The University of Michigan Library provides access to these materials for educational and research purposes, with permission from their copyright holder. If you decide to use any of these materials, you are responsible for making your own legal assessment and securing any necessary permission.
[1] AD, DLC-RTL. See also the related memorandum enclosed with Lincoln to McClellan, February 3, 1862, infra. The document bears an endorsement written by John Hay and Lincoln which reads (with Lincoln's additions given in italics): ``Memoranda of the President on Campaign of Potomac---without date, but about Dec. 1, 1861 and letter of Genl. McClellan---date Dec. 10, 1861.'' McClellan's letter is as follows:
``I inclose the paper you left with me---filled as requested. In arriving at the numbers given I have left the minimum number in garrison & observation.
``Information received recently leads me to believe that the enemy could meet us in front with equal forces nearly---& I have now my mind actively turned towards another plan of campaign that I do not think at all anticipated by the enemy nor by many of our own people.''
[2] Following this question is McClellan's answer in pencil: ``If bridge trains ready---By Dec. 15.---probably 25th.''
[3] McClellan has written in pencil, ``71,000.''
[4] McClellan has written in pencil, ``33,000.''
[5] In the blank left by Lincoln is written in pencil ``50,000.'' Presumably this figure was not supplied by McClellan.