Sept. 13, 1862, 11 a.m., Dispatch: Gen. Alfred Pleasonton to Gen. George B. McClellan

DISPATCH TO GEN. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN

Gen. Alfred Pleasonton to Gen. George B. McClellan

Sept. 13, 1862, 11 a.m.

Alfred Pleasonton's dispatch above was copied from Library of Congress microfilm, Box A79, Reel 31

Alfred Pleasonton's dispatch above was copied directly from Library of Congress microfilm

Transcription:

4 miles from Frederick

Sept. 13, 11 a.m.

To Gen. R.B. Marcy—

Chief of Staff—

Have met the rear guard at this point. They did have [rifled] guns and some 1500 cavalry in a commanding position. They are now [commanding the] road [with] two, but until I can flank them they [cannot be dislodged] — I have sent for some infantry- when it comes up I [shall] try and bag the party.

Just heard from Jefferson. Hear a force there of cavalry with artillery - my people have no artillery there. I hear heavy firing above Harper's Ferry. Heard [forces there] this morning [all] [was] [right] __  ____ from Green Castle Penn. near Franklin railroad Jackson want to cut off the Central railroad through' Pennsylvania

The rebels are very much alarmed and say they are [living ocu??????d]

[Lee] Cavalry tried to cross at Point of Rocks last night and [my people stopped] them.

Very respectfully,

A. Pleastonton.

B.G.C.

Infantry is up and is [going round to [right] my cavalry skirmishing dismounted and working well round on the right and left of the ridge on which the enemy have planted themselves.

A.P.

Notes:

Gen. Alfred Pleasonton's Union cavalry had been trying to break the lines of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart on Catoctin Mountain, Maryland where the National Pike crosses it since about 6 a.m., Sept. 13, 1862. The images above were copied directly from Library of Congress microfilm in the Manuscript Reading Room LM 101

Source: 

Library of Congress
Manuscript Division
George Brinton McClellan Papers
Correspondence I, 1783-1888
Sept. 11–15 [1862]
Box: A79, Reel: 31

Sept. 13, 1862, 12 M, Telegram: Gen. George B. McClellan to President Abraham Lincoln

TELEGRAM-WAR DEPARTMENT RECEIVED COPY

Gen. George B. McClellan to President Abraham Lincoln

Sept. 13, 1862, 12 M (Note: Should be 12 Midnight.)

This is a carbon copy of the War Department's received telegram, written in the hand of a War Department telegraphic operator and used after the Civil War for the Official Records. Trophies telegram, p. 1.

This is a carbon copy of the War Department's received telegram, written in the hand of a War Department telegraphic operator and used after the Civil War for the Official Records. Trophies telegram, p. 2.

Transcription:
Time Received 2:35 AM

Washington, D. C., Sept 14 1862.

Hd Qrs Frederick Sept 13, 12 M (Note: Should be 12 Midnight.)

I have the whole Rebel force in front of me but am confident and no time shall be lost. I have a difficult task to perform but with Gods blessing will accomplish it. I think Lee has made a gross mistake & that he will be severely punished for it. The army is in motion as rapidly as possible. I hope for a great success if the plans of the Rebels remain unchanged We have possession of Cotocktane. I have all the plans of the Rebels and will catch them in their own trap if my men are equal to the emergency.

I now feel that I can t count on them as of old. All forces of Penna should be placed to cooperate at Chambersburg. [continued on page 2] My respects to Mrs Lincoln. Received most enthusiastically by the ladies. Will send you trophies.  All well and with Gods blessing will accomplish it.

Geo B McClellan.

[continued on page 2] 

Notes:

McClellan’s original sending copy of this telegram has not been located. There is a time-stamp discrepancy between Lincoln's copy and the War Department received copy. Lincoln's copy is time-stamped "12 Midnight." The War Department copy is time-stamped "12 M." For noon. Overwhelming evidence shows that the sent time was midnight. For a detailed analysis, see The McClellan Debate.

Source: 
National Archives

• Series : Generals' Papers and Books, compiled 1830 - 1884

• HMS Entry Number(s): PI17 159A PI17 159AA (...)

• Record Group 94: Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1762 - 1984

Sept. 13, 1862, 12 Midnight, Telegram: Gen. George B. McClellan to President Abraham Lincoln

TELEGRAM-WAR DEPARTMENT RECEIVED COPY

Gen. George B. McClellan to President Abraham Lincoln

Sept. 13, 1862, 12 Midnight

Lincoln’s personal received telegram, written in the hand of a War Department telegraphic operator. The "Trophies" telegram, page 1.

Lincoln’s personal received telegram, written in the hand of a War Department telegraphic operator. The "Trophies" telegram, page 2.

Transcription:

Time Received 2:35 AM

Washington, D. C., Sept 14 1862.

Hd Qrs Frederick Sept 13, 12 Midnight.

I have the whole Rebel force in front of me but am confident and no time shall be lost. I have a difficult task to perform but with Gods blessing will accomplish it. I think Lee has made a gross mistake & that he will be severely punished for it. The army is in motion as rapidly as possible. I hope for a great success if the plans of the Rebels remain unchanged We have possession of Cotocktane. I have all the plans of the Rebels and will catch them in their own [continued on page 2]  rap if my men are equal to the emergency.

I now feel that I can t count on them as of old. All forces of Penna should be placed to cooperate at Chambersburg. My respects to Mrs Lincoln. Received most enthusiastically by the ladies. Will send you trophies.  All well and with Gods blessing will accomplish it.

Geo B McClellan.

Notes:

McClellan’s original sending copy of this telegram has not been located. There is a time-stamp discrepancy between Lincoln's copy and the War Department received copy. Lincoln's copy is time-stamped "12 Midnight." The War Department copy is time-stamped "12 M." For noon. Overwhelming evidence shows that the sent time was midnight. For a detailed analysis, see The McClellan Debate.

Source: 

The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress

Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833-1916.

George B. McClellan to Abraham Lincoln, Saturday, September 13, 1862 (Telegram concerning military affairs)