Annotation
[1] ALS, RPB. Apparently this message was not received at McClellan's head-quarters until after McClellan had telegraphed a report of General Fitz-John Porter's action of the previous day. McClellan's report dated May 28, 2 P.M., is as follows: ``Porter's action of yesterday was truly a glorious victory. Too much credit cannot be given to his magnificent division and its accomplished leader. The route of rebels was complete---not a defeat, but a complete rout. Prisoners are constantly coming in; two companies have this moment arrived, with excellent arms.
``There is no doubt that the enemy are concentrating everything on Richmond. I will do my best to cut off Jackson, but am doubtful whether I can.
``It is the policy and duty of the Government to send me by water all the well-drilled troops available. I am confident that Washington is in no danger. Engines and cars in large numbers have been sent up to bring down Jackson's command. I may not be able to cut them off, but will try. We have cut all but the Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad. The real issue is in the battle about to be fought in front of Richmond. All our available troops should be collected here---not raw regiments, but the well-drilled troops. It cannot be ignored that a desperate battle is before us. If any regiments of good troops remain unemployed it will be an irreparable fault committed.'' (OR, I, XI, I, 35).
Randolph B. Marcy replied to Lincoln's prior query at 11 P.M., as follows: ``Your despatch to Gen McClellan this moment received and despatched by special messenger to him. In his absence directing operations in front I have the honor to state. . . that the troops under Gen F J Porter marched more than twenty (20) miles yesterday through rain and mud fought six hours and were at the close of the action encumbered with some six hundred (600) killed and wounded including those of the enemy to be buried & cared for with five or six hundred prisoners to be guarded which prevented Genl Porter from pressing forward last night to cut the Fredericksburg and Richmond Rail Road This will be done tomorrow The prisoners that were taken yesterday and are here now say that they were ordered to reinforce Jackson via Hanover Junction and were ordered back to Richmond It is therefore presumed that this is the same force referred to by Genl King'' (DLC-RTL).