Sunday, July 5, 2015

Major-General George B. McClellan to Major-General William B. Franklin, September 15, 1862 – 8:45 a.m.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Bolivar, September 15, 1862 – 8.45 a.m.
Major-General FRANKLIN:

GENERAL: We have met with a complete success; have gotten possession of the pass in front of this place, and are pushing our forces forward in pursuit of the retreating enemy. General Hooker reports that he has received reliable information from citizens from Boonsborough that the enemy is retreating in a perfect panic in the direction of Shepherdstown Ferry. They say that Lee openly acknowledged they had been shockingly whipped. Communicate with General Burnside at the intersection of the Rohrersville and Boonsborough roads, and if the intelligence of the retreat of the enemy toward Shepherdstown Ferry is confirmed, push on with your whole command (cautiously and keeping up communication with Franklin [Burnside]) to Sharpsburg, and endeavor to fall upon the enemy and to cut off his retreat. Use your cavalry with the utmost vigor in following up the pursuit. In this juncture much is left by the commanding general to your judgment, trusting that you will act promptly and vigorously and complete the success thus far gained.

By command of Major-General McClellan:

GEO. D. RUGGLES,
Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 51 (Serial No. 107), p. 835-6

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