HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
THE POTOMAC,
Camp Lincoln, June 14,
1862 – midnight.
All quiet in every direction. The stampede of last night has
passed away. Weather now very favorable, I hope two days more will make the
ground practicable. I shall advance as soon as the bridges are completed and
the ground fit for artillery to move. At the same time I would be glad to have
whatever troops can be sent to me. I can use several new regiments to
advantage.
It ought to be distinctly understood that McDowell and his
troops are completely under my control. I received a telegram from him requesting
that McCall's division might be placed so as to join him immediately on his
arrival. That request does not breathe the proper spirit. Whatever troops come
to me must be disposed of so as to do the most good. I do not feel that in such
circumstances as those in which I am now placed General McDowell should wish
the general interests to be sacrificed for the purpose of increasing his
command. If I cannot fully control all his troops I want none of them, but
would prefer to fight the battle with what I have, and let others be
responsible for the results.
The department lines should not be allowed to interfere with
me, but General McDowell and all other troops sent to me should be placed
completely at my disposal, to do with them as I think best. In no other way can
they be of assistance to me. I therefore request that I may have entire and
full control. The stake at issue is too great to allow personal considerations
to be entertained. You know that I have none.
The indications are, from our balloon reconnaissances and
from all other sources, that the enemy are intrenching, daily increasing in
numbers, and determined to fight desperately.
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General,
Commanding.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
11, Part 1 (Serial No. 12), p. 47-8
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