Annotation
[1] OR, I, XIX, II, 497; copy, DLC-McClellan Papers. McClellan's telegram of 3 P.M. reads as follows:
``Your Excellency is aware of the very great reduction of numbers that has taken place in most of the old regiments of this command, and how necessary it is to fill up these skeletons before taking them again into action. I have the honor, therefore, to request that the order to fill up the old regiments with drafted men may at once be issued.'' (OR, I, XIX, II, 496).
At 7:15 P.M. McClellan replied to Lincoln's query:
``I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of . . . to-day . . . deeply impressed with the importance of filling up the old regiments . . . . I . . . called an aide, and . . . directed him to write for me a dispatch asking Your Excellency to have the necessary order given. I regret to say that this officer, after writing the dispatch, finding me still engaged, sent it to the telegraph office without first submitting it to me, under the impression that he had communicated my views. He, however, unfortunately added `before taking them into action again.' This phrase was not authorized or intended by me. It has conveyed altogether an erroneous impression as to my plans and intentions. To Your Excellency's question I answer distinctly that I have not had any idea of postponing the advance until the old regiments are filled by drafted men. I commenced crossing the army into Virginia yesterday, and shall push forward as rapidly as possible to endeavor to meet the enemy . . . .'' (lbid., 497).