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This order, though marked confidential, may be shown by Gen. McClernand, to Governors, and even others, when, in his discretion, he believes so doing to be indispensable to the progress of the expedition. I add that I feel deep interest in the success of the expedition, and desire it to be pushed forward with all possible despatch, consistently with the other parts of the military service.
Oct. 20. 1862. A. LINCOLN
[1] AES, IHi. Lincoln's endorsement is written on the following order:
``Confidential'' War Department Washington City,
October 21st 1862
``Ordered. That Major General McClernand be, and he is directed to proceed to the States of Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, to organize the troops remaining in those States and to be raised by volunteering or draft, and forward them with all despatch to Memphis, Cairo, or such other points as may hereafter be designated by the General-in-Chief---to the end, that when a sufficient force, not required by the operations of General Grant's command, shall be raised, an expedition may be organized under General McClernand's command against Vicksburg and to clear the Mississippi river and open navigation to New Orleans.
``The forces so organized will remain subject to the designation of the General-in-Chief, and be employed according to such exigencies as the service, in his judgment, may require. EDWIN M STANTON
``Secretary of War''