Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-01-28

/ this, that it would break no great line of the
enemy's communications, while mine would
s. In case OF disaster, would not q safe re-
treat be more difficult by your plan than by
mine Yours truly, a. LINCOLN.
Gen. Mcclellan Directs the Shenandoah Cam
paign,
HEADoUARrERs ARMY OF THE PoToNAc \
On BOARD COMMODORE, Apri l. 1862.
Major General ". p. BQals, Commanding
Fifth 4rrny Corps GENERAL: The change in
affairs in the Valley of the Shenandoah has
rendered necessary corresponding departure
temporary, at least-from the plan we some
days since agreed upon.
In my arrangements, assume that you
have force amply sufficient to drive Jackson
before you. provided he is not reinforced
largely. 1 also assume that you may find il
impossible to find anything to wards Manas
sas for some days probably not until the op-
erations Of the main army have drawn all the
rebel force towards Richmond.
You are aware that Gen. Sumner has for
some days been at Warrenton junction, with
two divisions of infantry, six batteries, and
two regiments of cavalry, and that recounoi-
sance to the Rappahannock forced the enemy
to destroy the railroad bridge at Rappahan-
mock station, on the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad. Since that time our cavalry found
nothing on this side OF the Rappahannock in
that direction, and it seems clear that we have
no reason to fear any return of the rebels in
that quarter. Their movements near Freder-
icksburg also indicate final Abandonment Of
that neighborhood
| doubt whether Johnson will now reinforce
jackson with view TO offensive operations.
The time has probably passed when he could
have gained anything by so doing.
l have ordered one of Summers divisions
(that OF RIchardson) 10 Alexandria for en-
barkation, Benker's has been detached from
the Army of the Potomac, and ordered TO re-
port to Gen. Fremont
Abercrombie is probably at Warrenton J Junc-
rion oday, Geary at White Plains.
Two regiments of cavalry have been ordered
out, and are now Oh the way to relieve the two
regiments of Sumner Four thousand infant
ry and one battery leave Washington at once
for Manassas. Some three thousand more
will move in one or two days, and soon after
three thousand additional.
1 will order Blenker to move on Strasburg.
and report TO you for temporary duty so that,
should you find large force in your front,
you can avail yourself of his aid. AS soon as
possible, please direct him on Winchester.
thence to report to the Adjutant General of
the Army for orders-bui keep him until you
are sure what you have in front.
In regard to your own movements, the most
important thing is TO throw Jackson well back,
and then to assume such position as Will en-
able you to prevent his return. As soon as
the railway communications are re establish
ed it will be probably important and advisable
to move on Staunton but this would require
communications and force of 25 600 to 3d.
600 for active operations. 1t should also be
nearly coincideut with my own move on Rich
mond. At all events, not SO long before it as
to enable the rebels to concentrate on yor and
then return on me.
fear that you cannot be ready in time, al
though it may come in very we'll with force |
less than l have mentioned, after the main
battle near Richmond. When General Sum
ner leaves Warrenton Junction, General Alb
ercron,bie will be placed in immediate com
cand of Manassas aud Warrenton Junction.
under your general orders. Please inform me
frequently. by telegraph aud otherwise, as to
the state of things in your front. 1 am, very |
truly, yours, GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN,
Major Genera Commanding.
P. S.-From what l have just learned, it |
would seem that the two regiments Of cavalry |
intended for Warrenton Junction have gore |
to Harper's Ferry. OF tine four additional |
regiments placed under your orders, two |
should, as promptly possible, move by the |
shortest route on Warrenton junction. | am. |
sir. very respectfully, your obedient servant, |
GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Maj. Gen. Com.
THE above letter was received by the Court /
on the 9th January, 1853
THAT'S So Gen. Rosecrans is Democrat |