October 6, 1862 (Monday): LIncoln Orders McClellan to Move

War Department Annex-Site of Halleck's Office (mrlincolnswhitehouse.or)

WASHINGTON, D. C., October 6, 1862.
Major-General MCCLELLAN:
    I am instructed to telegraph you as follows: The President directs that you cross the Potomac and give battle to the enemy or drive him south. Your army must move now while the roads are good. If you cross the river between the enemy and Washington, and cover the latter by your operation, you can be re-enforced with 30,000 men. If you move up the Valley of the Shenandoah, not more than 12,000 or 15,000 can be sent to you. The President advises the interior line, between Washington and the enemy, but does not order it. He is very desirous that you army move as soon as possible. You will immediately report what line you adopt and when you intend to cross the river; also to what point the re-enforcements are to be sent. It is necessary that the plan of your operations be positively determined on before orders are given for building bridges and repairing railroads.
    I am directed to add that the Secretary of War and the General-in-Chief fully concur with the President in these instructions.


    H. W. HALLECK,
    General-in-Chief.

McClellan's discussion of building a bridge at Harper's Ferry greatly alarmed the administration, which took it to mean he would not move forward until the bridge could be built which might mean no advance during the fall season.  McClellan had indicated he preferred the movement into the Valley, and Halleck is trying to steer him into adopting the President's plan by pointing out he will receive more reinforcements if he interposes between Lee and Washington than if he moves into the Valley.  It is interesting to note Halleck informing McClellan he has been directed to add he concurs with the President.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 19, Part 1, Page 72.