george mcclellan Letters for the years 1861 thru 1863

Washington, MD - 8 August 1861

Information from various sources reaching me to-day, through spies, letters, and telegrams, confirms my impressions, derived from previous advices, that the enemy intend attacking our positions on the other side of the river

Washington, MD - 10 August 1861

The letter addressed by me under date of the 8th instant to Lieutenant-General Scott, commanding the United States Army, was designed to be a plain and respectful expression of my views of the measures demanded for the safety of the Government

Washington, MD - 12 August 1861

I have to-day received additional information which convinces me that it is more than probable that the enemy will, within a very short time, attempt to throw a respectable force from the mouth of Acquia Creek into Maryland.

Washington, MD - 6 September 1861

I have the honor to suggest the following proposition, with the request that the necessary authority be at once given me to carry it out

Washington, MD - 8 September 1861

The force of all our arms within the immediate vicinity of Washington is nearly eighty-five thousand men. The effective portion of this force is more than sufficient to resist with certain success any attack on our works

Washington, MD - 7 November 1861

In giving you instructions for your guidance, in command of the Department of the Ohio, I do not design to fetter you. I merely wish to express plainly the general ideas which occur to me in relation to the conduct of operations there.

Washington, MD - 11 November 1861

In assigning you to the command of the Department of Missouri, it is probably unnecessary for me to state that I have intrusted to you a duty which requires the utmost tact and decision.

Washington, MD - 12 November 1861

The main point to which I desire to call your attention, is the necessity of enter ing Eastern Tennessee as soon as it can be done with reasonable chances of success

Washington, MD - 3 February 1862

I found no army to command ; a mere collection of regiments, cowering on the banks of the Potomac, some perfectly raw, others dispirited by the recent defeat.

Washington, MD - 14 February 1862

After giving the subject all the consideration in my power, I am forced to the conclusion that, under present circumstances, the siege and capture of Savannah do not promise results commensurate with the sacrifices necessary.

Steamer Commodore - 1 April 1862

The approximate numbers and positions of the troops left near and in rear of the Potomac are as follows

Harrisons Bar, VA - 4 July 1862

After sending my communication on Tuesday, the enemy attacked the left of our lines, and a fierce battle ensued, lasting until night ; they were repulsed with great slaughter.

Camp Near Harrisons Landing, VA - 7 July 1862

You have been fully informed that the rebel army is in our front, with the purpose of overwhelming us by attacking our positions or reducing us by blocking our river communications.

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac - 18 August 1862

Please say a kind word to my army, that I can repeat to them in general orders, in regard to their conduct at Yorktown, Williamsburgh, West Point, Hanover Court-House, and on the Chickahominy, as well as in regard to the (7) seven days, and the recen

Frederick City, MD - 13 September 1862

An order from General R. E. LEE. addressed to General D. H. Hill, which has accidentally come into my hands this evening, the authenticity of which is unquestionable, discloses some of the plans of the enemy

Frederick, MD - 13 September 1862

I have the whole rebel force in front of me, but am confident, and no time shall be lost.

Washington, MD - 7 January 1863

In accordance with verbal instructions heretofore given you - you will, after uniting with flag-officer Goldsborough, at Fort Monroe, proceed under his convey to Hatteras Inlet

Washington, MD - 23 February 1863

You are assigned to the command of the land forces destined to co-operate with the navy, in the attack upon New Orleans. You will use every means to keep your destination a profound secret