opinio that the enemy aing that there arc no transports now available for enera Ppe and urnhis forces in front of Generals:Popeiand- Burncavalry, and will not be bfor.two or three days. s to crush thent and As so. n...sde, asd they can be obtaied, I sall send e ad t e xpects to crush thems and AS so n as tlh y carl be obtained, I shall send ~off tht! lPt NeW 3k cavralt~y. -move forward tothe Potomac;. You nmust stand off time 1st New Yot-k cavalry. reinforcemnents instantly to Acquia: creek."After the transports with sick and wounded Ceonsiderenig te amnt of tranpqrtation ce have returned, iluding some heavy draft Considering the amounIt of transportation at h*e& -retulrnea:- 4lndudng bme neavy draft steHtmers at rrt M oe ithat canot ome to your disposal, your delay is not satisfactory; st~3hmers a I:Frt Monr, e, that cannot come to tihis point, we can itranspOrt 25,000 men at a you must move with all possible celelrty. "H.W.,:HALLECIK. tiime....W:e have some propellers here, but they..ALL art ladeen with commuissary supplies and are not "Maor General G: B.CLE available. The transports now emploved in. CELL. trans po)rtilg sick lnd wounded will carry 12,000 To which I sent the following reply: well infantry soldiers. Those at Fort Moni-ue, are of too heavy draft to come here, will carry "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoTOMAO 8,)()0 or 10,000 ixnfantry. Several of the-largest'i Beirkeley, A4ug.. 1, 1862-8 a. m. steamers have been used for transporting pris- Telegram of yesterday received. The bat. D7 98 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. teries sent to Burnside, took the last available "WASHINGTON, Aug. 10-12 p.m. transport yesterday morning. Enough have "The enemy is crossing the Rapidan in large since arrived to ship one regiment of cavalry force. They are fighting General Pope to-day; to-day. there must be no further delay in your move" The sick are being embarked as rapidly as ments.'I hat which has already occurred was possible. There has been no unnecessary delay, entirely unexpected, and must be satisfactorily as you assert, not an hour, but everything has explained. Let not a moment's tile be lost, been, and is being pushed as rapidly as possible and telegraph me daily what progress you have to carry out orders. made in executing the order to transfer your " G. B. MCCLELLAN, troops.' Major General Commanding. "H. W. HALLECK " Major General i1. W. HALLECK, " Major General. 4' Commandio U. S. Army." "Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." The following report, made on the same day To which I sent this reply: by the officer then in charge of the transports, exposes the injustice of the remark in the de-' HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, spatch of the general-in-chief, that, "consider-' Berkeleq Aug. 10, 1862-11.30 p. m. ing the amount of transportation at your disposal, "Your despatch of to-day is received. I asyour delay is not satisfactory:" sure you again that there has not been any unnecessary delay in carrying out your orders. "ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE, You are probably laboring under some great "ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, mistake as to the amount of transportation "i Harrison's Landing, Va., Aug. 10, 1862. available here. I have pushed matters to the "Colonel Ingalls being himself ill, has re- utmost in getting off oursick, and the troops yo; quested me to telegraph you concerning the ordered to Burnside. state and capacity of the transports now here. "Colonel Ingalls has more than once informed "On the night of the 8th I despatched eleven the Quartermaster General of the condition of steamers, principally small ones, and six schoon- our water transportation. From the fact that ers, with five batteries of heavy horse artillery, you directed me to keep the order secret, I took none of which have yet returned. it for granted that you would take the steps " Requisition is made this morning for trans- necessary to provide the requisite transportaportation of one thousand cavalry to Acquia tion. A large number of transports for all arms creek. All the schooners that had been char- of service, and for wagons, should at once be tered for carrying horses, have been long since sent to Yorktown and Fort Monroe. I shall be discharged or changed into freight vessels. ready to move the whole army by land, the mo"A large proportionof the steamersnowhere ment the sick are disposed of. You may be are still loaded with stores, or are in the floating sure that not an hour's delay will occur that hospital service, engaged in removing the sick. can be avoided. I fear you do not realize the To transport the one thousand cavalry to-day difficulty of the operation proposed. The regiwill take all the available steamers now here ment of cavalry for Burnside has been in course not engagedin the service of the harbor. These of embarkation to-day and to-night. Ten steamers could take a large number of infantry, steamers were required for the purpose. Twelve but are not well adapted to the carrying of hundred and fifty-eight sick loaded to-day and horses, and much space is thus lost. to-night. Our means exhausted, except one " Several steamers are expected here to-day, vessel returning to Fort Monroe in the morning, and we are unloading schooners rapidly. Most which will take some five hundred cases of of these are not chartered, but are being taken slight sickness. for the service required at same rates of pay "The present moment is probably not the as other chartered schooners. proper one for me to refer to the unnecessa"If you could cause a more speedy return of rily harsh and unjust tone of your telegrams of the steamers sent away from here, it would fa- late. It will, however, make no difference in cilitate matters. my official action. "C. G. SAWTELLE, " G. B. MCCLELLAN, u Capt. and A. Q. M. Comd'g Dept. "Major General Comd'g. "General M. C. MEIGS, "Major General H. W. HALLECK, " Q. M. Gen. U. S. A., Washington." "Comd'g U. S. Army." Our wharf facilities at Harrison's landing On the 11th this reports was made: were very limited, admitting but few vessels at one time. These were continually in use as "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTAO long as there were disposable vessels, and the "Berkeley, Aug. 11, 1862-11.30 p. tm. officers of the medical and quartermaster's de- "The embakation of (850) eight hundred and partments, with all their available forces, were fifty cavalry and (l) one brigade of infantry will incessantly occupied, day and night, in embark- be completed by (2) two o'clock in the morning, ing and sending off the sick men, troops and (500) five hundred sick were embarked to-day; materiel. another vessel arrived to-night, and (600) six Notwithstanding the repeated representations hundred more sick are now being embarked. J I made to the general;in-chief that such were still have some four thousand sick to dispose the facts, on the 10th I received the following: of. You have been grossly misled as to the amount of transportation at my disposal. Ves REPORT OV GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 99 els loaded to their utmost capacity with stores, mediately sent back to you. All vessels in the and others indispensable for service here, have James river and Chesapeake bay were placed been reportd to you as available for carrying at your disposal, and it was supposed that (8) sick and well. I am sending off all that can be eight or (10) ten thousand of your men could be unloaded at Fort Monroe to have them return transported daily. In addition to steamers, here. I repeat that I have lost no time in car- there is a large fleet of sailing vessels which rying out your orders. could be used as transports. The bulk of your G. B. MCCLELLAN, materiel on shore, it was thought, could be sent "Ml(1jor Ceneral Comd'g. to Fort Monroe covered by that part of the "t Major General H. W. HALLECK, army which could not get water transportation. "Coi0 d' U. S. Army." Such were the views of the government here; perhaps we were misinformed as to the facts; On the same day I received the following from if so, the delay could be explained. Nothing the quartermaster in charge of the depot: in my telegram was intentionally harsh or unjust; but the delay was so unexpected, that an exAssISTANT QUARTERMASTER'S OFFICE, planation was required. There has been and is "Army of the Potomac, the most urgent necessity for despatch, and not "Harrison's Landing Va. Aug., 11, 1862. a single moment must be lost in getting addi"CoLCNEL: In reply to the communication tional troops in front of Washington. from Gen. Marcy, which was referred to me by "H. W. HALLECK, you, I have to state that there are now in this "Major General. harbor no disposable transports not already de- Maj. Gen. G. B. MCCLELLAN." tailed either for the use of the hospital departpartment, for the transportation of the N. Y. cavalry, or for the necessary service of the har- I telegraphed the following reply: bor. I think the steamers loading, and to be loaded with cavalry, could take in addition, " HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,. atree thusand infantry; these boats are, however "Berkeley, Aug. 12, 1862-11 p. m. directed to leave as fast as they are loaded; Your dispatch of noon to-day received. It some have already started. The enbarkation is positively the fact that no more men could of this cavalry regiment is going on very slow- have embarked hence than have gone, and that ly, and it is not in my power to hurry the mat- no unnecessary delay has occurred. Before ter, although I have had several agents of the your orders were received, Col. Ingalls directed department, and one commissioned officer at the ll available vessels to come from Monroe. Offwharf, to render all the assistance possible. The cers have been sent to take personal direction. entire army is this morning turning in, to be Have heard nothing here of Burnside's fleet. stored on vessels, knapsacks, officer's baggage, There are some vessels at Monroe, such as Atand other surplus property, and with our limited lantic and Baltic, which draw too much to come wharf facilities, it is impossible, unless the regu- here. Hospital accommodations exhausted this lar issues of forage, &c., are suspended, to avoid side New York. Propose filling Atlantic and great confusion and delay with what is already Baltic with serious cases for New York, and ordered to be done; of course, if any infantry to encamp slight cases for the present at is ordered to embark on these cavalry transports, Monroe. In this way can probably vet off the the confusion and difficulties will be increased. (3400) thirty-four hundred sick still on hand by "I know of no boats that may be expected day after to-morrow night. I am sure that you here to-day, except the' South America' and have been misinformed as to the availability of'Fanny Cadwallader' (a propeller) which were vessels on hand. We cannot use heavyloadordered to be sent back from Fort Monroe. ed supply vessels for troops or animals, and such "The transports with the artillerr left for contitute the nass of those here, which have Acquia Creek on the night of the 8th and the been represented to you as capable of transmorning of the 9th. They were ordered to re- porting this army. I fear you will find very turn immediately. great delay in embarking troops and materiel at "I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Yorktown and Monroe, both from want of ves"C. G. SAWTELLE, sels and of facilities for embarkation. At least "Capt. and A. Q. M. Comd'g Depot. two additional wharves should be built at each U Lieut. Col. RUFUS INGALLS, place. I ordered two at the latter some two 4A.D.C. and Chief Q.M.Army of the Potomac." weeks ago, but you countermanded the order. "I learn that wharf accommodations at AcOn the 12th I received the following: quia are altogether inadequate for landing troops and supplies to any large extent. Not an hour "WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 1862-12 m. should be lost in remedying this. Great delays "The quarter-master-general informs me that will c'l-ie there from shallow water. You will nearly every available steam vessel in the coun- find. vast deficiency, in horse transports; we try is now under your control. To send more had nearly two hundred when we came here, from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York I learn of only twenty provided now; they carry would interfere with the transportation of about fifty horses each. More hospital accorm army supplies, and break up the channels of modations should be provided. We are much travel by which we are to bring forward the new impeded here because our wharves are used troops. Burnside moved nearly thirteen thou- night and day to land current supplies. At sand (13,000) troops to Acquia creek in less Monroe a similar difficulty will occur. With than two (2) days, and his transports were im- all the facilities at Alexandria and Washington, 100 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M' CLELLAN. six weeks about were occupied in embarking' CnRRRY STONE INLET, this arny and its materiel. " A.t. 14, 1862-12.330. m. "Burnside's troops are not a failcr iterion for "Started to Jamestown island to talk with rate of embarkation. All his means were ii youl found cable lbokeit, and came lhere. Please hImd- his outfit specially prepared for the pur- read mv lollg telegram. [Se above despatchl pose, and his men habituated to the movement. I f Aug. 12. 11 P. t.] All quiet at camp. En"There shall be no unnecessary delay, but I emv burned wharves.t Citv point yesterday. can not manufacture vessels. I state these dif- |No' rebel pickets within eight miles of Coggin's ficulties fiom experience, and because it ap- point vesterdtav. Riclhmond'isoners state that pears to me that we have been lately working large force, with guns, left Richmond, nortlh at cross purposes, because you have not been ward, Sunday. properly informrd by those around vou wlho G. B. McCL.LAN, ought to know the inherent difficulties of such,aj(r Geeral. an undertaking. "Major General II. W. lIALLECK, "It is not possible for any one to place this " Washington." armv where you wish it, ready to move, in less than a month. If Washington is in danger now, To which the following reply was receive-.. this armv can scarcely arrive in time to save it; it is in much better position to do so fiom here "WASHINGTON, Auq. 14, 1862-1.40 a. rr than from Acquia. (ur materiel can onlv be I ae red your despatch. There is no saved by using the whole army to cover it if ce o plans. ou will send up your troops we are pressed. If sensibly weakened by de- as rapidly as possible. There is no difficu'.v in tachlmeitts, the result might he the loss of much lanlinL tlel. A.cordiui to your own acoults materiel and many men. I will be at the tele- there is now no difficulty in withdrawil g your graph office to-morrow morning to talk with forces. Do so with all possible rapidilj. yOU. G' G. B. MCCLUELL.AN,.. 1ALLEC? "lMajor General.'l ~eneraL'Major General Ii. W. HALLECK." e.. B. MCCLELL' "'Maj. Gen. G. B. MCICLELLA' To the reasons given in the foregoing des- B I i patch. to show why General Burnsidle's iove- Bf I h tie d r and pl ment from Fort Monroe was not a fair criterio this desatc tle telegraph op.ato in Washfor our operations, the following may be added: irgto'i iifonmied tle that (eneral fialleck had He was not encumbered by eitier sick or ole out of the office immediately after writing wonnded men. this despatch, without leaving any intimation of lie had no cavalry, artillery, wagons or teams.the flct for in or vaiitin for atv furthe infoF His force consisted of infalntry alone, with a fewnlation as to tle objt of nl ourne acros Amnlula:nces alndl officers' ho ss. tlle bay. As there was no possl1ility of other His baggage was already on the transports,comnllllicatiot with him at tht tine, I sent where it had remained since his arrival fromn he fllowilg despatch and returIed to Iarri North Carolina, and his men had only to resume son's Lunding: their places on board. STOE ILE The cavalry and artillery mentioned in my des- " 14, 186-.40 patches of the 7th, 10th and 11th were sent to' 1, a supply his total deficiency in those arnms. Your orders will be obeyed. I return at I may also repeat that the vessels used by once. I had hoped to Lave had a longer atnd General Burnside had not returned from Acquia fuller conversation with you, after travelling so when the army left Htarrison's bar. far for the purpose. It will be seen, from the concliding paragraph "G. B. MCCLELLAX, of the foregoing despatch, that in order to have " Major aenera a more direct, speedy and full explanation o " Major General H. W. IHALLKCK, the condition of affairs in the army than I could i by sending a single despatch by steamer to the Washington, D. C. nearest telegraph office at Jamestown Island, On the 14th and th, and before e had een some seventy miles distant, and waiting ten able to embark all our sick men, two army corps hours for a reply, I proposed to go in person to we pt i i towards Fort Monro. Tis the office. This I did. On my arrival at.lames i t des h town Island there was an interruption in the as reported in the annexed despatch. electric current, which rendered it necessary for "HEADQUARTERS ARMY or TnE POTOVA, me to continue on to Fort Monroe, and cross e, A., 1 the Chesapeake bay to Cherry Stone inlet, on Berkeley, Aug. 16, 18f2-11 p. m. the "Eastern shore," where I arrived late in "Movenent has colnmenced bv land and the evening, and immediately sent the annexed water. All sick will be away to-morrow night, despatches Every thing being done to c-rry out vour'orders. I don't like Jackson's movements, he will sud. " CHIRRI SONE, Auq. 13, 1862-11.80p. m. denlv appear where least expected. Will tele" Please come to office: wish to talk to you. grap fully ad understanIilllv il the morning What news from Pope? ". B. MCCLELLAN, "G. B. MCCLEI.LAN, "M ajor GesLer M Major GenerWal." M ajor General HALLEC., "Major General H. W. HALLECK." "' Washington, D. C." REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MICLELLAN. 1K1 The phrase "movement has commenced," it matters with the utmost rapidity possible. need not be remarked, referred obviously to the I Wagons will move all Iitlht. movem,-nt of the nmain army, after completi~ng "G. B. MCC.LKtAN, the necessary preliminary movements of the Moj'r Ueneral. sick. etc., etc. j "Major General H. W. iHALLKCK, The perversion of the term to whichl the gen- " Washington; D. C." eral-in-chief saw fit to give currency in a letter to the Secretary of war, should hav;. been here After the commencement of the movement it rendered impossible by the despatches wlhich was continued witli tile utmost rapidity, Imail all precede, this of the 14th, which.show that the the troops and nmateriel were eu rmi rt, both by iovement really began ilmmoediately after the land and water, on the morning of the loth. receipt of the or'der of August 4th. Late in the:afternoon of that dav, witen the The progress nmide in tle umovenment on the last nali had disappeared from the de-emited loth was reported in the following despatches: oamps, I followed with imy personal staff in the track of the grand arnv of tlhe Potoniac. bid" HEADQUARTrRS ARMY OF TE: PoToMAC, ding farewell to the scene.still covered witli the " August 15, 1862-12 in. imarks of' its piresenice, and to be forever mem111o" Colonel Ingalls this nmoment reports that rable ill history as the vicinity of its most briL after embarkiug the remaiting brigade of Mc- liant exploits.. Call's division, withl the sick, who are constant- irevious to the departure of the troops I had Iv accumulating, tile transports now disposable directed 3aptian Duane, of thle engineer corps, will all be consumed. to proceed to Barrett's ferry, near tlie Iouth of "Two of my army corps marched last night the Chickahominy, and throw across the river and this morn'ling en route for Yorktown, one at tlat point a pontoon bridge. This was exevia Jones's bridge, and the other via Barrett's cuted promptly and satisfactorily, under the ferry, where we have a pontoon bridge. The cover of gun-boats, and an excellent bridge of other corps will be pushed forward as fast as about 2,00) feet in length was ready fior the the road, are clear, and I hope before to-morrow first arrival of the troops. Tile greater part of morning, to have tile entire armIyI' in motion. the army, with its artillery, wagon ti-ains, &c., " A report has just been received from inmv crossed it rapidly, and in perfect order and pickets that the enemtv in force is advanciig oil safety, so that, on the night of the 17th, every. us friom thei- Chicknhomtoiny, but I do not credit thing wass across the Chickahominy, except the it-shall know soon. Should any more tranas- rear-guard, which crossed early on the morning ports arrive here before tmy departure, and the of the 18th, when the pontoon bridge was ihaenemv do not show such'a force inl our front as mediately removed. to retquire all the troops I have remaining to General Porter's corps, which was the first to insure the safety of the land movement withl its imarch from Ilarrison's landing, had been pushed Immense train, I shall send every man by water forward rapidly, and on the 16th reached Wilthat the transports will carry. liamsburg, where I had directed him to halt "G. B. MCOCLELLAN, ttuntil the entire army was across the Chickahoin" Major lteneral. ivy. _a Major General II. W. HALLECK, On his arrival at Williamshurg, however, he " Commanding U. S. A." received an intercepted letter, which led to the belief that General Pope would have to contend " HBAOCQARTtRs ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, against a very heavy force then in his front. HBerk~eley, Aui. 15. 162-,1.3) pi.m. m General Porter, therefore very properly took the "'The advance cotrps amnd the trains are fairly responsibility of continuing his miarch directly started. I learn nothiing more in relation to re- Ol to Newport News, wIich place lie reachei on ported advance of rebels via.Toners' bridge. tIe morting of the 18th f A orugust, having Shall push the movement as rapidly as possible. ma'rhed his corps sixty niles it tIe slort period ps "G. B. M(cCLELLA,, of~ three days and one tnight, halting one day at M( ajor General. the crossing of the Chickahominy. g Major General H. W. HTAr.LKECU, The embarkation of this corps commenced as "( I'VWashiungton, DC. a" soon as transports were ready, and on the 20tt it had all sailed for Acquia creek. I made thf "HgADQIUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, following report from Barrett's Ferry: B' RPrrPelyv. Autptst 15. 1862-10 p. m. "Coggin's p~tint is rbandoned. The whole of "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIIE POTOMAC, McCall's division, with its artillery. is now en " Barrtt's Ferry. Ch6ickalh niny, rode for Ihirnside. We have not yet transpor-' Au.isl 16, 1862-11 a. m tation sufficient for our sick. I hope we will get "Everything is removed from our c(amp at it to-morrow. Porter is across the Chickahominyv, Harrison's bar-no property nor men left benear its mnout., with his wagons and the reserve hind. The fifth corps is at Williamsburg, with artillerv. all its wagons and the reserve arti!iery. Tlie " Heitzelman at Jones's bridge, with a por- third corps is on the march friom Jones's bridge tiou of his corps. They will all be up by morn- to Williamsburg, via Iiascund nbridge, and has lag. probably passed the l;tter before this hlour. " Averill's cavalry on the other side. All Averill's cavalry watches everything in that diquiet thus far. I ca'nnot get th' last of the rection. wagons as far as Charles City court house before "The mass of the wagons have passed the ponolme time to-morrow aftertnoon. I am hurrying toon bridge here, and are parked on tfhe othel 102 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MICLELLAN. side. Peck's wagons are now crossing; his di- to their conduct at'Yorktown, Williamsburg, vision will soon be over. Headquarters wagons West Point, Hanover Court House, and on the follow Peck's I hope to have everything over Chiikahominy, as well as in regard to the seven to-night, and the bridge removed by daylight. days, and the recent retreat. May be delayed beyond that time. Came here "No one has ever said anything to cheer them to see'Burnside; otherwise should have remain- but myself. Say nothing about me, merely give ed with the rear-guard. Thus far all is quiet, my men and officers credit for what they have and not a shot fired that I know of since we be- done. It will do you much good, and will gan the march. I shall not feel entirely secure strengthen you much with them if you issue a until I have the whole army beyond the Chick- handsome order to them in regard to what they ahominy. I will then begin to forward troops have accomplished. They deserve it. by water as fast as transportation permits. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, "G. B. MCCLELLAN, ".Major GeneraL "Major General. "Major General HALLECK, "Major General H. W. HALLECK, " Comdg U. S. Army, Washington D. C." " Comd'g U. S. Army, "Washington, D. CA." As no reply was received to this communicaOn the 18th and 19th our march was continued tion, and no order was issued by the general-into Williamsburg and Yorktown, and on the 20th chef I colude that my suggestion did not the remainder of the army was ready to embark meet with his approbation. at Yorktown, Fort Monroe, and Newport News. All the personnel and materiel of the army had been transferred from Harrison's landing to The movement of the main body of the army on hadbeen nferred from Harrisons landing to this march was covered by General Pleasanton, the different points of embarkation in the very with his cavalry and horse-artillery. That of- brief period of five days, without the slightest ficer remained at Haxall's until the army had loss or damage. Porter's corps sailed from passed Charles City Court House, when he grad- Newport News on the 18th and 20th; Heintzelually fell back, picking up the stragglers as he man's corps sailed from Yorktown on the 21st. proceeded, and crossed the bridge over the On that day I received the following telegram Chickahominy after the main body had marched from the general-in-chief: towards Williamsburg. His troops were the last to cross the bridge, and he deserves great credit WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 1862-6 p. m for the manner in which he performed this "Leave such garrisons in Fort Monroe, Yorkduty. General Averill did a similar service in town, &c., as you may deem proper. They will the same satisfactory way, in covering the march be replaced by new troops as rapidly as possible. of the 3d corps. The forces of Burnside and Pope are hard pushAs the campaign on the Peninsula terminated ed, and require aid as rapidly as you can send here, I cannot close this part of my report with- it. Come yourself as soon as you can. By all out giving an expression of my sincere thanks means see that the troops sent have plenty of and gratitude to the officers and men whom I ammunition. We have no time here to supply had the honor to command. them. Moreover they may have to fight as soon From the commencement to the termination as they land. of this most arduous campaign, the army of the "H. W. HALLECK, Totomac always evinced the most perfect subor-" Maj. (en. Commanding U. A, dination, zeal and alacrity in the performance of;' General MCCLELLAN." all the duties required of it. The amount of severe labor accomplished by To which the following are replies: this army in the construction of intrenchments, roads, bridges, &c., was enormous; yet all the "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, work was performed with the most gratifying " Fort Monroe, Aug. 21, 1862-7.30. m. cheerfulness and devotion to the interest of the "Your despatch of 6 P. M. received. Ihave service. not lost an hour in sending troops, nor will I. During the campaign ten severely contested Franklin is here, and I will try to get some of and sanguinary battles had been fought, besides his troops on board to-night. I had already numerous small engagements, in which the ordered all the ammunition forward. I will put troops exhibited the most determined enthusi- headquarters on board ship early to-morrow asm and bravery. Thev submitted to exposure, morning, so that I can leave at a moment's nosickness, and even death without a murmur. tice. I hope that I can get off to-morrow. Indeed, they had become veterans in their Shall I go in person to Acquia, or do you wish countrys cause, and richly deserved the warm to see me first in Washington? If you wish it, commendation of the government. I can probably ship quite an amount of ammo It was in view of these facts that this seemed nition for other troops than this army. to me an appropriate occasion for the general-in- "G. B. MCCLELLAN, chief to give, in general orders, some apprecia- L Major qetl rat tive expression of the services of the army while "Major General HALLECK, upon the Peninsula. Accordingly, on the 18th, " Washington, D. C." I sent him the following despatch: HIEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, " Fort Monroe, Aug. 21, 1862-10.25p. m. "August 18, 1862-11 p. m. "I have ample supplies of ammunition for " Please say a kind word to my army, that I infantry and artillery, and will have it up in sn repeat to them in general orders, in regard time. I can supply any deficiencies that may REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 103 exist in General Pope's army. Quite a number THE CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL POPI. of rifled field-guns are on hand here. The forage is the only question for you to attend to. On that evening I sailed with my staff foi Please have that ready for me at Acquia. I Acquia Creek, where I arrived at daylight on want many more schooners for cavalry horses. the following morning, reporting as follows: They should have water on board when they come here. "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, " If you have leisure, and there is no objec- " Acquia Creek, Aug. 24, 1862. tion, please communicate to me fully the state "I have reached here, and respectfully report of affairs, and your plans. I will then be ena- for orders. bled to arrange details understandingly. "G. B. MCCLELLAN,. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, " Major General " Major General. "Major General HALLECK, W Major General HALLECK, " Commanding U. S. Army." " Washington." I also telegraphed as follows: Immediately on reaching Fort Monroe, I gave directions for strengthening the defences of "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMC, Yorktown, to resist an attack from the direction "Acquia Creek, Aug. 24, 1862-2 p. m of Richmond, and left General Keyes, with his Your telegram received. Morell's scouts corps, to perform the work, and temporarily report Rappahannock station burned and abangarrison the place. doned by Pope, without any notice to Morell or I telegraphed as follows on the 22d: Sykes. This was telegraphed you some hours ago. Reynolds, Reno and Stevens are supposed' HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, to be with Pope, as nothing can be heard of Fort Monroe, Aug. 22, 1862-2.15 p. m. them to-day. Morell and Sykes are near Mor"Despatch of to-day received. Franklin's risville post office, watching the lower fords of corps is embarking as rapidly as possible. Sum- Rappahannock with no troops between them and ner's corps is at Newport News, ready to embark Rappahannock station, which is reported abanas fast as transportation arrives. Keyes is still doned by Pope. Please inform me immediately at Yorktown, putting it in a proper state of de- exactly where Pope is, and what doing; until I fence. I think that all of Franklin's corps will know that I cannot regulate Porter's movements; get off to-day, and hope to commence with he is much exposed now, and decided measures Sumner to-morrow. I shall then push off the should be taken at once. Until I know what cavalry and wagons. my command and position are to be, and whether " G. B. MCCLELLAN, you still intend to place me in the command inMajor General. dicated in your first letter to me, and orally " Major General H. W. HALLECK, through General Burnside at the Chickahominy, Washington, D. C." I cannot decide where I can be of most use. If your determination is unchanged, I ought to go " HEADQUJARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, to Alexandria at once. Please define my poai"Fort Monroe, Aug. 22, 1862-3.40 p. m. tion and duties. "Two good ordnance sergeants are needed ". B. MCCLELLAN immediately at Yorktown and Gloucester. The or ne now defences are arranged and commenced. I l mGenerl H. S HALLCK, recommend that five thousand new troops be Comand. Army ept immediately to garrison York and Glouces- hich I received the follo To which I received the follow'a reply: ter. They should be commanded by an experienced general offcer, who can discipline and "WASHINGTON, August 24, 1862. instruct them. About nine hundred should be artillery. I recommend that a new regiment, "ou ask me for information which I can not whose colonel is an artillery officer, or graduate, give. I do not know either where General Pop. be designated as heavy artillery, and sent there. is, or where the enemy in force is. These re A similar regiment is absolutely necessary here. matters which I have been all day most anxioua "GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, to ascertain. " Major General. H. W. HALLECE, "Major General H. W. HALLECK, " Genera/ln /idf. " Commanding U. S. Army." "Major General MCLELLAN." On the 23d Franklin's corps sailed. I report- On the 26th, I received the following: ed this in the following despatch: "WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 1862-11 a. m. " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "There is reason to believe that the enemy is " Fort Monroe Aug. 23, 1862-1.30 p. m. moving a large force into the Shenandoah val"Franklin's corps has started. I shall start ley. Reconnoissances will soon determine. Genfor Acquia in about half an hour. No trans- eral Heintzelman's corps was ordered to report ports yet for Sumner's corps. to General Pope, and Kearney's will probably "G. B. MCCLELLAN, be sent to-day against the enemy's flank. Don't "Major General. draw any troops down the Rappahannock at preMajor General H. W. HALLECK, sent. We shall probably want them all in the "4ommanding L.. Army." direction of the Shenandoah. Perhaps you had 104 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLFLLAN. better leave General Burnside in charge at! hannock station. Porter at Bealton, Kelly's, Acq(Iia Creek, and coime to Aleaindria, as very' Darnell's, &c. Suniner will collnince reach. great irregularities are reported there.,(General ing Falmntuth to-day. WVilliains's MassachuFranklin's corps will march as soon as it rleceives setts cavalry will be mostl] at Falllouth to-dav. transportation. I loaned ullrnlside lmy personal escort, 1st squad"lI. W. IIALLECK, ron Floutlth regulars, to scout down Rappahan-' General-in-Chief. inock. I have sent for'ouchl's division to come Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." at once. As fast as I gain infortiation I will forward it, although you may alrealdy have it. Ou receipt of this I immediately sailed for " G. B. 1MC'Cl(. LAN, Alexaundria, and reported as follows: ".Ij<' Genecral. " Major General I. W. IIAlLECK, ALEXANDSRIA, Aug. 27, 1862-8 a. mn. lashibngton, D. C." "I arrived here last night, and have taken followig teegrms mn~ts~tiles tI also received the following telegrams: measures to ascertain the state of affairs here, and that proper remedies may bet appliedl. Julst received a rumlor that railway bridge over Bull DisIec Genr, Ar!,s27, 18 2 run w burue las~t night.l "Direct Generallll Case to fitrnishl!v(m alout run was burned last night. five tltousand of the new troops mid.ler his coil" G. B. McCLELLAN, I mand(.' ake entire direction of' the sending' Major General. out ofthe treoops from Alexandria. Determinme "Mjor eneral I..I T qlestions of priority ill tIrans1)otation, and the "Majo*r General II. W. AALLECK,.places tiler shall occupy. Pope's headquarters' Co(rg I S. A.. are lnear WXiarrenton jLuiction, but I ('all not a,certain the present position of Iis troops. "ALEXANDRIA, Auq. 27, 1862-9.40 a. mn.. ". \\HALLCK, "The town is qniet, although quite fall of "G (eneral-in-Chiefj soldiers who are said to be clliefly convalescents. "Major General MCCLELLAN." the affairs of the quarter-master's departmenlt are reported as going on well. It is said lhat the \ASHINGTON, Aqutf 27, 18fi2 Bull rIun brlidge will be repaired bv to-1morrow. "I can get no satisf.ctory information from The diselmbarkattiol of Sumner's corps comnmenc- the froit, either of the enelmy or our troops. ed at Acquia yesterday afternoon. I found that There seemsi to have been great neglect and he could reach Rappahannock station earlier carelessness about Man;assas. Franklin's corps that way than froam n here. should mnarch in that direction as soon as possi" G. B. MCCLELLAN, ble. A competent officer should blI sent out to " BMajor General. take direction of affairs in that vicinity. " Major General H. W. HALLECK, t I. W. HALLXCK, "o Comd'g U. S. A." " Generat-in-Chief. " Major General MCCLELLAN." On the same day I received the following: Upon the receipt of these I immediately sent'"WASHINGTON, Aitqust 27, 1862. the following telegram to GeneralJ ileiutzel"Telegrams from General Porter to General man and Porter: Burnside just reveived, say that Banks is at Favetteville. McDowell, Sigel, and Ricketts ALEXANDRIA,.Augst 27, 1862. near Warrenton, Reno on his right. Porter is "Where are you, and what is state of affairs? niarching on Warrenton Junction to re-infolce What troops in your front, right and left? Pope. Nothing said of fIeintzellan. Porter Sunnier is now landing at Acquia. Where is reports a general battle imniient. Franklin's Pope's left, and what of enemy? Enemy burncorps should move out by forced marches, car- ed Bull run bridge last night with cavalry force. rying three or four days' provisions, and to he "G. B. MCCL.ELLAN, supplied as far as possible by railroad. Perhaps "Major (eneraL. vmu may prefer some other road than to Centre- e Major General HEINTZELMAN. lWarrernto ville. Colonel Htaupt has just telegraphed about "' Major General PORTER, Beldton. senlding out troops. &c. Please see him and " i. S. If these general officers are not at live him your directions. There has been some i the places named, nearest operator will please seriout neglect to guard the railroad, whicli have message forwarded." should be immediately remedied. H. W. HALLECK, I also telegraphed the general-in-chief as " General-in-Chief. follows: " Major General MCCLELLAN." " ALEXANDRIA, August. 27, 1862-10.50 p. m I replied as follows: "I have sent all the information I possess to Burnside, instructing him to look out well for ALEXANDRIA, Auf.p.d 27, 1862-10.20 a. m. his right flink between the R;ippahannock and, "Telegram this moment received. I have Potomac, and to send no trains to Por-er withsent orders to Franklin to prepare to march out an escort. I fear the cavalry who dashed; with his corps at once, and to repair here in at Bull run last night may trouble 3Burniside a person to inform me as to his means of traits- little. I have sent to communicate with Porterportation. Kearney was yesterday at Rappa- and Heintzelmau via Falmouth, and hope to REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. iMCLELLAN. 10' give you some definite information in a few Washington in an efficient condition of defence. hours. I shall land the next cavalry I get bold - have no Ime1.ns of knowing the enemy's force of here, and senl it out to keep open tile coin- tItween l'ope and ourselves. Can Franklin, nmni.At;:on between Pope and Port.,r, also to witliout Iis artillery or cavalry, effect any' useful watch vC''-itv of Maiassas. P'lease send me a purpose in front? Should inot Burlside at once number of cpies of the best maps of pr< sent take steps to evacuate Falmoutlh and Acquia, at field of operati,,is I can use fifty to adva- ithe samw. time covering tile retreat of'any of tage. Pope's troops who may fldlI back in that direc"'. 3G. 3.MCCLELLi, tion:? kIio [not see that we have force -;lough M uijur Geweral-'in haml to form a conniection with Pope, whose "Major General HALLECK, exact position we do not know. Are we safe iu Geneal I~ I. IT AA, ~ nthe direction of the valley? ". C'omd V''y U. S. A." "G. B. MCCLELLAN. " ALXA.NmRiA, August 27, 1862-11.20 a. m. " G Iu ur UeneraL " In view of Burnside's desp.ttch, just receiv-,. Gen. W idiutonE, ed, would it not be advisable to throw ilihe miass of Suinner's corps here, to imove out with Frank- " A, EXANDRIA, Au(. 27, 1862-1.35 p. m. lin to Centreville or vicinity It' a decisive I learn that Taylor's brigaide sent this mornbattle is fought at Warrentonl, a disaster would'ing to Bull run bridge, is either ct to picta leave any troo)s on lower RKappaihaiiiock in a or captured. Tiat tne force against them had dangerous position. They would do better set- man guns, and about five thousand inflntry, revice in front of Washington. ceiviling reinforcements every mnomeirt. Also, "G. B. MCCLELLAN, that iGamllsville is in possession of tile enemy. jor tClneral. P'leaie send somle cavalry out towards Daainea" Major General IIALLECK, ville via Chain bridge, to watch Lewinsville and Washingtuon, D. C." IiDrainlesvillh, and go as far as they can. If you will give lue even one squadron of good cavalry " ALZXANUfA, August 27, 1862-12.5 p. m. here, I will ascertain tie state of tlhe ca.se. I'My aide hats just returned fimun (}emeral tlimnk our policy now is to make tlese works Frankln's camp. Reports that Generals Frank- i perfectly safe, and mobilize a couple of corps as lin, Smith, andl Slcumi are all in Washington. soo as possible; Ibut not to advanlce thlem until lie gave tle order to the next in ra;tk to place' th e y can hve their artillery aid cavalry. I the corps inl readiness to move at ince. I lern lae t for Colol Tyle t la hi.till that heavy firing has been heard this mornig rviell in the work& Is Fort MUarcy securtvil at Centreville, and have sent to ascertain thie id truth. I canl find no cavalry to s.nd (lout on tile ma CCLELLAN. roads. Are the works garrisoined and ready for l "Gen. IALLECLK. defence?'G. B. McCLELLAN, AIEXANDRIA, Aug. 27, 1862 —2.30 p. m. (' Major General. " Sumner has been ordered to send here all "Major General HIALLECK, of his corps that are within resel. Orders have m" lrashiugton'" been sent tattack made by the enemy on the south side of the Potomac. o g go On the third the enemy had disappeared from s M U the front of Washington, and the information.. which I received induced me to believe that heS intended to cross the upper Potomac into Mary- ~ land. This materially changed the aspect of:: affairs and enlarged the sphere of operations,: for, in case of a crossing in force, an active cam-' paign would be necessary to cover Baltimore,, prevent the invasion of Pennsylvania, and clear' lMaryland..2? - o _ _ ^ ^"s I therefore on the 3d ordered the 2d and 12th. | corps to Tenallytown, and the 9th corps to a: 3 ~ point on the 7th street road near Washington,.: and Lent such cavalry as was available to the fords. near Poolsville, to watch and impede the enemy:: in any attempt to cross in that vicinity. 3 o, p gs On the 5th the 2d and 12th corps were moved 0 O 0. to Rockville, and Couch's division (the only, -, one of the 4th corps that had been brought o o " t from the Peninsula) to Offutt's cross roads. * On the 6th the 1st and 9th corps were ordered: to.Leeboro, the 6th corps and Sykes's divisionu, of the 5th corps to Tenallytown..: REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 113 S?? - - X Franklin, moved to Buckeystown via Darnes>" $~ ~ 8 8 8 town, Dawsonville, and Barnville, covering the xB' ^ isj a 1N U'' road from the mouth of the Monocacy to Rocke e:- r" -a| - y ville, and being in a position to connect with ~~ r g|Q 3 m o iand support the centre should it have been nec~ E I o ~ essary (as was supposed) to force the line of the ~;' = ~ * Monocacy. M\ * ~: G~Couch's division moved by the " River road,":.::::*.covering that approach, watching the fords of *' -_ --- -- _ -- ___ _- - the Potomac, and ultimately following and sup-:,,,,. porting the 6th corps. ~ d v v& O m ~~ The following extracts from telegrams receiv-,mo g'r E. ed by me after my departure from Washington; ^ 3 o or D will show how little was known there about the 3 *:~:i: X enemy's movements, and the fears which were:~. * o entertained for the safety of the capital.:~:.; On the 9th of September, General Halleck _____ -- telegraphed me as follows: It g C 6.. " Until we can get better advices about the!f:e P t |,.' numbers of the enemy at Drainesville, I think: E 1 a I:: we must be very cautius about stripping too - * (;R * *.' much the forts on the Virginia side. It may be *'* *'.:: o the enemy's object to draw off the mass of our.....:: forces, and then attempt to attack from the Vir-''.'._ — _- ginia side of the Potomac. Think of this."'* - ~* _ * ***_::: Again on the 11th of September, General Hal4S 8?t?~ i * leck telegraphed me as follows: 0.0 1 > p * " Why nbt order forward Keyes or Sigel? I 2 - s E think the main force of the enemy is in your *: ~ m ":. front; more troops can be spared from here." *..: This despatch, as published by the Commit~:: ~ ^ tee on the Conduct of the War, and furnished....*... by the general-in-chief reads as follows: "Why...-.. —______ ______ not order forward Porter's corps, or Sigel's? el WAg tCa an = ~If the main force of the enemy is in your front, a > o H p g ~ X-..* - 9 more troops can be spared fiom here." 3? beQ spant d ^ou I remark that the original despatch as re~, O..J- 3 i ceived by me from the telegraph operator, is in: ^: I.,." the words quoted above: " I think the main * b Q c ~~ o' * g force of the enemn, &c." *g." g >X.:' In accordance with this suggestion, I asked',, ______ - on the same day, that all the troops that could S Wit???be spared should at once be sent to reinforce C,' ~at* Ci,; Se n me; but none came. _ - ^ L g M A d On the 12th I received the following telegram: *|' t P i t t m from his excellency the President::: a( * *,. X " Governor Curtin telegraphs me:'I have:.:: advices that Jackson is crossing the Potomac at ~g'*': Williamsport, and probably the whole rebel.____ ___ __ - army will be drawn from Maryland.'" The -- - President adds: " Receiving nothing from Har. Pr P I ~.: per's Ferry or Martinsburg to-day, and positive I A g x KS S information from Wheeling, that the line ip cut, go I: ~ ~ ~ ~ corroborates the idea, that the enemy is recroes-. r. I..c' ing the Potomac. Please do not let him get off: P'::.'P.'' without being hurt." I::: O:: On the 13th General Halleck telegraphed s follows: The right wing consisting of the 1st and 9th "Until you know more certainly the enemy's orpe, under the command of Major General force south of the Potomac, you are wrong in Burnside movedon Frederick, the 1st corps via thus uncovering the capital. I am of the opinBrookville, Cooksville and Ridgeville, and the ion that the enemy will send a small column toIth corps via Damascus and New aret wards Pennsylvania to draw your forces in that The 2d and 12th corps, forming the centre, direction, then suddenly move on Washington under the command of General Sumner, moved with the forces south of the Potomac, and those on Frederick; the former via Clarksburg and th the otom and t Urbana, and the 12th corps on a lateral road be- he may cros over." tween Urbana and New Market, thus maintain- Again on the 14th, General Halleck teleing the communication with the right wing, graphed me that "scouts report a large force and covering the direct road from Frederick to still on the Virginia side of the Potomac. If Washington. so, I fear you are exposing your left and rear." The 6th oorps under the command of General Again, as late as the ldth, after we had the 8 114 BRPORT OF GENERAL GEOBGB B. M'CLELLAN. most positive evidence that Lee's entire army with its trains, would have extended about fifty was in front of us, I received the following: miles, and the enemy might have defeated the advance before the rear could have reached the "WAe DEPARTMENT, scene of action. Moreover such a movement "Sept. 16, 1862-12.30 p.m. would have uncovered the communications with "Yours of 7 A. M. is this moment received. Baltimore and Washington on our right, and As you give me no information in regard to the exposed our left and rear. position of your forces, except those at Sharps- I presume it will be admitted by every military burg, of course I cannot advise. I think, how- man that it was necessary to move the army ik ever you will find that the whole force of the such order that it could at any time be concenenemy in your front has crossed the river. I trated for battle, and I am: of opinion that this fear now, more than ever, that they will recross object could not have been accomplished in any at Harper's Ferry or below, and turn your left, other way than the one employed. Any other thus cutting you off from Washington. This disposition of our forces would have subjected has appeared to be a part of their plan, and them to defeat in detached fragments. hence my anxiety on the subject A heavy rain On the 10th of September, I received from my might prevent it. scouts information which rendered it quite pro" H. W. HALLECK, bable that General Lee's army was in the vicinity "General-in-Chief. of Frederick, but whether his intention was to 4' Major General MCCLELLAN." move towards Baltimore or Pennsylvania was not then known. The importance of moving with all due cau- On the 11th I ordered General Burnside to tion, so as not to uncover the national capital, push a strong reconnoissance across the Nationuntil the enemy's position and plans were devel- al road and the Baltimore and Ohio railroad oped, was, I believe, fully appreciated by me; towards New Market, and if he learned that and as my troops extended from the Baltimore the enemy had moved towards Hagerstown, to and Ohio railroad to the Potomac, with the ex- press on rapidly to Frederick, keeping his troops treme left flank moving along that stream, and constantly ready to meet the enemy in force. A with strong,pickets left in rear to watch and corresponding movement of all the troops in the guard all the available fords, I did not regard center and on the left was ordered in the direcmy left or rear as in any degree exposed. But tion of Urbana and Poolesville. i appears from the foregoing telegrams that the On the 12th a portion of the right wing entered general-in-chief was of a different opinion, and Frederick, aftel a brisk skirmish at the outskirts that my movements were, in his judgment, too of the city and in the streets. On the 13th the precipitate, not only for the safety of Washing- main bodies of the right wing and center passed ton, but also for the security of my left and through Frederick. rear. It was soon ascertained that the main body of The precise nature of these daily injunctions the enemy's forces had marched out of the citr against a precipitate advance may now be per- on the two previous days, taking the roads to ceived. The general-in-chief, in his testimony Boonsboro' and Harper's Ferry, thereby rende.before the " Committee on the Conduct of the ing it necessary to force the passes through the War," says: "In respect to General McClellan's Catoctin and South Mountain ridges, and gaia going too fast, or too far from Washington, there possession of Boonsboro' and Rohrersville beforecan be found no such telegram from me to him, any relief conld be extended to Colonel Miles Ihe has mistaken the meaning of the telegrams I at Harper's Ferry. sent him. I telegraphed him that he was going On the 13th, an order fell into ny hands istoo far, not from Washington, but from the sued by General Lee, which fully?discloses his Potomac, leaving General Lee the opportunity plans, and I immediately gave orders for a rapid to come down the Potomac and get between him and vigorous forward movement. atd Washington.;I thought General McClellan The following is a copy of the order referred hbould keep more on the Potomac, and press to: forward his left rather than his right, so as the more readily to relieve Harper's Ferry." " HEADQUARTERS ARMIY OP NORTHIN YIxBImU, As I can find no telegram froml the general- "Sept. 9, 1862., in-chief recommending me to keep my left flank a RD o 191 nearer the Potomac, I am compelled to believeSPECIAL RDE NO..that when he gave:this testimony he had forgot- "The army will resume its march to-morrow, ten the purport of the telegrams above quoted; taking the Hagerstown road. General Jackson's and had also ceased to remember the fact, well command will form the advance,, and, after passknown. to him at the time, that my left, from the ing Middietown, with such portion as he may time. Ileft Washington, always rested on the'select, will take the route towards'Sharpsburg, Potomac, and.that my center was continually in crss he Potomac at the most convenient point,.position to reinforce the left or right as Occasion and by Friday night take possession of the Balmight require. Had I advanced my left flank. timore and Ohio railroad, capture such of the along the,Potomac more rapidly than the other, enemy as may be at Martinsburg, and intercept columns marched upon the roads to the right, I such as may attempt to escape from Harper's should have thrown that flank out of supporting Ferry. distaice of the other troops, and greatly exposed: General Longstreet's command will pursue t' And if I had marched the entire army in one the'same road as, far as Boonsboro', where it wiln coluinn along the barks of the river, instead of: halt with the reserve, supply and baggage trains ipon five different parallel roads, the column, of the army. RB:EPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 11 "General MeLaws, with his own division and from such sources quite superfluous. It is as that of General R. H. Anderson, will follow follows: General Longstreet. On reaching Middletown, " By a reference to the evidence it will be he will take the route to Harper's Ferry, andjby seen that at the very moment Colonel Pord Friday morning possess himself of the Mary- abandoned Maryland heights, his little army land heights, and endeavor to capture the enemy was in reality relieved by General Franklin's at Harper's Ferry and vicinity. and Sumner's corps at Crampton's gap, within " General Walker, with his division, after ac- seven miles of his position. complishing the object in which he is now en- The corps of Generals Franklin and Sumner gaged, will cross the Potomac at Cheek's ford, were a part of the army which I at that time ascend its right bank to Lovettsville, take pos- had the honor to command, and they were actsession of Loudon heights, if practicable, by ing under my orders at Crampton's gap, and Friday morning, Keyes' ford on his left, and the elsewhere, and if, as the commission states, road between the end of the mountain and the Colonel Ford's "little army was in reality rePotomac on his right. He will, as far as practi- lieved" by those officers, it was relieved by cable, co-operate with General McLaws and me. General Jackson, in intercepting the retreat of I had, on the morning of the 10th, sent the the enemy. following despatch in relation to the command "General D. H. Hill's division will form the at Harper's Ferry: rear guard of the army, pursuing the road taken by the main body. The reserve artillery, ord-CAP NEA R8629oC.VI nance, and supply trains, &c., will precede Gen- "Sept. 10, 1862-9.45 p. m. e, and supply t rains, &c., wil. precede Ge Colonel Miles is at or near Harper's Ferry,'General Stuart will detach a squadron of as I understand, with nine thousand troops. "General Stuart will detach a squadron of He can do nothingwhere he is, but could be of cavalry to accompany the commands of Generals great service if ordered to join me. I suggest Longstreet, Jackson and MeLaws, and with the that he be ordered to join me by the most pia main body of the cavalry will cover the route of tat ble router the army, and bring up all stragglers that may G B MCCLELLAN have been left behind. " Major GenerL "The commands of Generals Jackson, Me- " Major General H. W. HALLECK, Laws and Walker, after accomplishing the " VWashington, D. 0." objects for which they have been detached, will join the main body of the army at Boonsboro' To this I received the following reply: or Hagerstown. "Each regiment on the march, will habitually " There is no way for Colonel Miles to join carry its axes in the regimental ordnance wag- you at present, his only chance is to defend his ous, for use of the men at their encampments to works till you can open communication with procure wood, &c. him.' By command of General R. E. LEE. H. W. HALLECK." "R. H, CHILTON, A. A. Qeneral. It seems necessary for a distinct understandMajor General D. H. HILL, ing of this matter, to' state that I was direted Comd'g Division." on the 1th to assume command of the garrison of Harper's Ferry, as soon as I should open:a the report of a military commission, of communication with that place, and that when which: Major General D. Hunter was President, I received this order all communication from whioh i nvened at Washington, for the pur- the direction in which I was approaching was pose.l:investigating the conduct of certain offi- cut off. Up to that time, however, Colonel eras in connection with the surrender of Harp- Miles could, in my judgment, have marched:l* FBerry, I find thq following: his command into Pennsyylvaia, by crossing. The f.commission has remarked'freely on the Potomac at Williamsport'br above, and f,l Colouel Milts, an old officer, who has been opinion was confirmed bythe fact that Co-nel killed in the service, of is country, and it can- Davis marched the cavalry part of:oLCnel iot, froamany motives of delicacy, refrain from Miles' command from H'arper's Ferr nth eensuriAg those in high command, whv.R it 14tb, taking the main roaq to H1agefO, ^-. d thiekaXu.h censure deserved. e encountered no enemy exce-p-^ a. s-al:t.,he. general-in-chief has testified, that picket at the mouth ofthe Antita Ia:er'al XClellan, after having received orders Before I left Washington, a.whe. ther to; eP elthe enemy invading the State of Mary- crtainly could have been -ao enemy o prevent and, marched only six miles per day, on an the withdrawal of the fo em of Colonel Mi2e I average, when pursuing this invading army. recomme.nded to the p-oper aUthrities that e "The general-in-chief also testifies, tht, in garrison of Harpe'! rey sFe o ld bedwithhisOpinion he could, and should have relieved drawn via Hagerstown, to aid in covering the ndipxotected. Harper's Ferry; and in this Cumberland Valley, or at, taking up the opinion the commission fully concur. pontoon bridge and obstracting the railroad I have been greatly surprised that this om- bridge, It should fall back to the Maryland missiony in' its investigations, never caled- poni heigics, and there hold out to thelast In this Bme nor upon any officer of my staff; nor, as fr portion it oughtto havemaintained itself many as I know, upon any officer of the army of the days. Itwas not deemed proper to adopteither Potomac, able to give an intelligent statement of these suggestions, and when the matterwas of the liovements of that army. But another, left t my discretion it was too late for me to do'paagaph in the same report makes WteStimonS anything but endeavor to relieve the ganison. 116 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. I accordingly directed artillery to be fired by it is possible, reoccupy the,, Maryland heights our advance at frequent intervals, as a signal with your whole force. If you can do that, I that relief was at hand. This was done, and, will certainly be able to relieve you. As the as I afterwards learned, the reports of the cn- Catoctin valley is in our possession you can non:were distinctly heard at Harper's Ferry. safely cross the river at Berlin or its vicinity, It was confidently expected that Colonel Miles so far as opposition on this side of the river is would hold out until we had carried the moun- concerned. Hold out to the last. tain passes, and were in condition to send a de- " G. B. MCCLELLAN, taohment to his relief, The left was therefore "Major General Comd'g. ordered to move through Crampton's pass in " Colonel D. S. MILES." front of Burkettsville, while the centre and right marched upon Turner's pass in front of On the previous day I had sent General Middletown. Franklin the following instructions: It may be asked by those who are not ac- quainted with the topography of the country in "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, why Franklin, "CAMP NEAR FREDERICK, instead of marching his colnmn over the cir- "I.September 13, 1862 —6.20 p,. fr cuitous road from Jefferson via Burkettsville "GENERAL: I have now full information as and Brownsville, was not ordered to move to movements and intentions of the enemy. along the direct turnpike to Knoxville, and Jackson has crossed the upper Potomac to capthence up the river to Harper's Ferry. It was ture the garrison at Martinsburg, and cut off for the reason that I had received information Miles's retreat towards the west. A divisionon that the enemy were anticipating our approach the south side of the Potomac was to carry Lpuixr that direction, and had established batteriesf don heights, and cut off his retreat in that di-,on the south side of the Potomac which corn- rection. McLaws, with his own command and manded all the approaches to Knoxville;- more- the division of R. H. Anderson, was to move over, the road from that 4oint winds directly by Boonsboro' and Rohrersville to carry the along the river bank at the foot of a precipitous Maryland heights. Tie signal officers inform mountain, where there was no opportunity of me that he is now in Pleasant valley. The forming in line of battle, and where the enemy firing,shows that Miles still holds put. Longoould have placed batteries on both sides'of the street was to move to Boonsjboro', and there river to enfilade our narrow approaching col- halt with the reserve trains, D. Hi.,Hill to form umnss. The approach through Crampton's the rear guard, Stuart's cavalry to bring up pass, whicd debouches into Pleasant Valley in stragglers, &c. We have cleared out all the rear' of Maryland heights, was the only one cavalry this side the mountains, and north of which offered any reasonable prospect of carry- us. The last I heard from Pleasanton he occuing that formidable position., At the same time pied Middleton after several harp skirmishes. the troops upon the road weie in better relation A division of Burnside's started several hours to the main body of our forces. ago to support him., The whole of Bulnside's On the morning of the 14th a verbal message command, including Hooker's corps, march this reached me from Colonel Miles, which was the evening and early to-morrow morning, followed first authentic intelligence I had received as to by the corps of Sumner'and Banks's and Sykes's the condition of things at Harper's Ferry. The divisions upon Boonsboro', to carry that posi_ miessenger informed me that on thu preceding tion. Couch has been ordered to concentrate iafternoon Maryland heights had`beni aban- his division and join you as rapidly as possible. coned by our troops fater repelling: an attack of Without waiting for the whole of that dvision the rebels, and that Colonel Miles's entire force to join you, you will move at day-bieak in the was concentrated at Harper's Ferry; the Mary- morning by Jeffersori anid Burkett ville upon land, Loudoin, and Bolivar heights having the road to Rohrer'sville; I have reliable inforbeen abandoned by him, and occupied by the mation that the mountain pass.by'thi road is enemy. The.messenger also stated that there practicable for artillery afid wagons:'If'thispass was no apparent rei on for the iabiandonmenit of is not occupied by the enemy in. fbrre, seize it e QMaryland heights, and that Clonel Miles as soon as practicable, and debouC uponv:Rbhi'nstructed him to say, that he could hold out rersville in order to cut off the retreat of bordewith' certainty two days longer. Idirected him stroy McLaw's command. If yeu fifd thispass to make his way back, if possible, with the in- held by the enemy in large force', niale all your formation, that I was approaching rapidly, and dispositions for the attack, and eommence it felt confident I could relievd he place. about half an hour after you hear severe' firing On the samafternoon I wrote the following at the pass on the HagerstTwn pi M, wtherthe letter to C0ol. Mile, and despatched three copies main body will attack. Having: gainedl the by three different eboriers, on different routes. pass, your duty will be first to Cut o'ff, esttoy I did not, however, learn that any of these mben or capture McLaw's commaind, and relieve sU'eceded,' in re oc~igHapr's Fery.. ucceeded in reaching Harper's Ferry.' Colonel Miles. If you effect this you will order 7~ c ~:i ~....:': ~.'~: him to join you atonce with all his disposable' ": M:IDDLETOWN, Sept. 14, 1862. Itroops, first destroying the bridges over!thl PoCoLON EL: The army is being rapidly con- tomac, if not already done- and leavting a sufficenfrated, here. We are now:attacking the ciept garrison to preventthe enemy from;passing pass o:n the Hagerstown road over`he Blue W'Ie ford; you will then return- by Robhrervilreon Ridge. A column is about attacking:fe Bur- tie direct road to Boonsboro' if the maia eolkettsville and Boonsborbo' pass You' may umn ha not succeeded in its attack.'I itJ has count on our making every effort to relieve you; succeeded, take the rOad from Rohrersvill- to you may rely upon my speedily accomplishi:g Sharpsburg and Williamsport, in order-either to that object Hold out to thelastextremit.:f cut off the retreat of Hill and Longstreetito REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. 117 wards the Potomac, or to prevent the repassage my's loss was about the same.''le enemy's of Jackson. My general idea is to cut the ene- position was such that our artillery could not my in two, and beat him in detail. I believe I be used with any effect. have suficiently explained my intentions. I The close of the action found General Frankask of you at this important moment all your lin's advance in Pleasant valley on the night of intellect, and the utmost activity that a general the 14th, within three and a half miles of the can exercise. point on Maryland heights (where he might on f* *' * * * * * the same night, or on the morning of the 15th, "G. B. MCCLELLAN', have formed a junction with the garrison of " Major General. Harper's Ferry, had it not been previously with"Major General W. B. FRANKLIN, drawn from Maryland heights), and within sAi Com7nanding 6th Corps." miles of Harper's Ferry. On the night of the 14th the following desAgain on the 14th I sent him the following: patch was sent to General Franklin: " HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, "BOLIVAR, September 15-1 a. m, Frederick, Sept. 14, 1862-2 p. m. GENERAL: "Your despatch of 12.30 just received. Send * * * * * baok to hurry up Couch. Mass your troops and "The commanding general directs that you carry Burkett.ville at any cost. We shall have occupy with your command the road from strong opposition at both passes. As fast as the Rohrersville to Harper's Ferry, placing a suftroops come up, I will hold a reserve in readi- ficient force at Rohrersville to hold that posiness to support you. If you find the enemy in tion, in case it should be attacked by the enemy very great force at the pass, let me know at from Boonsboro'. Endeavor to open conrauonce, and amuse them as best you can, so as to nication with Colonel Miles at Harper's Ferry, retain them there. In that event I will prob- attacking and destroying such of the enemy as ably throw the mass of the army on the pass in you may find in Pleasant valley. Should you front of here. If I carry that it will clear the succeed in opening communication with Colonel way for you, and you must then follow the ene- Miles, direct him to join you with his whole my as rapidly as possible. command, with all the guhs and public properG. B. MCCLELLAN, ty he can carry with him. The remainder of " Major General Comd'g." the guns will be spiked or destroyed; the rest " Major General FRANKLIN." of the public property will also be destroyed. You will then proceed to Boonsboro'-which General Franklin pushed his corps rapidly place the commanding general intends to attack forward towards Crampton's pass, and at about to-morrow-and join the main body of the army 12 o'clock on the 14th arrived at Burkettsville, at that place. Should you find, however, that immediately in rear of which he found the ene the enemy has retreated from Boonsboro' tomy's infantry posted in force on both sides of wards Sharpsburg, you will endeavor to fall the road, with artillery in strong positions to upon him and cut off his retreat. defend the approaches to the pass. "By command of Major Gen. MCCLELLAn. Slocum's division was formed upon the right "GEORGE D. RUGGLES, of the road leading through the gap, and Smith's " olonel and A. D. G upon the left. A line formed of Bartlett's and " General FRANKLIN." Torberts brigades, supported by Newton, whose activity was conspicuous, advanced steadily On the 15th the following were received from upon the enemy at a charge on the right. The General Franklin: enemy were driven from their position at the base of the mountain, where they were protected "AT THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN IN PLEDby a stone wall, and steadily forced back up the ANT VALLEY, THREE MILES FROM ROHRERSslope until they reached the position of their VILLE, September 15-8.50 a. m. battery on the road, well up the mountain. "GENERAL: My command started at dayHere they made a stand. They were, however, light this morning, and I am waiting to have it driven back, retiring their artillery in echelon, closed up here. General Couch arrived about until, after an action of three hours, the crest 10 o'clock last night. I have ordered one of his was gained, and the enemy hastily fled down brigades and one battery to Rohrersville, or to the mountain on the other side. the strongest point in its vicinity. The enemy On the left of the road Brooke's and Irwin's is drawn up in line of battle about two miles to brigades of Smith's division, formed for the pro- our front-one brigade in sight. As soon as I tection of Slocum's flank, charged up the moun- am sure that Rohrersville is occupied I shall tain in the same steady manner, driving the move forward to attack the enemy. This may enemy before them until the crest was carried. be two hours from now. If Harper's Ferry has Four hundred prisoners from seventeen different fallen-and the cessation of firing makes me fear organizations, seven hundred stand of arms, one that it has-it is my opinion that I should be piece of artillery and three colors, were captured strongly reinforced. by our troops in this brilliant action. It was * * * * conducted by General Franklin in all its details. " W. B. FRANK'LIN, These details are given in the report of General'Major General Comd'g Corps, Franklin, herewith submitted, and due credit;'Major General G. B. McCLELLAN." awarded to the gallant officers and men engaged. The loss in General Franklin's corps was one Sept. 15-11 A. M. hundred and fifteen killed, four hundred and; GENERAL::-I received your despatch by sixteen wo inded, and two missing. The. ene- Capt. O'Keefe. The enemy is in large force in 118 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. my front, in two lines of battle stretching acrss the turnpike at the Mountain House near the the valley, and a large column of artillery and summit of the pass. infantry on the right of the valley, looking to- On the night of the 13th the positions of the wards Harper's Ferry. They outnumber me different corps were as follows: two to one. It of course will not answer to Reno's corps, at Middletown, except Bod pursue the enemy under these circumstances. man's division at Frederick. I shall communicate with Burnside as soon as Hooker's corps, on the Monocacy, two miles possible. In the meantime I shall.wait here from Frederick. until I learn what is the prospect of reinforce- Sumner's corps, near Frederick. meat. I have not the force to justify an attack Banks's corps, near Frederick. on the force I see in front. I have had a very Sykes's division, near Frederick. doee view of it, and its position is very strong. Franklin's corps, at Buckeystown. "Respectfully, Couch's division, at Licksville. " W. B. FRANKLIN, The orders from headquarters, for the march " Major General. on the 14th, were as follows: "Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN, 13th, 11.30 P. M.-Hooker to march at day"c Commanding." light to Middletown. 13th 11.30 P. M. —Sykes to move at 6 A. M., Col. Miles surrendered HarpeJrs Ferry at 8 after Hooker, on the Middletown and HagereA. i. on the 15th, as the cessation of the firing town road. indicated, and Gen. Franklin was ordered to 14th, 1 A. M.-Artillery reserve to follow reimain where he was to watch the large force Sykes closely. in front of him, and protect our left and rear, 13th, 8.45 P. x.-Sumner to move at 7 P. M. until the night of the 16th, when he was or- 14th, 9 A. M.-Sumner ordered to take the dered to join the main body of the army at Shookstown road to Middletown. Keadysville, after sending Couch's division to 13th, 6.45 r. M.-Couch ordered to move to Maryland heights. Jefferson with his whole division. While the events which have just been de- On the 14th General Pleasanton continued scribed were taking place at Crampton's gap, his reconnoissance. Gibson's battery, and afthe troops of the centre and right wing, which terwards Benjamin's battery (of Reno's corps), had united at Frederick on the 13th, were en- were placed on high ground to the left of the gaged in the contest for the possession of Tur- turnpike, and obtained a direct fire on the nner's gap. emy's position in the gap. On the morning of the 13th, Gen. Pleasanton General Cox's division, which had been orwas ordered to send McReynoIds's brigade and dered up to support General Pleasanton, left a ection of artillery in the direction of Gettys- its bivouac near Middletown at 6 A. M. The burg, and Rush's regiment towards Jefferson, first brigade reached the scene of action about to communicate with Franklin, to whom the 9 A. M., and was sent up the old Sharpsburg 6th I. S. cavalry and a section of artillery had road by General Pleasanton, to feel the enemy previously been sent, ahd to proceed with the and ascertain if he held the crest on that side reidfatdffer of the force in the direction of Mid- in strong force. This Was soon found to be the dletown in pursuit of the enemy. case, and General Cox having arrived with the After stirmishing with the enemy all the other brigade, and information having been remorning, and driving them from several strong celved from General Reno that the column potion, he reached Turner's Gap of the South would be supported by the whole corps, the Mtitiltai in the afternoon, and found the en- division was ordered to assault the position. emy in force, and apparently determined to de- TWo 20-pound Parrott8 of Simmons's battery fend tlhe pass, He sent back for infantry to and two sections of McMullin's battery were Gei Burnside, Who had been directed to sup- left in the rear in position near the turnpike, pot -him, and proceeded to make a reconnois- where they did good service during the day an.e of the position. against the enemies batteries in the gap. The South Mountain is at this point about Colonel Scammon's brigade was deployed, thousand feet in height, and its general di- and, well covered by skirmishers, moved up the rebtkii is from northeast to southwest. The slope to the left of the road, with the object of National road from Frederick to Hagerstown turning the enemy's right if possible. It suecr0tse it at nearly right angles through Tur- ceeded in gaining the crest and establishing neSs gap, a depression which is some four hun- itself there in spite of the vigorous resistanoe dred feet in depth. The mountain on the north of the enemy, who was posted behind stone side of the turnpike is divided into two crests walls and in the edges of timber, and the fire or ridges by a narrow valley, which, though of a battery which poured in canister and casedeep at the pass, becomes a slight depression at shot on the regiment on the right of the brigade. about a mile to the north. There are two coun- Colonel Crooke's brigade marched in column, try roads, one to the right of the turnpike, and at supporting distance. A section of McMulthe other to the left, which gives access to the lin's battery, under Lieutenant Croome (killed crests overlooking the main road. The one to while serving one of his guns), was moved up the left, called the "old Sharpsburg road," is with great difficulty, and opened with canister nearly parallel to, and about half a mile dis- at very short range on the enemy's infantry, by tant from the turnpike, until it reaches the crest whom (after having done considerable exeouof the mountain, when it bends off to the left. tion) it was soon silenced and forced to withThe other road, called the "old Hagerstown draw. road," passes up a ravine in the mountain, One regiment of Crooke's brigade was now about a mile from the turnpike, and, bending deployed on Scammon's left, and the other two to the left over and along the first crest, enters in his rear, and they several times entered the REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 119 first line and relieved the regiments in front of der General Rodman's personal supersion on ihomP when hard pressed. A section of Sim- the right. mons's battery was brought up and placed in an My order to move the whole line forward and open space in the woods where it did good take or silence the enemy's batteries in front service during the rest of the day. The enemy was executed with enthusiasm. The enemy several times attempted to retake the crest, ad- made a desperate resistance, charging our advancing with boldness, but were each time re- vancing columns with fierceness, but they were pulsed. They then withdrew their battery to everywhere routed, and fled. Our chief lowr a point more to the right, and formed columns fell on Wilcox's division. The enemy's battery on both our flanks. was found to be across a gorge and beyond the It was now about noon, and a lull occurred reach of our infantry, bat its position was made in the contest, which lasted about two hours; untenable, and it was hastily removed and not during which the rest of the corps was coming again put in position near us. But the batteries up. General Wilcox's division was the first to across the gap still kept up a fire of shot and arrive, When he reached the base of the moun- shell. tain, General Cox advised him to consult Gen- General Wilcox praises very highly the eon eral Pleasanton as to a position. The latter in- duct of the 17th Michigan in this advanceedicated that on the right, afterwards taken up regiment which had been organized scarcely a by General Hooker. General Wilcox was in month, but which charged the advancing enemy the act of moving to occupy this ground when in a manner worthy of veteran troops; andl he received an order from General Reno to that of the 45th Pennsylvania, which bravely move up the old Sharpsburg road and take a met them in front. position to its right, overlooking the turnpike. Cook's battery now re-opened fire, Sturgiss Two regiments were detached to support Gen- division was moved to the flank of Wilcox's, eral Cox, at his request One section of Cook's occupying the new ground gained on the fur, battery was placed in a position near the turn ther side of the slope, and his artillery opened of the road (on the crest), and opened fire on on the batteries across the gap. The enemy the enemy's batteries across the gap. The di- made an effort to turn our left about dark, but vision was proceeding to deploy to the right of were repulsed by Fairchild's brigade and Clark's the road when the enemy suddenly opened (at battery. 150yards) with a battery which enfiladed the At about 7 o'clock the enemy made another road at that point, drove off Cook's cannoneers effort to regain the lost ground, attacking along with their limbers, and causing a temporary Sturgis's front and part of Co'a. A lively fire panic, in which the guns were nearly lost was kept up until nearly 9 o'clock, several But the 79th New York and 17th Michigan charges being made by the enemy and repulsed promptly rallied, changed front under a heavy with slaughter, and we finally occupied the fire, and moved out to protect the gus, with highest part of the mountain. General Reno whteh Captain Cook had remained. Order wa was killed just before sunset, while making a soon restored, and the division formed in line reconnoissance to the front, and the commaa4 on the right of Cox, and was kept concealed as of the corps devolved upon General Cox. much as possible under the shelter of the hill- In General Reno the nation lost one of its bat side until-the whole line advanced. It was ex- general ofiers He was a skillful soldier, a poed, not only to the fire of the battery in front, brave and honest man. but also to that of the batteries on the 6ther There was no firing after 10 o'clock, and the side of the turnpike, and lost heavily, troops slept on their arlns, ready to renew the Shortly before this time Generals Burnside fight at daylight; but the enemy quietly retired and Reno arrived at the base of the mountain; from our front during the night, abandoning and the former directed the latter to move up their wounded and leaving their dead in large the divisions of Generals Sturgis and Rodman numbers scattered on the field. to the crest held by Cox and Wilcox, and to While these operations were progressig an move upon the enemy's position with his whole the left of the main column, the right, under tfore as soon as he was informed that General General Hooker, was actively engaged. His Hoeoer (who had just been directed to attack corps left the Monocacy early in the morning on the right) was well advanced up the moun- and its advance reached the Catoctin crek tain. General Reno then went to the front about 1 P. M. General Hooker then went f0and assumed the direction of affairs, the posi- ward to examine the ground. tions having been explained to him by Gen At about 1 o'clock General Meade's division eral-Pleasarnto. was ordered to make a diversion in favor of Shortly before this time I arrived at the Reno. The following is the order sent: point occupied by General Burnside, and my " September 14-1 p. m headquarters were located there until the con- " GENIRAL: General Reno requests that a clusion of the action. division of yours may move up on the right General Sturgis had left his camp at 1 P. M., (north) of the main road. General McClellsa and reached the scene of action about 3k desires you to comply with this request, holdp. a.. Clark's battery of his division was sent ing' your whole corps in readiness to support to assist Cox's left, by order of General Reno, the movement and taking charge of it yourand two regiments (2d Maryland and 6th New self. Sumner's and Banks's corps have comHampshire) were detached by General Reno menced arriving. Let General McClellan be and sent forward a short distance on the left of informed as soon as you commence your movethe turnpike. His division was formed in rear ment. of Wilcox's, and Rodman's division was di- "GEo. D. RUGOLBB, vided, Colonel Fairchild's brigade being placed " Colonel,. A. G. & A. D. a. on the extreme left, and Colonel Harland's un- " Maior General HooKER." 120 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MiCLELLAN. Meade's division left Catoctin creek about the enemy on the right, General Hatch's divl2 o'clock, and turned off to the right from sion was engaged in a severe contest for the the main road on the old Hagerstown road to possession of the crest on the left of the ravine. Mount Tabor Church, where Gen. Hooker was, It moved up the mountain in the following orand deployed a short distance in advance, its der: two regimentsof General Patrick's brigade right resting about one and a half miles from the deployed as skirmishers, with the, other two turnpike. The enemy fired a few shots from a regiments of the same brigade supportingthem: battery on the mountain side, but did no con- Colonel Phelps's brigade in line of battalions in siderable damage. Cooper's battery "B,' 1st mass at deploying distance: General DoublePennsylvania artillery, was placed in position day's brigade, in the same order, bringing up on high ground at about 32 o'clock, and fired the rear. The 21st New York having gone at the enemy on the slope, but soon ceased' by straight up the slope, instead of around to the order of Gen. Hooker, and the position of our right, as directed, the 2d United States sharplines prevented any further use of artiller by us shooters was sent out in its place. on this part of the field. The 1stMassachusetts Phelps's and Doubleday's brigades were deCavalry was sent up the valley to the right to ployed in turn as they reached the woods, which observe the movements if any, of the enemy in began about half way up the mountain. Genethat direction, and one regiment of Meade's di- ral Patrick, and his skirmishers, soon drew the vision, posted to watch a road coming in in the fire of the enemy, and found him strongly postsame direction. The other divisions were de- ed behind a fence which bounded the cleared ployed as they came up. General Hatch's, on space on the top of the ridge, having in his the left, and General Ricketts', which arrived front the woods, through which our line was about 5 P. M., in the rear. advancing, and in his rear a cornfield, full of General Gibbon's brigade was detached from rocky ledges, which afforded good cover to fall Hatch's division by General Burnside for the back to if dislodged. purpose of making a demonstration on the ene- Phelps's brigade gallantly advanced under a my's centre up the main road, as soon as the hot fire, to close quarters, and after ten or fifmovements on the right and left had sufficiently teen minutes of heavy firing on both sides, (in progressed. which General Hatch was wounded while urgThe 1st Pennsylvania rifles, of General Sey- ing on his men), the fence was carried by a mour's brigade, were sent forward as skirmish- charge, and our line advanced a few yards beers to feel the enemy, and it was found that he yond it, somewhat sheltered by the slope of the was in force. Meade was then directed to ad- hill. Doubleday's brigade, now under the com — vance his division to the right of the road, so mand of Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman, (Colonel as to outflank them if possible, and then to Wainwright having been wounded), relieved move forward and attck, while Hatch was di- Phelps, and continued firing for an hour and a rected to take, with his division, the crest on half; the enemy behind ledges of rocks some the left of the Hagerstown road, Ricketts's divi- thirty or f.'ty paces in our front, making a, sion being held in reserve. stubborn resistance, and attempting to charge Seymour's brigade was sent up to the top of on the least cessation of our fire. About dusk. the slope on the right of the ravine, through Colonel Christian's brigade, of Ricketts's diviswhich the road runs, and then move along the ion, came up and relieved Doubleday's brigade,. summit parallel to the road, while Col. Galla- which fell back into line behind Phelpsa gher's and Col. Magilton's brigades moved in Christian's brigade continued the action for the same direction along the slope and in the thirty or forty minutes, when the enemy retired,. ravine. The ground was' of the most difficult after having made an attempt to flank us on the character for the movements of troops, the hill- left, which was repulsed by the 7ith New York. side being very steep and rocky, and obstructed and 7th Indiana. by stone walls, fences, and timber. The enemy by stone walls, fences, and timber. The enemy The remaining brigade of Ricketts's division,. was soon encountered, and in a short time the (General Hartsuff's), was moved up in the cen, action became general along the whole front of tre and connected Meade's left with Doublethe division. The line advanced steadily up day's right. We now had possession of thethe mountain side, where the enemy was posted summit of the first ridge, which commanded the behind trees and rocks, from which he was summit of the first ridgewhich commandedthe beg r adually dislodged. During this advance turnpike on both sides of the mountain, and the gradually dislodged. During this advance troops were ordered to hold their positions un — Colonel Gallagher, commanding 3d brigade, troops were ordered to hold their positions un was severely wounded, and the command de- til further orders, and slept on their arm. volved upon Lieutenant Colonel Robert Ander- Late in the afternoon, General Gibbon with his son. brigade, and one section of Gibbon's battery, General Meade, having reason to believe that (B, 4th U. S. artillery), ws ordered to move up the enemy were attempting to outflank him on the main road on the enemy's centre. He adhis right, applied to Gen. Hooker for reinforce- vanced a regiment on each side of the road, ments. General Duryea's brigade, of Ricketts's preceded by skirmishers, and followed by the division, was ordered up, but it did not arrive other two regiments in double column; the aruntil the close of the action. It was advanced tillery noving on the road until within range of on Seymour's left, but only one regiment could the enemy's guns, which were firing on the colopen fire-before the enemy retired, and dark- nmn from the gorge. The brigade advanced ness intervened. General Meade speaks highly steadily, driving the enemy before it from his of General Seymour's skill in handling his bri- positions in the woods and behind stone walls, gade on the extreme right, securing by his until it reached a point well up towards the top manoeuvres the great object of the movement, of the pass; when the enemy, having been reinthe'outflanking of the enemy. forced by three regiments, opened a heavy fire While General Meade was gallantly driving on the front, and on both flanks. The fight corn REPOBT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 12 tin ed until 9 o'clock, the enemy being entirely cupy Rohrersville by a detachment, and endearepuled; and the brigade after having suf- vor to relieve Harper's Ferry. fered severely, and having expended all its Generals Burnside and Porter, upon reaching ammunition, including even the cartridges of the road from Boonsboro to Rohrersville, were the dead and wounded, continued to hold the to reinforce Franklin or to move on Sharpsground it had so gallantly won until twelve burg, according to circumstances. o'clock, when it was relieved by General Gor- Franklin moved towards. Brownsville, and manWa brigade, of Sedgwick's division, Sumner's found there a force of the enemy much superior corps, (except the 6th Wisconsin, which remain- in numbers to his own, drawn up in a strong poed on the field all night). General Gibbon, in sition to receive him. this 4elicate movement, handled his brigade At this time the cessation of firing at Harper's with asmuch precision and coolness as if upon Ferry indicated the surrender of that place. parade, and the bravery of his troops could not The cavalry overtook th9 enemy's cavalry in be exrplded. Boonsboro, made a dashing charge, killing and T]e 2d corps, (Sumner's), and the,12th'corps, wounding a number, and capturing 250 prison(WJija s's), reached their final positions shortl ers and two guns. after dark. General Richardson's division was General Richardson's division of the 2d corps, plaed4 near Mount Taber church, in a position pressing the rear guard of the enemy with vigor, to support our right if necessary; the 12th passed Boonsboro and.Keadysville, and came corps, and Sedgwick's division bivouacked upon the main body of the enemy, occupying in around Bolivar, in a position to support our cen- large force a strong position a few miles beyond tre and left. the latter place. General Sykes's division of regulars, ahd the It had been hoped to engage the enemy on artillery reserve, halted for the night at Middle- the 15th, accordingly instructions were given town, so that, on the night of the 14th, the that if the enemy were overtaken on the march, whole army was massed in the vicinity of the they should be attacked at once; if found in field of battle, in readines to renew the action heavy force and in position, the corps in adthe next day, or to move in pursuit of the ene- vance should Be placed in position for attack my. At daylight our skirmishers were advanced and await my arrival. On reaching the advance and it was found that he had! retreated dur- position of our troops, I found but two divising the night, leaving his dead on the field, ions, Richardson's and Sykes's in position, the and his wounded uncared for. About fifteen other troops were halted in the road, the head hundred prisoners were taken by us during the of the column some distance in rear of Richbattle, and the loss of the enemy in killed, was ardson. much greater than our own, and probably also The enemy occupied a strong position on the in wounded. It is believed that the force op- heights, on the west side of Antietam creek, posed to us at Turner's gap, consisted of D. H. displaying a large force of infantry and cavalry, Hill'P corps, (15,500), and a part, if not the with numerous batteries of artillery, which whole of Longstreet's, and perhaps a portion of opened on our columns as they appearedin Jackson's; probably some 30,000 in all. We sight on the Keadysville and Sharpsburg turnwent into action with about 30,000 men, and pike, which fire was returned by Captain Tidour losses amounted to 1,568, aggregate; (312 ball's light battery, 2d United States artillery, killed, 1,284 wounded, 22 missing). and Pettit's battery, 1st New York artillery. On the next day I had the honor to receive The division of General Richardson, following the following very kind despatch from his ex- close on the heels of the retreating foe, halted.ellency the President: and deployed near Antietam river, on the right of the Sharpsburg road. General Sykes, lead-' WAR DEPARTMENT, ing on the division of regulars on the old Sharps-' Washington, Sept. 15, 1862-2.45 p.m. burg road, came up and deployed to the left of "'Your despatch of to-day received. God General Richardson, on the left of the road. bleo you, and all with you. Destroy the rebel Antietam creek, in this vicinity, is crossed by army if possible. four stone bridges, the upper one on the Kea" A. LINCOLN. dysville and Williamsport road; the second "Major General MCCLELLAN." at the Keadyville and Sharpsburg turnpike, some two and a half miles below; the third about a mile ANTIETAM. below the second, on the Rohrersville and On the night of the battle of South Mountain, Sharpsburg road; and the fourth near the orders were given to the corps commanders to mouth of Antietam creek, on the road leading press forward their pickets at early dawn. from Harper's Ferry to Sharpsburg, some three This advance revealed the fact that the enemy miles below the third. The stream is sluggish, had left his positions, and an immediae pursuit with few and difficult fords. was ordered; the cavalry under General Pleasan- After a rapid examination of the position, I ton, and4he three corps under Generals Sumner, found that it was too late to attack that day, Hooker, and Mansfield, (the latter of whom had and at once directed the placing of the batterarrived that morning and assumed command of ies in position in the centre, and indicated the the 12th [Williams's] corps), by the national bivouacs for the different corps, massing them turnpike and Boonsboro; the corps of Generals near and on both sides of the Sharpsburg turnBurnside and Porter (the latter command at pike. The corps were not all in their positions that time consisted of but one weak division, until the next morning after sunrise. Sykes's) by the old Sharpsburg road; and Gen- On the morning of the 16th it was discovered eral Franklin to move into Pleasant valley, oc- that the enemy had changdd the position of his 122 RBxPORT OF G SNERAL' G)OR4G B. M1CLELtAWX. batteries. The masses of his troops were, hew- bore, and General numphrey' division of new ever, still concealed behind the opposite troops, en route for Frederick, Md. About d heights. Their left and centre were upon and light on the 16th the enemy opened a heavy fiei* in front of the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown of artillery on out guns in position, which w, turnpike, hidden by woods and irregularities of promptly returned, their fie was silenced fbr the ground; their extreme left resting upon a the time, but was frequently renewed during he wooded eminence near the cross roads to the day. In-the heavy fiHng ofrthe morning, Maj north of J. Miller's farm, their left resting upon Arndt, commanding 1st battalion 1st New the Potomac. Their line extended south, the York artillery, was mortally wounded, while d4right resting upon the hills to the south of recting the operation of his batteries. Sharpsturg, near Snaveley's farm. It was afternoon before I could move the The bridge over the Antietam, decribed as troops to their positions for attack, being cotNo. 8, near this point, was strongly covered by pelled to spend the morning in reconnoiertlg riflemen, protected by rifle-pits, ptone fences, the new position taken up by the enemy, exa&c., and enfiladed by artillery. The ground in iningi the ground, finding fords and dlearti front of this line consisted of undlating hills, their approaches, and hurrying up the amF-' their crests in turn commanded by othert in tion and supply trains, which bud bbeen dlretheir rear. On all favorable points the enemy's by the rapid march of the troops over the ftIs artillery was posted, and their reserves hidden practicable approaches from Frederick, TimEe from view by the hills on which their line of had been crowded by the masses of infantrl battle was formed, could maneuvre unobserved cavalry, and artillery, pressing on with theq hop by our army, and from the shortness of' their of overtaking the enemy before he could ftt line, could rapidly reinforce any point threat- to resist an attack; many of the troops wer' ened by our attack. Their position, stretchitg out of rations on the previous day, and a good across the angle formed by the Potomac anh deal of their ammunition had been expended tt Antietam, their flanks and rear protected by the severe action of the 14th. these streams, was one of the strongest to be My plan for the impending general e - found in this region of country, which is well mentwato attack the enemy's left witt e adapted to defensive warfare. corps of Hooker and Mansfield, supported by: On the right near KeadySvile, on both sids Sumner's, and if necessary, Franklin's and a. of the Sharpsburg turnpike were Sumners and soon a matters looked favorably there, to movt Hookers corps In advance, on the right of te the corps of General Burnside against the eneturnpike, and near the Antietam river,'General my's extreme right, upon the ridges running. to Richardson's division of General fSumner's corpd the south and rear of Sharpsburg, and haji*a was posted. General Sykes's diviyson of'Gn- carried their position to press aloag the cre4 eral iorter'e corps was on the left' of the Xtu towrtard our right, and whenever either of toeh pike, and in line with Genieral RichardBmt, pro. flak movements should be successful to *4d tecting the bridge, dN. 2, over the Antetam. vace our ceutte with all their forces then die The left of the line, opposite to, and some'di- pdsable. tance. from bridge No. 8, wusocupied byOe bout 2, Geeral Hooker, wit. eral Burnside's corps. Before giving o, cAbou t 2 g. of General Riookers, wieth d corps, consisting-of Generalh Riekett's, Mva #s, Hooker his orders'to make the moveent which and Doubleday's divisions wa ordered to cem will presentlybe- described, I rode tothe left the ntietamt ao ford, and at bridge No. 1, the lihe to satisfy myself that the' troops e short dietance above, to attackk,and if podssgil prosterly posted there to secure our leftlKurn the enemys left. General Sumner wo r turn the enemy's left. General Sumner WA froni any attack made along the left bank of dered to cross the corps of General Mansfield the Aitietam, as well as to enable us to carry the 12th) during the night, and hold his own bridge No. S. (the 2d) corps ready to cross early the next I found it necessary to make considerable morning. On reaching the vicinity of the!ev ehanges in the position of General Birnside's my's left, a sharp contest commenoed: witlh.t corps, and directed him to advance to a strong Pennsylvania reserves, the advaLce of Gebelposition in the immediate vicinity of the bridge, Hooker's corps, near the house of Dr. Miller. and to reconnoitre the approaches to the bridge The enemy was driven from the strip of woois carefully. where he was first met. The firing lasted In rear of Generals Sumners and Hooker's until dark, when General Hooker's corps rested corps, near Keadysville, General Mansfield's on their arms, on ground won from the enemy, corps was massed; the cavalry on the turnpike During the night General Mansfield's corpl in rear of Keadysville. On the ridge of the consisting of Generals Williams's and Green' first line of hills overlooking the Antietam, and divisions, crossed the Antietam at the same ford between the turnpike and Fry's house, on and bridge that General Hooker's corps had the right of the road, were placed Captains passed, and bivouacked on the farm of J. PofTaft's, Langner's, Von Kleizer's, and Lieutenant fenberger, about a mile in rear of General HookWeaver's batteries of 20-pounder Parrott guns. er's position. At daylight, on the 17th,the aeOn the crest of the hill, in the rear and right of tion was commenced by the skirmisher's of the bridge No. 3, Captain Weed's 3.inch and Lieu- Pennsylvania reserves. The whole of General tenant Benjamin's 20-pounder batteries. Gen- Hooker's corps was soon engaged, and drove the oral Franklin's corps, and General Couch's di- enemy from the open field in front of the first vision held a position in Pleasant valley, in front line of woods, into a second line of woods beof Brownsville, with a strong force of the ene- yond, which runs to the eastward of and nearly my in their front. General Morell's division of parallel to the Sharpsburg and Hagerstown trOGeneral Porter's corps was en route for Boons- pike. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M' CLELLAN. 123 This contest was obstinate, and as the troops halted, faced to the front, and established by advanced, the opposition became more deter- General Sumner in three parallel lines by brimined, and the numbers of the enemy greater. gade, facing towards the south and west; Gene6eneral Hooker then ordered up the corps of ral Gorman's brigade in front, General Dana's Geileral Mansfield, which moved promptly to- second and General Howard's third, with a diswalds the scene of action. The first division, tance between the lines of some seventy paces. General Williams, was deployed to the right on The division was then put in motion, and approaching the enemy; General Crawford's moved upon the field of battle under fire from brigade on- the right, its right resting on the the enemy's concealed batteries on the hill beHagerstown turnpike, on his left General Gor- yond the woods, passing diagonally to the front don's'brigade. The 2d division, General Green's, across the open space, and to the front of the joining the lefs of Gordon's, extended as far as 1st division of General Williams's corps this the burnt buildings on the north and east of the latter division withdrew. white church on the turnpike. During the de- Entering the woods on the west of the turmplo7ment, that gallant veteran, General Mans. pike, and driving the enemy before them, tie leld, fell mortally:wounded while examining the first line was met by a heavy fire of musketry grouidd-in front of his troops. General Hart- and shell from the enemy's breastworks and the sufi, of Hooker's corps, was severely wounded batteries on the hill commanding the exit from while bravely pressing forward his troops, and the woods. Meantime a heavy column of the was:taken from the field. enemy had succeeded in crowding back the The command of the 12th corps fell upon troops of General Green's division, and appeared feneral Williams. Five regiments of the first in rear of the left of Sedgwick's division. By ilvision of this corps were new troops. One command of General Sumner, General Howardi brigade of the second division was sent to sup- faced the third line to the rear, preparatory to port General Doubleday's. The 124th Pennsyl- a change of front, to meet the column anvanevauia volunteers were pushed across the turn- ing on the left, but this line now suffering from pike into the woods beyond J. Miller's house, a destructive fire both in front and on its left -with orders to hold the position as long as pos- which it was unable to return, gave way towards Sible. the right and rear in considerable confusion The line of battle of this corps was formed, and was soon followed by the first and secon and it became engaged about seven A. M., the lines. attack being opened by Knapp's Pennsylvania, General Gorman's brigade, and one regiment Oothran's New York, and Hampton's Pittsburg of General Dana's, soon rallied and checked batteries. To meet this attack the enemy had the advance of the enemy on the right. The pushed a strong column of troops into the open second and third lines now formed on the left fields in front of the turnpike, while he occu- of- General Gorman's brigade, and poured a depied the woods on the west of the turnpike in structive fire upon the enemy. etrong force. The woods (as was found by sub- During General Sunner'a attack, he ordered sequent observation) were traversed by the out- General Williams to support him. Brigadier cropping ledges of rock. Several hundred General Gordon, with a portion of his brigade, yards to the right and rear was a line which moved forward, but when be reached the woods commanded the debouche of the woods, and in the left of General Sedgwick's division had the fields between was a long line of stone given way, and finding himself, as the smoke fenoes, continued by breastworks of rails, which cleared up, opposed to the enemy in force, with Povered the enemy's infantry from our musket- his small command he withdrew to the rear of ry. The same woods formed a screen behind the batteries at the second line of woods. As which his movements were concealed, and his General Gordon's troops unmasked our batteries batteries on the hill and the rifle works covered on the left, they opened with canister, the batrom the fire of our artillery in front. teries of Captain Cothran, 1st New York, and For about two hours the battle raged with "I," 1st U. S. Artillery, commanded by LieuTaried success, the enemy endeavoring to drive tenant Woodruff, doing good service. Unable our troops into the second line of wood, and to stand this deadly fire in front and the mtuours in turn to get possession of the line in ketry fire from the right, the enemy agami front. Our troops ultimately succeeded in fore- sought shelter in the woods and rocks beyond iag the enemy back into the woods near the the turnpike. turnpike, General Green, with his two brigades, During this assault Generals Sedgwick and Crossing into the woods to the left of the Dunker Dana were seriously wounded and taken from church. During this conflict, General Craw- the field. General Sedgwick, though twice ford, commanding 1st division after General wounded and faint from loss of blood, retained Williams took command of the corps, was command of his division for more than an hour wounded, and left vthe field. General Green, after his first wound, animating his command by being much exposed and applying for reinforce- his presence. General Howard assumed comments, the 13th New York and 27th Indiana, mand after General Sedgwick retired. and the 3d Maryland were sent to his support, About the time of General Sedgwick's adwith a section of Knapp's battery. vance, General Hooker, while urging on hig At about 9 o'clock A. M., General Sedgwick's command, was seriously wounded in the foot division of General Sumner's corps arrived, and taken from the field. The repulse of the crossing the ford previously mentioned, this enemy offered opportunity to rearrange the division marched in three columns to the sup- lines and reorganize the commands on the nort of the attack on the enemy's left. On right, now more or less in confusion. The batRearing the scene of action the columns were teries of the Pennsylvania reserve, on high 124 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. ground near I. Poffinburger's house, opened fire ford crossed by the other divisions of Sumner's and' checked several attempts of the enemy to corps, it moved on a line nearly parallel to the establish batteries in front of our right, to turn Antietam, and formed in a ravine behind the high that flank and enfilade the lines. grounds overlooking Roulette's house. The 2d While this conflict was so obstinately raging (Irish) brigade, commanded by General Meagher, on fte right, General French was pushing his di- on the right, the 3d brigade, commanded by vision against the enemy still further to the left. General Caldwell, on his left, and the brigade This division crossed the Antietam at the same commanded by Colonel Brooks, 53d Pennsylford as General Sedgwick, and immediately in vania volunteers, in support. As the division his rear. Passing over the stream in three moved forward to take its position on the field, columns, the division marched about a mile the enemy directed a fire of artillery against ik from the ford, then facing to the left, moved in but owing to the irregularities of the ground, three lines towards the enemy, General Max did but little damage. Weber's brigade in front, Colonel Dwight Mor- Meagher's brigade advancing steadily, soon b-. ris's brigade of raw troops, undrilled and moving came engaged with the enemy posted to the left for thi first time under fire, in the second, and and in fornt of Roulette's houew. It continued General KimbalI's brigade in the third. The to advance under a heavy fire nearly to the crest division was first assailed by a fire of artillery, of the hill overlooking Piper's house, the enemy but steadily advanced, driving the enemy's skir- being posted in a continuation of the sunken mishets, and encountered the infantry in some road, and corn-field, before referred to. Heer force at the group of houses on Roulette's farm. the brave Irish brigade opened upon the enemy General Weber's brigade gallantly advanced a terrific musketry fire. All of General Sumwit4 an unwavering front, and drove the enemy ner's corps was now engaged, General 4,dgfrom their position about the houses. wick's on the right, General French in.;the While General Weber was hotly engaged centre, and General Richardson on the lefL with the first line of the enemy, General French The Irish brigade sustained its well-earned reputreceived orders from General Sumner, his oorps tation. After suffering terribly in officers and commander, to push on with renewed vigor to men, and strewing the ground with their enemake a diversion in favor of the attack on the mies as they drove them back, their ammuni. right. Leaving the new troops, who had been tion nearly expended, and their commander, thrown into some confusion from their march General Meagher, disabled by the fall of his. through cornfields, over fences, &c., to form as horse, shot under him, this brigade was ordered a reserve, he ordered the brigade of General to give place to General Caldwell's brigade, Kimball to the front, passing to the left of Gen- which advanced to a short distance in its rear. eral Weber. The enemy was pressed back The lines were passed by the Irish brigade, to near the crest of the hill, where he was en- breaking by company to the rear, and General countered in great strength, posted in a sunken Caldwell's by company to the front, as steadily road running in a northwesterly direction and as on drill. Colonel Brooks's brigade now beformig a natural rifle-pit. In a corn field in came the second line. rear of this road were also strong bodies of the The ground over which General Richardsonrs enemy. As the line reached the crest of the and French's divisions were fighting was.very hill; galling fire was opened on it from the irregular, intersected by numerous ravines, hills sunFn road and oorn field. Here a terrific fire covered with growing corn, enclosed by stone of musketry burst from both lines, and the battle walls, behind which the enemy could advance raged along the whole line with great slaughter. unobserved upon any exposed point of our lines The enemy attempted to turn the left of the Taking advantage of this, the enemy attempted line, but were met by the 7th Virginia and 132d to gain the right of Richardson's position in a Pennsylvania volunteers, and repulsed. corn-field, near Roulette's house, where the diviFoiled in this, the enemy made a determined sion had become separated from that of General assault on the front, but was met by a charge French. A change of front by the 62d New from our lines, which drove him aback with York and 2d Delaware volunteers, of Colonel severe loss, leaving in our hands some three Brooks's brigade, under Colonel Frank, and the hundred prisoners, and several stands of colors. attack made by the 53d Pennsylvania volunteers, The enemy having been repulsed by the terrible sent further to right by Colonel Brooks to close execution of the batteries and the musketry this gap in the line, and the movement of the fire on the extreme right, now attempted to 132d Pennsylvania and 7th Virginia volunteers, assist the attack on General French's division, of General French's division, before referred to, by assailing him on his right, and endeavoring drove the enemy from the corn-field, and to turn his flank, but this attack was met and restored the line. ihecked by the 14th Indiana and 8th Ohio volun- The brigade of General Caldwell, with deteers, and by canister from Captain Tompkins's termined gallantry, pushed the enemy back opbattery, 1st Rhode Island artillery. Having posite the left and centre of this division, biu been under an almost continuous fire for nearly sheltered in the sunken road they still held ou four hours, and their ammunition being nearly forces on the right of Caldwell in check. Cola exhausted, this division tow took positron im- nel Barlow, commanding the 61st and 64th Nem mediately below the crest of the heights on York regiments, of Caldwell's brigade, seeing a which they had so gallantly fought, the enemy favorable opportunity, advanced these regiments making no attempt to regain their lost ground. on the left, taking the line on the sunken road On the left of General French, General Rich- in flank, and compelled them to surrender, capardson's division was hotly engaged. Having turing over three hundred prisoners and three crossed the Antietam about 9.30 A.M., at the stands of colors. REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 125 The whole of the brigade, with the 57th and York, having refilled their cartridge boxes, was 66th New York regiments of Colonel Brooks's again ordered forward, and took position in the brigade, who had moved these regiments into centre of the line. The division now occupied the first line, now advanced with gallantry, one line in close proximity to the enemy, who driving the enemy before them in confusion into had taken up a position in the rear of Piper's the-corn-field beyond the sunken road. The left house. of the division was now well advanced, when Colonel Dwight Morris, with the 14th Conthe enemy, concealed by an intervening ridge, necticat and a detachment of the 108th New endeavored to turn its left and rear. Colonel York, of General French's division, was sent Cross, 5th New Hampshire, by a changeoffront by General French to the support of Richardto the left and rear, brought his regiment facing son's division. This command was now placed the advancing line. Here a spirited contest in an interval in the line between General arose to gain a commanding height-the two Caldwell's and the Irish brigade. The requireopposing forces, moving parallel to each other, ments of the extended line of battle had so giving and receiving fire. The 5th, gaining the engaged the artillery that the application advantage, faced to the right and delivered its of General Mancock for artillery for his volley. The enemy staggered, but rallied and division could not be immediately complied advanced desperately at a charge. Being rein- with by the chief of artillery or the corps comforced by the 81st Pennsylvania regiment, these manders in his vicinity. Knowing the tried regiments met the advance by a counter charge. courage of the troops, General Hancock felt The enemy fled, leaving many killed, wounded confident that he could hold his position, aland prisoners and the colors of the 4th North though suffering from the enemy's artillery, but Oarolina in our hands. was too weak to attack, as the great length of Another column of the enemy, advancing un- the line he was obliged to hold prevented him der shelter of a stone wall and corn-field, press- from forming more than one line of battle; and, ed down the right of the division; but Colonel from his advanced position, this line was already Barlow again advanced the 61st and 64th New partly enfiladed by the batteries of the enemy York against these troops, and, with the attack on the right, which were protected from our of Kimball's brigade on the right, drove them batteries opposite them by the woods at the from this position. Dunker church. Our troops on the left of this part of the line Seeing a body of the enemy advancing on having driven the enemy far back, they, with some of our troops to the left of his position, reinforced numbers, made a determined attack General Hancock obtained Hexamer's battery directly in front. To meet this, Colonel Barlow from General Franklin's corps, which assisted brought his two regiments to their position in materially in frustrating this attack. It also line, and drove the enemy through the corn- assisted the attack of the 7th Maine of Frankfield into the orchard beyond, uuder a heavy fire lin's corps, which, without other aid, made of musketry, and a fire of canister from two an attack against the enemy's line and drove in pieces of artillery in the orchard and a battery skirmishers who were annoying our artillery further to the right, throwing shell and oase- and troops on the right. Lieutenant Woodrauff shot. This advance gave us possession of Pi- with battery "'I," 2d United States artillery, reper's house, the strong point contended for by lieved Captain Hexamer, whose ammunition Te enemy at this part of the line, it being a de- was expended. The enemy seemed at one time feasible building, several hundred yards in ad- to be about making an attack in force upon this vance of the sunken road. part of the line, and advanced a long column of The musketry fire at this point of the line infntry towards this division, but, on nearing now ceased. Holding Piper's house, General the position, General Pleasanton opening on Richardson withdrew the line a little way to them with sixteen guns, they halted gave a the rest of a hill, a more advantageous position. desultory fire, and rtreated, closing the opera Up to this time this division was without artil- tions on this portion of the field. lery, and in the new position suffered severely To return to the incidents occurring still rfrom artillery fire, which could not be replied ther to the right to. A section of Robertson's horse battery Betweea 12 and 1 P. m. General ranklin's commanded by Lieutenant Vincent, 2d United corps arrived on the field of battle, having let Sttes artillery, now arrived on the ground and their camp near Crampton's pass at 6 A. M., didexcellent service. Subsequently a battery leaving General Couch with orders to move of bras guns, commanded by Captain Graham, with his division to occupy Maryland heights. let United States artillery, arrived, and was General Smith's division led the column, foposted on the crest of the hill, and soon silencedlowed by General Slocum's. the two guns in the orchard. A heavy fire soon It was first intended to keep this corps in reensued between the battery further to the right serve on the east side of the Antietam, to opeand our own. Captain Graham's battery was rate on either flank or on the centre, as circumbravely and skillfully served, but, unable to stances might require. But, on nearing Keareach the enemy, who had rifled guns of great- dysville, the strong opposition on the right, er range than our smooth bores, retired by or- developed by the attacks of Hooker and Sumner, der of General Richardson, to save it from use- rendered it necessary to send this corps at once less sacrifice of men and horses. The brave to the assistance of the right wing. On nearing general was himself mortally wounded while the field, hearing that one of our batteries personally directing its fire. (" A," 4th United States artillery), commanded General Hancock was placed in command of by Lieutenant Thomas, who occupied the same the division after the fall of General Richard- position as Lieutenant Woodruff's battery in son. General Meagher's brigade, now comn the morning, was hotly engaged, without supmanded by Colonel Burke, of the 63d New ports, General Smith sent two regiments to its 126 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M' CLELLAN. relief from General Hancock's brigade. On in- ing to the right, I found that Sumner's, Hooker's specting the ground, General Smith ordered the and Mansfield's corps had met with serious losses. other regiments of Hancock's brigade, with Several general officers had been carried from Frank's and Cowen's batteries, 1st New York the field severely wounded, and the aspect of artillery, to the threatened position; Lieutenant affairs was anything but promising. At the Thomas and Captain Cothran, commanding bat- risk of greatly exposing our centre, I ordered teries, bravely held their positions against the two brigades from Porter's corps, the only availadvancing enemy, handling their batteries with able troops, to reinforce the right. Six battalskill. ions of Sykes's regulars had been thrown across Finding the enemy still advancing, the 3d the Antietam bridge, on the main road, to atbrigade of Smith's division, commanded by tack and. drive back the enemy's sharpshooters, Colonel Irwin, 49th Pennsylvania volunteers, who were annoying Pleasanton's horse batteries was ordered up, and passing through Lieuten- in advance of the bridge. Warren's brigade of ant Thomas's battery, charged upon the enemy Porter's corps was detached to hold a position and drove back the advance until abreast of the on Burnside's right and rear, so that Porter was Dunker church. As the right of the brigade left at one time with only a portion of Sykes's came opposite the woods, it received a destruc- division, and one small brigade of Morell's ditive fire which checked the advance and threw vision (but little over three thousand men) to the brigade somewhat into confusion. It formed hold his important position. again behind a rise of ground in the open space in advance of the batteries. General French General Sumner expressed the most decided having reported to General Franklin that his opinion against another attempt during that.day ammunition was' nearly expended, that officer to assault the enemy s position in front, as porordered General Brooks, with his brigade, to tions of our troops were so much scattered and reinforce him. General Brooks formed his bri- demoralized. In view of these circumstances, gade on the right of General French, where after making changes in the positions of some they remained during the remainder of the day of the troops, I directed the different commandand night, frequently under the fire of the ene- ers to hold their positions, and, being satisfied my's artillery. It was soon after the brigade of that this could be done without. the assistance Colonel Irwin had fallen back behind the rise of the two brigades from the centre, I counterof ground that the 7th Maine, by order of Colo- manded the order which was in course of exenel Irwin, made the gallant attack already re- cution. ferred to. General Slocum's division replaced a portion The advance of General Franklin's corps was of General Sumner's troops, and positions were opportune. The attackofthe enemy on the po- selected for batteries in front of the woods. sition, but for the timely arrival of his corps, The enemy opened several heavy fires of artilmust have been disastrous, had it succeeded in!ery on the position of our troops after this, but piercing the line between General Sedgwick's our batteries soon silenced them. and French's divisions. On the morning of the 17th, General PleasanGeneral Franklin ordered two brigades of ton, with his cavalry division and the horse batGeneral Slocum's division, General Newton's and teries under Captains Robertson, Tidball and Colonel Torbert's, to form in column to assault Lieutenant Haines, of the 2d United States arthe woods that had been so hotly contested be- tillery, and Captain Gibson, 3d United States arfore, by Generals Sumner and Hooker; Gen- tillery, was ordered to advance on the turnpike eral Bartlett's brigade was ordered to form as a towards Sharpsburg, across bridge No. 2, and reserve; at this time General Sumner having support the left of General Sumner's line. The command on the right, directed further offensive bridge being covered by a fire of artillery and operations to be postponed, as the repulse of sharpshooters, cavalry skirmishers were thrown this, the only' remaining corps available for out and Captain Tidball's battery advanced by attack, would peril the safety of the whole army. piece, and drove off the sharpshooters with canGeneral Porter's corps, consisting of General ister sufficiently to establish the batteries above Sykes's division of regulars and volunteers, and mentioned, which opened on the enemy with General Morell's division of volunteers, occupied effect. The firing was kept up for: about two a position on the east side of Antietam creek, hours when, the enemy's fire slackening, the upon the main turnpike leading to Sharpsburg, batteries were relieved by Randall's and Van and directly opposite the centre of the enemy's Reed's batteries, United States artillery. About line. This corps filled, the interval between 3 o'clock Tidball, Robertson and Hainesreturned the right wing and General Burnside's command, to their positions on the west of Antietam, Capand guarded the main approach from the ene- tain Gibson having been placed in position oi l my's position to our train of supplies. the east side to guard the approaehes to the It was necessary to watch this part of our bridge. These batteries did good service, conline with the utmost vigilance, lest the enemy centrating their fire on the column of the enemy should take advantage of the first exhibition of about to attack General Hancock's position, and weakness here, to push upon us a vigorous as- compelling it to find shelter behind the hills ix sault for the purpose of piercing our centre and rear. turning our rear, as well as to capture or destroy General Sykes's division had been in position our supply trains. Once having penetrated since the 14th, exposed to the enemy's artillery;this line, the enemy's passage to our rear could and sharpshooters. General Morell had come have met with but feeble resistance,, as there up on the 16th and relieved General Richardson were no reserves to reinforce or close up the,on the right of General Sykes, and, continually gap. -. under the vigilant watlc of the enemy, this Towards the middle of the afternoon, proceed- corps guarded a vital point. REPORT OF GENEBAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 12' The position of the batteries under general teers. Other troops were then thrown over and Pleaaanton being one of great exposure, the the opposite bank occupied, the enemy retreatbattalion of the 2d and 10th United States in- ing to the heights beyond. iatry, under Captain Poland, 2d United States A halt was then made by General Burnside's infantry was sent to his support. Subsequently, advance until 3'.M., upon hearing which I dibur battalions of regular infantry, under Captain rected one of my aides-Golonel Key-to inPwyer, 4th United States infantry, were sent form General Burnside that I desired him to across to assist in driving off thet sharpshooters push forward his troops with the utmost vigor.f.the enemy. and carry the enemy's position on the heights, The battalion of the 2d and 10th United that the movement was vital to our success, tatee infantry, advancing far beyond the bat- that this was a'time when we must not stop for terie, compelled the cannoneers of a battery loss of life if a great object could be thereby of the enemy to abandon their guns. Few in accomplished. That if in his judgment his atnumber and unsupported, they were unable to tack would fail, to inform me so at once, that bring them off. The heavy loss of this small his troops might be withdrawn, and used elsebody of men attests their gallantry. where on the field. He replied that he would The troops of General Burnside held the left soon advance, and would go up the hill as far of the line opposite bridge No. 3. The attack as a battery of the enemy on the left would peron the right was to have been supported by an mit. Upon this report I again immediately sent attack on the left. Preparatory to this attack Colonel Key to General Burnside, with orders to on the evening of the 16th, General Burnside's advance at once, if possible, to flank the battery oorps was moved forward and to the left, and or storm it and carry the heights, repeating that took up a position nearer the bridge. if he considered the movement impracticable to I visited General Burnside's position on the inform me so, that his troops might be recalled. e16t, and, after pointing out to him the proper The advance was then gallantly resumed, the dspositions to be made of his troops during the enemy driven from their guns, the heights hand-,dy and night, informed him that he would pro- somely carrie4, and a portion of the troops eves babJy. be required to attack the enemy's right reached the outskirts of Sharpsburg. By this P th6 following oirning, and directed him to time it was nearly dark, and strong reinforce-:mqe careful reconnoissances. ments just then reaching the enemy from Har-.-;eeiral Burnside's corps, consisting of the per's Ferry, attacked General Burnside's troops divisions of Generals Cox, Wilcox, Rodman and on their left flank, and forced them to retire to OtUrgis, was posted as follows: Colonel Brooks's a lower line of hills nearer the bridge. bngade, Cox's division, on the right, General If this important movement had been conStupgs'. division immediately in rear. On the summated two hours earlier, a position would ft.w8 General Rodman's division, with Gen- have been secured upon the heights from oral Scammon's brigade, Cox's division in sup- which our batteries might have enfiladed the rt,-. greater part of the enemy's line, and turned General Wilcox' division was held in re- their right and rear. Our victory might have serve. been much more decisive.. The corpsbivouacked in position on the night The following is the substance of General o the 16th. Burnside's operations, as given in his report. Errly on the morning of the iClth I ordered Colonel Crook's brigade was ordered to storm Gwneral Barnside to form his troops and hold the bridge. This bridge, No. 3, is a stone structeuA.in, readiness to assault the bridge ia, his ture of three arches, with stone parapets. The front, and to await further orders. banks of the stream on the opposite side are t; 8 o'clock an order wa. sent to him by precipitous, and command the eastern approachtieutenant Wilson, Topographical engineers, to es to the bridge. On the hill side immediately cGrry the bridge,.then to gain posesson ofthe by the bridge ws a stone fence running parallel bejghts beyond, and to advance along:heircrest. tothe stream, the turns of the roadway, as it upoa.hbarpsburg and its rear. wound up the hill were covered by rifle-pits and,i fter ome time had elapsed, not hearing breastworks of rails, &c. These works and the:r'om,,Urpi.w despatched an aide to.apeertain; woods that covered the slopes were filled with 4haat had, been done. Thb aide returnqd with the enemy's riflemen, and batteries were in, pothe information that but.Iittg progress had been sition to enfilade the bridge and its approaches. made. I then sent him back with an order to General Rodman was ordered to cross, the 0enerai.Burnside to'assautt the bridgeat once, ford below the bridge,'Fron Colonel Crook's afSd carry i~ at al' hazard.'The aide'returned position it was found Impossible to carry the tome a secon. ltime,witthethe report that'the bridge. bridge was still inthe p n othe ss he enemy. General Sturgis was ordered to make a detail WhereuponI directed Cdl6neiSackett, Inspect- from his division for that purpose. He sent or-general, to deliver to Ge'neil Bur side my forward the 2d Maryland and 6th New iamppositive order; to push forifi' dhis trdops with- shire. These regiments made several successiye out;a'ioriaent's de ay, and, if necessary, to carry attacks in the most gallant style, but were driven the bridge at the point of the' bayonet, and I back.' crdered Colonel Sackett to remain with General- The artillery of the left were ordered to Burtside. and see that the order was executed concentrae their fire on the woods above the promptly. bridge. Colonel Crook brought a section of After these three 9urs. delay, the bridge was:Captain Simmon's battery to a position to eomAarried at 1 o'clock by -a brilliant charge of the mand the bridge., The Mlst New York andAi4st 51qt,. ew York and 51t Pennsylvania volun- Pennsylvania, were then ordered to assault the 128 REPORT OF GENERcAL GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. bridge. Taking advantage of a small spur of gineer then in person directing their operations. the hills which run parallel to the river, they We had driven them from their line on one moved toward the bridge. From the crest of flank, and secured a footing within it on the this spur, they rushed with bayonet fixed and other. The army of the Potomac, notwithcleared the bridge, standing the moral effect incident to previous The division followed the storming party, also reverses, had achieved a victory over an adverthe brigade of Colonel Crook, as support. The sary invested with the prestige of recent success. enemy withdrew to still higher ground, some Our soldiers slept that night, conquerors, on a five or six hundred yards beyond, and opened a field won by their valor, and covered with the fire of artillery on the troops in the new posi- dead and wounded of the enemy. tions on the crest of the hill above the bridge. The night, hbwever, brought with it grave reGeneral Rodman's division succeded in cross- sponsibilities. Whether to renew the attack on ing the ford, after a sharp fire of musketry and the 18th, or to defer it, even with the risk Of the artillery, and joined on the left of Sturgis; enemy's retirement, was the question before me. Scammon's brigade crossing as support. Gen- After a night of anxious deliberation, and a full eral Wilcox's division was ordered across to take and careful survey of the situation and condiposition on General Sturgis's right. tion of our army, and the strength and position These dispositions being completed about 8 of the enemy, I concluded that the success of o'clock, the command moved forward, except an attack on the 18th was not certain. I am Sturgis's division left in reserve. Clark's and aware of the fact that, under ordinary circtmDarell's batteries accompanied Rodman's divis- stances, a general is expected to risk a battle if ion; Cook's battery with Wilcox's division, and he has a reasonable prospect of success; but at a' section of Simmon's battery with Colonel this critical juncture, I should have had a narOrook's brigade. A section of Simmon's batte- row view of the condition of the country had I r, and Mullenburgh's and McMullin's batteries been willing to hazard another battle with less were in position. The order for the advance was than an absolute assurance of success, At that obeyed by the troops with alacrity. General moment-Virginia lost, Washington menaced, Wilcox's division, with Crook in support, moved Maryland invaded-the national cause coald afup on both sides of the turnpike leading from ford no risks of defeat. One battle lost, and althe bridge to Sharpsburg. General Rodman's most all would have been lost. Lee's army might division, supported by Scammon's brigade, on then have marched as it pleased on Washingthe left of General Wilcox. The enemy re- ton, Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York; It treated before the advance of the troops. The could have levied its supplies from a fertile and 9th New York, of General Rodman's division, undevastated country; extorted tribute from captured one of the enemy's batteries, and held wealthy and populous cities; and nowhere east it for some time. As the command was driving of the Alleghanies, was there another organized the enemy to the main heights on the left of force able to arrest its march. the town, the light division of General A. P. The following are among the considerations Hill, arrived upon the field of battle from Harper's which led me to doubt the certainty of success Ferry, and with a heavy artillery fire made a in attacking before the 19th: strong attack on the extreme left. To meet this The troops were greatly overcome by the faattack, the left division diverged from the line tigue and exhaustion attendant upon the long of march intended, and opened a gap between continued and severely 6ontested battle of ft and the right. To fill up this, it was necepsa- the 17th, together with the long day and night ry to order the troops from the second line. marches to which they had been subjected durPuring these movements, General Rodman was ing the previous three days. mortally wounded. Colonel Harland's brigade, The supply trains were in the rear, and many of General Rodman's division, was driven back. of the troops had suffered from hunger. They Colonel Scammon's brigade, by a change of front required rest and refreshment. to rear on his right flank, saved the left from One division of Sumner's, and all of Hooker' being driven completely in. The fresh troops corps, on the right had, after fighting most valof the enemy poured in, and the accumulation iantly for several hours, been overpowered by of artillery against this command, destroyed all numbers, driven back in great disorder, and hope of its being able to accomplish any thing much scattered; so that they were for the tine more. somewhat demoralized. It was now nearly dark. General Sturgis was In Hooker's corps, according to the return ordered forward to support the left. Notwith- made by General Meade, commanding, there standing the hard work in the early part of the were but 6729 men present on the 18th; whereday, his division moved forward with spirit, as, on the morning of the 22d, there were With its assistance the enemy were checked 13,098 men present for duty in the same corps, and held at bay. showing that previous to, and during the battle, The command was ordered to fall back by 6364 men were separated fron their command. General Cox, who commanded, on the field, the General Meade, in an official communication troops engaged in this attack beyond the Aittie- upon this subject, dated Sept. 18, 1862, says: tam. The artillery had been well served during "t I enclose a field return of the corps made this the day. Night closed the long and desperately afternoon, which I desire you will lay before the contested battle of the 17th. Nearly two hun- commanding general. I am satisfied the great dred thousand men, and five hundred pieces of reduction in the corps since the recent engageartillery, were for fourteen hours engaged in this ment, is not due solely to the casualties of bat. memorable battle. We had attacked the enemy tie, and that a considerable number of men are in a position selected by the experienced en- still in the rear, some having drepped out on RBPOAT OF GONESAL GEORIE B. 3M'CLILLAN. 129 te march, and many dispersing and leav- During the lSth orders were given for e hrg yeterday during the fight I think the renewal of the attack at daylight on the 19th. efficiencY of the corps, so far as it goes, good. On the night of the 18th, the enemy, after To resist an attack in our present strong posi- passing troops in the latter part of the day from lion, I think they may be depended on; and I the Virginia shore to their position behind hope they will perform duty in case we make an Sharpsburg, as seen by our officers, suddenly attack, though I do not think their morale is formed the design of abandoning their position a good for an offensive as a defensive movement. and retreating across the river. One division of Sunner's corps had also been As their line was but a short distance from vrerpowered, and wasa good deal scattered and the river, the evacuation presented but little demoralized. It was not deemed by its corps difficulty, and was effected before daylight. commander in proper condition to attack the en- About 2,700 of the enemy's dead were, under *my vigorously next day. the direction of Major Davis, assistant inpector. Some, of the new troops on the left, although general, counted and buried upon the batlemany of then fought well during a part of the field of Antietam. A portion of their dead had battte, and are entitled to great credit, were, at been previously buried by the enemy. I his is The close of the action, driven back and their conclusive evidence that the enemy asuained orale impaired. much greater loss than we. On the morning of the 18th, General Burn- Thirteen guns, thirty-nine colors, upward oC ide requested me to send him another division fifteen thousand stand of small arms, and more to assist in holding his position on the other than six thousand prisoners, were the trophies ide of the Antietam, and to enatle him to with- which attest the success of our arms in the batdraw his corps if he should be attacked by a su ties of South Mountain, Crampton's gap, and perior force. He gave me the impression that Antietam. Not a single gun or color was lot f he were attacked again that morning, he by our army during these battles. would not be able to make a very vigorous re- When our cavalry advance reached the river Bstance. I visited his position early, deter- on the morning of the 19th, it was discovered mined to send General Morell's division to his that nearly all the enemy's forces had crossed aid, and directed that it should be placed on into Virginia during the night, their rear escapthis side of the Antietamn, in order that it might ing under the cover of eight batteries, placed *over the retreat of his own corps from the other in strong positions upon the elevated bluffs on aide of the Antietam, should that become neces- the opposite bank. sary, at the same time it was in position to rein- General Porter commanding the 6th corps, force our centre or right, if that were needed. ordered a detachment from Griffin's and Barnes's Late in the afternoon I found that although he brigades under General Griffin, to cross the had not been attacked, General Burnside bad river at dark and carry the enemy's batteries. withdrawn his own corps to this side of the An- This was gallantly done under the fire of the tietam, and sent over Morell's division alone to enemy. Several guns, cassions, etc., were tahold the opposite side. ken, and their supports driven back half a mile. A large number of our heaviest and most ef- The information obtained during the progress fcient batteries had consumed all their ammu- of this affair, indicated that the mass of the bneaition oin the 16th and 17th,' and it was impos- my had retreated on the Charlestown and Mar. sible to supply them until late on the following tinsburg roads towards Winchester. To verify day. this, and to ascertain how far the enemy had Supplies of provisions and forage had to be retreated, General Porter was authorized to debrought up and issued, and infantry ammunition tach from his corps, on the morning of the 20th, -ditributed. a reconnoitering party in greater foroe. This Finally, reinforcements to the number of 14.- detachment crossed the river, and advanced 00 men, to sav nothing of troops from Pennsyl- about a mile, when it was attacked by a lare vania, had not arrived, but were expected Ju- body of the enemy lying in ambush in the fing the day. woods, and driven back across the river with The 18th Iwas therefore spent in collecting considerable los. This reconnoissance showed ate dispersed. giving rest to the fatigued, re- that the enemy was still in force on the Virmoving the wounded, burying the dead, and the ginia bank of the Potomac, prepared to resei necessary preparations for a renewal of the our further advance. battle. It was reported to me on the 19th that (Ge Of the reinforcements, Couch's division, eral Stuart had made his appearance at Wiliarching with commendable rapidity, came up liawsport with some four thousand cavalry and hnto position at a late hour in the morning. six pieces of artillery, and that ten thousand i. Humphrey's division of new troops, in their fantry were mfrching on the same point from anxiety to participate in the battle, which was rag- the direction of Winchester. I ordered (entng when they received the order to march from eral Couch to march at once with his division, Frederick, at about half-past S P. a. on the 17th, and a part of Pleasanton's cavalry, with Frank. pressed forward during the entire night, and the lin's corps within supporting distance, for the mass of the division reached the army on the purpose of endeavoring to capture this force. following morning. Having marched more than General Couch made a prompt and rapid march twenty-three miles after 4- o'clock on the pre- to Williamsport, and attacked the enemy vig ceding afternoon, they were of cocrse greatly orously, but they made their escape across the exhausted, and needed rest and refreshment. river. Large reinforcements expected from Pennsyl- I despatched the following telegraphic report vania never arrived. to the general-in-chief: 9 180 sREPORT OF GENI'RAL GEORGE 1. M'CLELLAN. 2bula4 r Report of Casualties in the Army of the Potomac in the Battle of Antietam on the I1i and 17th of September, 1862. General officers. Other officers Enlisted men. Aggregate. Oorps and divisions.'ga'o n'9 o f' _______ _ __lJ. jJ.L __ _i_ l'corp, Maj. Gen. Hooker: division....................... 98 689 95 806 S9 division...................................... 156 898 137 1,188 84 division.......................................... 9 449 23J 386 Total................................. 848 2,316 1 2,61 2d corps, Ma:l Gen. Sumner: division......... 1 20 9 1 60 24 212 90 24 1,186 ~d division..................1......... 86 1577 821 355 1,579 81,26 8d division............... 1 21 50 272 1,271 208 293 1,822 203 1,818. Total............. 4 4 1 89 9 8,708 548 860 31801 548 5,209 6th corps, Maj. Gen. F. J. Porter: st division....................................... 2d division..................2 1 92 1 13 94 1 10 Artillery reserve................ 7 18 1 8 13 1 23 Total................2 20 105 2 21 107 2 180 t corps', Maj. Gen. Franklin: I: 2. division.................5 5 - 8 2: 6o 2d division................................................... 65 27T 31 378 Total......................................... 70 33 83 488 9th corpS, Maj. Gen. Burnsidee: lat. division................... 2 20 44 264 7 46 284 7 887 2d division.............. 7 29 121 493 20 128 22 20 670 8d division...... 8 40 212 748 70 220 788 70T 1,073 4th division............... 5 7 88 145 28 88 152 23 813 Brigs Gen. Williams comianding: st division............ 9 5 151 827 54 160 862 54 1,076 2d division..... 6 2 107 481 30 l8 07 30 650 Artillery.......................... 1 15 1 1 15 1 17 Total.15....... IS 61 259] 1,823 85 274 1.384 85 1,748 Maj. Gen. Couch's division..................... 9......... 0 Brig. General Pleasanton, cavalry division 2............. 5 23........ 28.............................. Grand total........ 41 79 249 i-",508 ( 6,789 1 755 2,010 9,416 1,048 12,469 RVADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMACO, Camp near Slarpsburg, Septesmer 29, 1862. S. WILLIAMS, Official. Assistant Adjutant General &An estimate of the forces under the confed- These estimates give the apctual numbersa of erate General Lee, made up by direction of Gen- men present and fit for duty. ertl. Banks from information obtained by the 3xamination of prisoners, deserters, spies, &c., Our own forces at the battle of Antietam were previous to the battle of Antietam, is as fol- as follows: lows: Genural T. J. Jackson's corps, - - 24,778 men let corps, 14,866 men General James Longstreet's corps, - - 28,842 " 2d corps, 18,818 " General D. H. Bill's two divisions, - - 15,525 " 5th corps, (one division not arrived) - 12,980 General J. E. B. Stuart's cavalry, - -6,400 6th corps, -1 —,- - 300 CTeneral-Ransom's and Jenkins's brigades, 8,000 " 9th corps, — 18,89 " Forty-six regiments not included in above, 18,40 " 12th corps. -. -10,12 Artillery, estimated at 400 guns, - 6,000 Cavalry division, -.. 4,320 Total, 9.345 Total in action, 87-14 BRPORT OF GENE]AL Q, EO{BIE B. MCLgLLAN. 11 "I HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, riously embarrass their operations, and wril aid " SHARPSBURG, Sept. 19, 1862. this army materially. j' I}have the honor to report that Maryland is 1 G. B. MOCL.LAN, entirely freed from the presence of the enemy, " Majr General Comd'g. who has been driven across the Potomac. No "Major General H. W. HaLLzcK feats need now be entertained for the safety of Comd'g U. S. Army." Pennsylvania. I shall at once occupy Harper's Fervry. "- B,C N Maryland heights were occupied by General G. B. MCCLELLAN, Williams's corps on this day, and on the 22d " Major General Commanding. General Sumner took possession of Harper's "Major General H.. W. HALLCK, Ferry. " Comcdg U. S. Army." It will be remembered that at the time I was assigned to the command of the forces for the On the following day I received this tele- defence of the nationalcapital, on the 2d day of gram: September, 1862, the greater part of all the "Wg r:, Sept 1862-2. available troops were suffering under the diiWASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 1862-2 p. ma heartening influences of the serious defeat they "We are still left entirely in the dark in re- had encountered during the brief and unfortugard to your own movements and those of the nate campaign of General Pope. Their'rnmenemy. This should not be so. You should bers were greatly reduced by casualties-their keep me advised of both, so far as you know confidence was much shaken, and they had lost ttem. H H something of that esprit cducrps which is indisH. W. HALLECC, pensable to the efficiency of an army. More"Gaeneral-Gin-Chief. over they had left behind; lost or worn out the " Major General G. B. MCCLELLAN." part of their clothing aiti camp equi page, which required renewal before they could To which I answered as follows: be in proper condition to take the field again. -The intelligence that the enemy was crossing " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, the Potomac into Maryland, was received in " NEA SHARPSBURG, Sept, 20, 18628- pe. m. Washington on the 4th of September, and t:he' Your telegram of to-day is received. I tel- army of the Potomac was again put ini motioni egraphed you yesterday all I knew, and had under my direction, on the following day-eo nothing more to inform you of until this eve. that but a brief interval of time Was allowed t' ning. Williams's corps (Banks's) occupied reoganize o r procure supplies. Maryland heights at 1 P. m. to-day. The rest The sanguinary battles of South Mountain and of tne army is near here, except Couch's divis- Antietam, fought by this army a few days afterion, which is at this moment engaged with the wards, with the reconnoissances immediately enemy in front of Williamsport. The enemy is following, resulted in a loss to us of ten general retiring via Charlestown and Martinsburg or officers, many regimental and company officers, Winchester. He last night reoccupied Wil- and a large number of enlisted men;amounting liamsport by a small force, but will be out of it in the aggregate to fifteen'thousand two hiuhin the morning. I think he has a force of in- dred and twenty. Two army corps had been fantry near Shepherdstown. badly cut up, scattered and somewhat demoralI regret that you find it necessary to couch iced in the action of the'1th. everydespatch I have the honor to.receive from In' General Sumner's corps alone, forty-one you, in a spirit of fault-finding, and that you commissioned officers and eight hundred aud have not yet found leisure to say one word in nineteen enlisted men: had been killed; four commendation of the recent achievements of general officers, eighty-nine other commissiond -his army, or even to allude to them. officers, and three thousand seven hundie' and.'I have abstained from giving the numberof eight enlisted men had been wounded besides guns, colors, small arms, prisoners, etc., cap ud five hundred and forty-eight. missing; making tured, until I could do so with some accuracy. the aggregate loss of this splendid veteran or"s' I hope by to-morrow evening to be able to in this one battle, five ithousand two huidred give at least an approximate statement. and nine. "G. B. MCCLELLAN, In General Hooker' corps the casualties of "M~ajor General Comd'g. the same engagement amounted to two thousand "Major General HALLECK, six h/ndred and nineteen. " General-in-C7Uief. The entire aimny'had been greatly exhausted "' Washington.' by Unavoidable overwork, fatiguing marches, hmiger, and want of sleep and rest, previous to On the same day I telegraphed as follows: the last battle. When the enemy recrossed the Potomac into " HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Virginia, the means of transportation at my dis"Sept. 20, 1862, posal were inadequate to furnish a single day's "As the rebel army, now on the Virginia supply of subsistence in advance., side of the Potomac, must in a great measure Many of the troops were new levies, some of be dependent for supplies of ammunition and whom had fought like veterans,itut the morale provisions upon Richmond, I would respectfully of others had been a good deal impaired in those suggest that General Banks be directed to send severely contested actions, and they required out a cavalry force to cut their supply commu- time to recover, as well as to scquire the necesnications opposite Washington. This would se- sary drill and discipline. 1F2 PO RT OF OB SWtl6L GFO -IE' B. M'CLELLAN. laderwthie oircwastance, I did not feet autt On the 2'th I made the following report: thorized to cross the river with the main army, over a sry detp and difficult ford in pursuit of " HADQUARTEIi ARMY OF THr PorrTOMA the retraiting enemy, known to be in strong "Sept. 2', 1862-10 a. m force on the soulf bank, and thereby place that " II the information in my possession, g stream, which was liable at any time to rise t proe that the main body of the enemy s above a fording stage, between my army and its concentrated not far from Martinsburg, wi i,apeof supply. some troops at Charleston, not many in Wini telegraphed Qo the 42d to the gezr — chester. Their movements of late have been an...f as follows: extension towards our right, and beyond it "As soon as the exigencies of the service will They are receiving reinforcements in Winches ld*nit of it, this army, should be reorganed. It ter, mainly, I think, of conscripts, perhaps eosk bsolutely necessary to secure its efficieney, tiely so. *a, the old skeletoa regiments shoul be filled' The army is not now in condition to utieri a once, and officers appointed to supply the take another campaign, nor to bring on anothew.p'wnrou eitming vtacancies. Thero are e i- battle, unless great advantages are offered by vrcef where captains are commanding rogt- some mistake of the en-mv, or pressing miitary,~ and compani. e are without a aingi cSmB- exigence. render it necessary. We are great!y ]'~sowed officer." deficient in officer Many of the old regiIents.D.the 28d the folowing wra telegrapbh t are' -duced to mere sfeietonas the new reilenera-in-chief: ments need instructionL Not a day should'o {HUAZ$,TZWK IRT or TE POIOMAC, lost in filling the old regiments-our main de "Near SheAer^dLsom, pendence; and in supplying vacancies among Se_. 23d, 1g62-9.30 a. - the officers by promotion. Tprm ewral differnt aoure, I lea "My present purpose is to hold the army ie.n _ R. E. Lee is still opposite to my poi. about as it ib now, rendering Harper'P Ferry e4o1 a. Leestown, between Akepherdstorwn ad cure, and watching the river closely,.ntending urg, and that General j-ackw nis'on $he M tp.burgc, and that General Jacon is on t to attacl the enemy should he attempt to crom apiqusn creek about three. miles.r i t6-iis side. Tpth, both with large force. Thsre are alv.i Our possession of HarFper' Fetry givez us ipftlone of heavy reinforcemenits moving to i the great ad, antage of a sec, re debouche, but dji.them from Wipchester and Chariestown. we cannot avail ourselves of it until the railroad ye' therefore ordered General Franklin to bridee is finished, because we cannot otherwise take position with his corps at the crosa roads, supply a greater number of troops than we now laputS one mile northwest of Bakersville, on have n the Virginia side at that point. When toe. Bakersville and Williamsport road, and Gen- the river rises so th-t the enemy cannot cros in eal Couch to establish his division near Downs- force, I purpose concentrating the army someeiVe, leavingisufficient force at Williamsport to where near Harper's Ferry, and there acting w*lh and guard the ford at that place. The accorictg to circumstances, viz moving Ol fti Qf the enemy remaining so long in our front, Winchester if, from the position av t attitude or,4 the indications of an advance of reinforce- the enemy, we are likely to gain a great Iadvaqpjep, seem to indicatq that he will give us tage by doingso, or else devoting a reasonable ai*er battle with al1 his available force, time to the organization of the army and in-' As I mentioned to you before, our army h - swruction of the new troops, preparatory to an te.p very much reduced by casualties in the advance on whatrer' line may be determlneL vrcent battles, aad, in my judgment, all the re- In any eveart I regardti as abeolutely nseeary inf;ecenents of old troops that can possibly be to send now regiments at once to the-old corpi pi.sred with around Washington and other for'prpoes of instruetion, and that the ola pIa4ea,ah)puld be instantly pushed forward by rail regiments be filed at once. I have np fears a to. tbil brAny. A defeat at thisjuncture wold be to aa axtak, on Washiagton by the lioe. f Maruinous t our cause. Icannot think itpobsible nWssas. Holding Harpers Fttrry: I.,.t tlth the enemywill bring any forces to bear wil not run the risk of an atack itvp th oq Washington till after the question is de. flank and rear, while they have theo-gw'ris s eided here, but if they should, troops can so Washington i their front. b sent ackl fraom thia ainy by railq r winforce " I rather apprehend a renewal of the attempt the earriasn there on Maryland, should the river remain low tor a "Lhe evidence that I have thZt reinforce- great length of time, and should they reoeoi considerable addition to their force. tl^ fatt tha lotng columns of du. extsn4ing "I would be glad to have Peck's division a,frqm Wincheaer tq harles to n, exand f soon as possib e. I am surprised that Sigel's ~~iipsa."t~~inheate.. asrlsto and frqm;C. Ctdhareetown in this direction, and also troop. s men shonld have been sent to Western Vilgilnia withollt my knowledge. The last I heard t rom pq ATv. tbih: wq were.n, last eye.ning. This Qr ted wb ^ycitien. WGa ev(Ionlra.'m e you on the subject, was, that they were at my u rrborate by cUtizens, iar riat, O' disposition. In the last battles the enemv was ui< his cbrps and Willia'ms'a.(anlt), Ol-"r undolbtedly greatly superior to us in number, ples Itarper's Feriry and the sur ouBndirng- ig'4 and t was only by very hard figlitin thlat wo I tbink he will e able to hold bisppsitr til gained the advantages we did. As it was, the,reuforewntna rrive..result was at one period very doubtful. and we "G. B. MCCLXLLAN, had all we could do to win the day. If the Qo" Mor GenwrL emy receives considerable reinforcements, and -' Maor General,.. W. HALLt CK, we none. it is possible that I may have too mudt "Generalin-COhief, Washigton" on my haLds in the next battle. CPOBro T QF GiENIEB4A OIRGA B. M'CUL 3M8 My own view of tb, p er policy to be Cox (alout 6,000 twen) was odered fr*m my p'ed i'1,s, retain mn Wa^hltgton merely the c d to Wester Virini i^ itcestar to' garrils n i auld dot;en4ever- On the 7th of October recived the folklWthKig l.>e aai.able to reinforce this army. The ing telegram: railways give us the means of promptly re iaforciig WVa.hington, should it become necessary. "WAaSINaGTON, D'C., Oct. 6,A862., If l amit reinifrced a. I ask. and am allowed to * I am jntructedtQ telegraph ycue afuoows: take my own co rse, t will hold myself respon- The President directs that you cross the kt0' sible for The satfty of Washington. Several mac and give battie to the enemy, or drive him persons, reeently from Richmond, say that there south. Your army must move now, while the are no troops there except conscripts, and they roads are good. If you erosi the river betw'ee fbw in number. the etemy and Walhingtot, and cover the attaer "1 hope to be able to give you detail as to by your operations, you cai'be ieinforced wiMt hate battles by this evening. I am about start- 30,000 men. Ifyoti move up tie valey f'the ing again for Harper's Ferry. Shenandoah, not- more thab4 12000 or'iS,00 "G. B. MCCLILLAN, can be sent to you. The Prebidebt advise: ihe ^ Major General Cmtd'g. interior line between Wahington and tle ente" Major General EALLECK my, but does not order it.'e it very dieids' Oenrtal-irChief, Washgton" owts that your arny itrove as So0t as poAible.'You will immediately report what fin'yoi The work of reorganizing, drilling, and sup- adopt, and when you intend to cross the river. plying the army I began at the earliest moment Also, to what point the reinforcement are to be Tbh different corps were stationed along the ent. It is neesary that the plan of your operiver in the best positions to cover and guard rations be positively determined on before oi; the fords. The great extent of the iver front, ders are given for building bridges and repalr from near Washington to Cumberland (some ing railroads. I am directed to add tbt the one hundred and fifty miles), together with the Seretary of War and the general-in-ehief tilly line of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, was to concur with the President in these instructien. ib earefill y watched and guarded, to prevent, "H W. HALLBCK, if possible, the enemy's raids. Reconnoissanoes nerait-CiWf, upon the Virginia side of the.river, for the por- "1 tjor Generil M'COLgktit." poe of learning the enemy's positionsad d movements, were made frequently, so tbat our At this titne Gneral Averll, with the grl cavilry, which, from the time we left Wash.ri i'er part of our efficint cavalry, was in the vidiaton, had performed the most laborious service, ity 6f umberland, and General Kelly, th and'ad from tbetcommenoement been. deficient commanding officer, had that day reported that in numbers, was found totally inadequate to the a t1w ge force of the enemy was advancing bn rquireiment of the army; oloniel Campbfel at 3t. John's run. Thi This overwosrk had broken dowt the greats obliged me to order General Averil to proeed part of the ho se, disease. had appeared among with his force to the support of Colonel Campthem and but a very small portion of our arig ^e which delayed hi eturn to the army tfr in4 cavalry force was fit tor service. several day. To such an extent had this arm become to On the 10th of October Stuart erossed the dueei, that when General Stuart made his raid river at McCoy's ferry, with 2,000 cavalry and into Pennsylvania on the 11th of October with a battery of horse artillery, n his raid into 2,000 men, I could only mount 800 men to fol- Maryland and Pennsylvania, making it neoeplow bim. sary to use all our cavalry against him. Thi Harper's Ferry was occupied oa the 22, and exhausting service completely 1roke doiwn in order to prevent a catastrophe similar to the nearly all of our cavalry horses,. remdered one which happened to Colonel Miles, I ime- a remount absolutely indispeable, before we ditely ordered Maryland, Bolivar and Loudon could advance on the enemy. beights to be strongly fortiied. This was done The following were the dispositions of troopl e far as the time and means at our disposal per- made by me to defeat the purposes of this rad. mwi.. General Averill, then at Green Spring, on the The main army of the enemy daring this tire upper Potomac, was ordered to move rapidly remuined in the vicinity of Martinsburg and down upon the north side of the river, with all Bunker Hill, and occupied itself in drafting his disposable cavalry, using every eertion to and ooercing every able-bodied citizen into the get upon the trail of the enemy and follo* it ranks, forcibly taking their property where it up vigorously. was not vollntarily offered, burning bridges, General Pleasanton. with the remaining cavand destroying railroads. ary force, was ordered to take the road by On the first day of October bis excellency Cavetown, Harmon's gap, and MeehanicsPllle, the President honored the army of the Potomac and cut off the retreat of the enemy, should he with a visit, and remained several days, during make for any of the fords below the position of which he went through the different encamp- the main army. His orders were to pursue ments, reviewed the troops, and went over the them with the utmost rapidity, not to spafe battle-fields of South mountain and Antietam. his men or hores-, and to destroy or capture lirl the opportunity d'lring this visit to de- them if possible. sBribe to him the operalions of the army since - General Crook, at that time cormtntnding the time it left Washington, and gave him my Cox's division at HaToek, enro-de for Western reaons for not following the enemy after he Virginia, was ordered to halt, pleae hi&s me in esesed the Potomac. cars, and remain in readiness t.move toany On the 5th of October the division of General point above, should the enemy return in that 1-4 REPORT OF GENBgAL GBORGE B. M'CLELLAN. direeton, keeping his scouts well out on all the ported to General Pleasanton with his comroads leading from the direction of Chambers- mand while the enemy was crossing the river burg to the upper Potomac. and was informed by him (General Pleasanton) The other commanders between Hancock and that he was too late, and that nothing could be Harper's Ferry were instructed to keep a vigi- done then. laet watch upon all the roads and fords, so as General Pleasanton in his report of this affair to-prevent the escape of the rebels within these says lmita- "It was at this time that Colonel Ward reGeneral Burnside was ordered to send two ported to me from General Stoneman's division, brigades to the Mbnocacy crossing, there to re- with a brigade of infantry, a regiment of cavalmain in cars, with steam up, ready to move to ry, and a section of artillery. I told him that any point on the railroad to which Stuart might his command could be of no use, as the enemy be aiming. While Colonel Rush, at Frederick, had then crossed the river. These are the only was directed to keep his lancers scouting on the troops that I knew of, that were in that vicinity, approaches from Chambersburg, so as to give and this was the first intimation that I received timely notice to the commander of the two brig- that any troops were endeavoring to assist me in ades at the Monocacy crossing. capturing the rebels. I succeeded in preventGeneral Stoneman, whose head-quarterswere ing the enemy from crossing at the mouth of then at Poolsville, occupying with his division the Monocacy, and drove him to White's ford, the different fords on the river below the mouth three miles below. Had White's ford been ccof the Monocacy, was directed to keep his cav- cupied by any force of ours previous to the aly well out en the approaches from the direc- time of the occupation by the enemy, the caption of Frederick, so as to give him time to ture of Stuart's whole force would have been mass his troops at any point where the enemy certain and inevitable; but with my small force, might attempt to cross the Potomac in his vi- which did not exceed one-fourth of the enemy's, inity. He was informed of General Pleasan- it wasnot practicable for me to occupy that ton's movements ford, while the enemy was in front." After. the orders were given for covering all It would seem from the report of General the fords upon the river, I did not think it pos- Stoneman that the disposition he made of hi sble for Stuart to re;ross, and I believe that troops previous to.the arrival of Stuart, was a the capture or destruction of his entire force good one. He stationed two regiments at the was perfectly certain, but owing to the fact mouth of the Monocacy, and two regiments at that my orders were not in all cases carried out White's ford, the latter in the very place where aaI expected, he effected his escape into Vir- the crossing was made, and the former only ginia twithout much loss. three miles off, with a reserve of three regiThe troops sent by General Burnside to the ments at Poolesville, some six miles distant. Monocacy, owing to some neglect in not giving General Pleasanton's report shows that from the necessary orders to the commander, instead the time the firing commenced, until the enemy of remaining at the railroad crossing as I direct; were across the river was about four and a-halh ed, marched four miles into Frederick, and hours. General Stoneman statesthat'he started there remained until after Stuart had passed the reserve from Poolesville at about nine the railroad only six miles below, near which o'clock; but it appears from the report of Genpoint it was said he halted for breakfast. eral Plesanton, that it did not reach him till General Pleasanton ascertained after his ar- half-past one. rival at Nechanicstown that the enemy were At the time I received the order of October onl about an hour ahead of him, beating a 6th, to cross the river and attack the enemy hasty retreat towards the mouth of the Monoc- the army was wholly deficient in cavalry, and acy. He pushed on vigorously, and near to its a large part of our troops were in want of shoes, mouth overtook them with a part of his force, blankets, and other indispensable articles of having marched seventy-eight miles in twenty- clothing, notwithstanding all the efforts that had for hours, and having left many of his horses been made since the battle of Antietam, and broken down upon the road. He at once at- even prior to that date, to refit the army with tacked with his artillery, and the firing contin- clothing as well as horses. I at once consulted ued for several hours, during which time, he with Colonel Ingalls, the chief quartermaster, states that he received the support of a small who believed that the necessary articles could portion. of General Stoneman's command, not be furnished in about three days. Orders were sufficient to inflict any material damage upon immediately issuedto the different commandthe enemy. ers who had not already sent in their requisitions to do so at once, and all the necessary General Stoneman reports, that in accord- steps were forthwith taken by me to ensure a ance with his instructions, he gave all necessary prompt delivery of the supplies. The requisiorders for intercepting the return of the rebels, tions were forwarded to the proper department and Colonel Staples commanding one of his at Washington, and I expected that the articles brigades, states that he sent two regiments of would reach our depots during the three days infantry to the mouth of the Monocacy, and specified; but day after day elapsed, and only a one regiment to White's ford. That on the small portion of the clothing arrived. Corps morning of the 12th, about 10 o'clock, he, by commanders, upon receiving notice from the General Stoneman's order, marcheg the remain- quartermasters that they might expect to receive ing three regiments of his command from their supplies at certain dates, sent their trains Poolesville towards the mouth of the Monoca- for them, which after waiting were compelled cy; that before getting into action, he was re- to return empty. Several instances occurred lieed by General Ward, who states that he re- where these trains went back and forth, from REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGE B. M CLELLAN. i85 the camp to the depots, as often as four or five "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, different times, without receiving their supplies;' October 15, 1862-7 p. m. and I was informed by one corps commander * * * * * that his wagon train had traveled over 150 " am using every possible exertion to get miles, to and from the depot, before he succeeded army ready to move. It was only yet in obtaining his clothis army ready to move. It was only yesterin obtaining his clothing. day that a part of our shoes and clothing arThe corps of General Franklin did not get rivedaHagerstown. Itsbein d cloth e its clothing until after it had crossed the Poto- a I is bin i mac and was moving into Virginia.G. B. MCCLELLAN General Reynolds's corps was delayed a dayG. B. MCLELLAn, at Berlin to complete its supplies, and General aor ie Porter only completed his on reaching the vi- "Major General HALLECK, oinity of Harper's Ferry. "General-in-Chief." I made every exertion in my power, and my quartermaster did the same, to have these sup- "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMA6 plies hurried forward rapidly, and I was repeat- " October 15, 1862-7.30 p. m. edly told that they had filled the requisitions at "General Franklin reports that there is by no Washington, and that the supplies had been means as much clothing as was called for, at forwarded. But they did not come to us, and Hagerstown. I think, therefore, you had better of course were inaccessible to the army. I did have additional supplies, especially of shoes not fail to make frequent representations of this forwarded to Harper's Ferry as soon as possible. condition of things to the general-in-chief, and "R. B. MARCY, itappears that he referred the matter to the "Chief of St<. quartermaster general, who constantly replied "Colonel R. INGALLS, that the supplies were properly ordered; not- "Care Colonel RUCKER, withstanding this they did not reach our de- "Quartermaster, Washington." pots. The following extracts are from telegrams up- "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMIC, on this subject: October 16,1862. General J. F. Reynolds just telegraphs as'" HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, follows:'My quartermaster reports that there "October 11, 1862-9 a.m. are no shoes, tents, blankets, or knapsacks, at S* * * * * Hagerstown. He was able to procure only a "We have been making every effort to get complete supply of overcoats and pants, with a supplies of clothing for this army, and Colonel few socks, drawers and coats. This leaves Ingalls has received advices that it has been many of the men yet without a shoe. My requiforwarded by railroad, but owing to bad man- sitions call for 5,255 pairs of shoes.' agementon the roads, or from some other cause, "Please push the shoes and stockings up to it comes in very slowly, and it will take a much Harper's Ferry as fast as possible. longer time than was anticipated to get articles "R. B. MARCY that are absolutely indispensable to the army, " Chief of DSg. unless the railroad managers forward supplies "Colonel R. INGALLS, more rapidly. "Care Colonel RUCKER, "G. B. MCCLELLAN, Quartermaster, TWashington. "Major General. "Major General H. W. HALLECK, "HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMACO' General-in-Chief, Washington." "CAMP NEAR KKOXVILLE, MARYLAN, " October 9, 1862. "HEADQUARTERS ARMYr OF THE POTOMAC, "You did right in sending clothing to HarOctober 11, 1862. per's Ferry. You will not be able to send too " I am compelled again to call your attention much or too quickly. We want blankets, shoes, to the great deficiency of shoes and other indis- canteens, &c., very much. pensable articles of clothing that still exist in * * * * * some of the corps of this army. Upon the as- "RUFUS INGALLS surances of the chief quartermaster, who based "Lt. Col. & A. D. D., Chief Q'rmastr. his calculations upon information received from Colonel C G SATLL Washington, that clothing would be forwarded eot rm t asn at certain times, corps commanders sent theirpot rmasteWashgton. wagons to Hagerstown and Harper's Ferry for O it. It did not arrive as promised, and has not EADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, yet arrived. Unless some measures are taken CAMP NER to ensure a prompt forwarding of these supplies, oer l, 1. there will necessarily be a corresponding delay " Shipments to Hagerstown must be made diin getting the army ready to move, as the men rect through, to avoid the contemptible delays at cannot march without shoes. Harrisburg. If Colonel Crossman was ordered "Everything has been done that can be done to send clothing, I hope he has sent it, for the at.these headquarters to accomplish the desired suffering and impatience are excesssive. results. * * * * * "G. B. MCCLELLAN, " RUFUS INGALLS, " Major General Comd'g. " Lt. Col. & A. D. C., Chief Q'rmastr.'*' Major General H. W. HALLECK, "Captain AUGUSTUS BOYD,' Commander-inChi/ef, Washington." "Quartermaster, Philadelphia." 140 REPORT OF GENERAL GEORGR B. M'CLELLAN. "HIADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, The following statement, taken from a report *lAMP NEAR KNOXVILLE,'(Mfher 18, 1862. of the chief qi;arternl;ter with thre army wit Bii the clothing arrived'et? if not, do you show what progress wits miadte n itipplytng the know where it is? What clothing waA taken armYs with!lbthin' from the Ist of Septeriber, b.-rbe rebels at Chambersburg? Did they'cap- to tie date of crossing the Poitolae on the 314 stre any property that was en route to you i of October, and that the greater part of ti-e clothHawve we not got clothing at Harrisburg? Send ing did not reach our depots until after the 15ti. magent over the roaid to obtain inbrmnaion, ofOctober. and hurry up the supplies. Reply at once. " RUrUS INGALLS, - ILt. (O.& A. D. C., Chief Q'rmaster.. c c: o. " Captain GiE. Ii. WEEKS, o Depot Q'rmaster, Hagorstown." eReved at he "SHARPBUsRg,'t. 15, 1862. ^g' Depot. " have just returned from Hagerstown, where. t4tve been for the clothing for this corps. S' r re was nothing there bit overcoats, tropwsers, Drwers.. s_4 a }ew uniform coats anad socks. There were'... nOt any hoes, blankets, shirts or shelter tents. Fwrge Caps. il.y.ou please tell me where and when the. g.. balance can be had. Shall I send to Hlarper's Stockin. rern' for them to-morrow? The corps surgeon * has just made a requisition for 45 hospital tents. _- - cC There are none at IHagerstown. Suk-Coats. "Will you please to inform me if I can get Cavalry Jackets. them at Harptr's Ferry? _ 8 8a - 1 " FILDING LOWRY, Cantve I;;K, 1wl'len and there the endirance of a single corps tc- I complished the object of its fighting. and. Iy secuiring to the army its transit to the James, left i cco runt au I id'nenri a to the enemy a ruinoirs and barren victory. oil tIe tlit' l'l ie a of tie Jr The army of the Potomirc was first rediced eIJv the withrhat'wal from niv conimmand of the divisl- Richimond was stiil wtit'ii ouir,rasp, thai tihe ion of General Bleiker, whiclh was ordered to' arUi of the'Potoi ic I)''I re t''Ciifrcd:lid pertihe Mountain departIment., under General Fre- mitt'-d.to advaurcl. Biut comuii'ls' i\vir'ih I can nont. AWe had scarcely land(d oni the P'enin- not but think suIbserqu'int events prov:.d iunIwise, Sula, when it was iurither reduced by a despatch, I pr'vailed it t\Xasii"to,', and we wi(,erti' o!'ered revoking a previous order giving nme connana I to) abandon tie campig. Never did soldiers. of Fortress Monroe, atnl( under which I had ex- heleti nr deserve the tiriks of a nation than ile pected to take ten thousand Inti n from tha:t i army (it' ( hie Pot'olmrc tor t hre ldeds of the P'el inpoint, to aid in our operatiions. Thlen when,i- sular cmr41airiigl,:t, ai ltholrgh thilt miteeC, was der fire before tire defences of Yorktown}, we re,- jwitilhhld i rin ihm bIy the anlithoriies. I ani ceived the news of tie withdrawal of General i pei'suad"d they iLave riceived tlie apl;tase of McDowell's corps, of' abilut 3'5,t( 0 men. Tins i the Anerican peI,p e. The ariny of the P'otocompleted the overthrow of tlie orirginil planI of tmac was reca;tlled firoin within sig:h;i,f lRichniond the campaign. About oae-thirtd of myi entire j aild incorpo'rai' d wiltl the army of Vi;rginia. army, (five divisions out of fourteen, orne of tile The disappoiiintments if the caimpaitarr on the nine remaining being but litle larger thanii a bri- Pen"insila had not iamrnpened their ardor or digade) was thus takein Irom ime. Instead of a rapid i rnislie tlilir-'a'Iitlimnl. They toight well, advance which I had planned, aided by a flank I faith'rly, gallantly rirer General Pope:; tut movement up the York river, it was onily left to w t' "pelle to fall ck on Washirgton, debesiege Yorktown. That siege was sucoessfully ft ated ani altnost denoralietd. conducted by the arrny, and when these stronrii works at length yielded to our approaches, the Tire eriev io longer- otcupied in guardilg his own capital., porllied hl,% troop.ps nortihward. entertroops rushed forward to the s-nguiliarv biutii' ed Marytl:,.t. thlreatena'd Pel.nnsvlvania, and even successful battle of Williamsburgh, and thus l: reue via, ven Washinigton itsel'i. Elated by his recet vieopened an almost unresisted advance to the i banks of the Chickahorinv. Richmrond lav be-r t granized and dispirtited, hei wan. cornfidenlt that fore them surrounded with fortifications; andiin t guarded by an army larker than our own; but theseat of wir was nuow pitllanmetlY transferred the prospect did not shake the courage of the t t te nnv th(ll tls rrxv ex lrt brave men who composed m1 command. Relv- w to be r-lieved froll te lir-der nit Surppoit big still on the support whichl the v'itnles of t hostile r. t eid our undertaking. and the. rand results d