August 2, 1862 (Sunday): The Withdrawal Begins

General George B. McClellan

WASHINGTON, August 2, 1862-3.45 p.m.

You have not answered my telegram of July 30, 8 p.m. about the removal of your sick. Remove them as rapidly as possible and telegraph me when they will be out of your way. The President wishes an answer as early as possible.


H. W. HALLECK.
 
Major-General.

 Major General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 11, Part 1, Page 79

McClellan was nothing if not consistent.  Slow to move foward, slow to retire.  McClellan had spent much of July asking for reinforcements for another attempt to capture Richmond.  The administration had other plans, intending he remove his forces to Aquia Creek.  Ironically, McClellan believed the request to remove the sick to Fort Monroe meant the administration approved his plan to try again to take Richmond.