Annotation
[1] ALS, IHi. McClellan's telegram received at 8 P.M. on July 15, reads in part as follows: ``. . . The difference between the effective force of troops and that expressed in returns is considerable in every Army. All commanders find the actual strength less than the strength represented on paper. I have not my own returns for the tri-monthly period since arriving at Fort Monroe at hand at this moment but even on paper I will not . . . be found to have received one hundred and sixty thousand officers and men present although present and absent my returns will be accountable for that number. . . . I find from official reports that I have present for duty---Officers three thousand two hundred fifteen. Enlisted men Eighty Eight thousand four hundred fifty. In all present for duty Eighty Eight thousand six hundred sixty-five. Absent by authority thirty four thousand four hundred seventy two---without authority three thousand seven hundred seventy eight. Present and absent, One hundred forty four thousand four hundred and seven. The number . . . present sick is sixteen thousand six hundred nineteen. . . . Thus the number . . . really absent is thirty eight thousand two hundred fifty. Unquestionably of the number present some one absent, say forty thousand will cover the absentees. I quite agree with you that more than one half these men are probably fit for duty to-day. I have frequently called the attention lately of the War Dept to the evil of absenteeism. . . . It is to be remembered that many of those absent by authority are those who have got off either sick or wounded . . . and