The life and public services of Abraham Lincoln ... together with his state papers, including his speeches, addresses, messages, letters, and proclamations, and the closing scenes connected with his life and death. By Henry J. Raymond. To which are added anecdotes and personal reminiscences of President Lincoln, by Frank B. Carpenter.

STATE PAPERS OF ABRAHtAM LINCOLN.

287

General McClellan telegraphed t tthe department that a
rumor had reached him that the rebels had been re-enforced
by Beauregard-that he thought a portion of Halleck's
army from Tennessee should be sent to strengthen him,
but that he should " attack with what force he had, as
soon as the weather and ground will permit-but there
will be a delay," he added, " the extent of which no one
can foresee, for the season is altogether abnormal." The
Secretary of War replied that Halleck would be urged
to comply with his request if he could safely do so-that
neither Beauregard nor his army was in Richmond, that
McDowell' s force would join him as soon as possible, that
Fremont had had an engagement, not wholly successful,
with Jackson, and closing with this strong and cordial
assurance of confidence and support:Be assured, General, that there never has been a moment when my desire has been otherwise than to aid you with my whole heart, mind, and
strength, since the hour we first met; and whatever others may say for
their own purposes, you have never had, and never can lhave, any one
more truly your friend, or more anxious to support you, or inore joyful
than I shall be at the success which, I have no doubt, will soon be achieved
by your arms.
On the 14th, General McClellan wrote to the War
Department that the weather was favorable, and that
two days more would make the ground practicable. He
still urges the propriety of sending him more troops, but
finds a new subject of complaint in a telegram he had
received from McDowell. The latter, on the 8th, had
received the following orders:
The Secretary of War directs that, having first provided adequately for
the defence of the City of Washington and for holding the position at
Fredericksburg, you operate with the residue of your force as speedily a.L
possible in the direction of Richmond to co-operate with Major-;eneral
McClellan, in accordance with the instructions lheretiofore given you. MeCall's Division, which has been by previous order directed towards Richmond by water, will still form a part of the Army of the Rap,,luthatnnock,
and will come under your orders when you are in a position to co-operate
with General fMcClellan.