OCTOBER 17, 1862:
McClellan
responds to President Lincoln’s letter. His answer reads in part:
“SIR: Your letter of
the 13th instant reached me yesterday morning…I had sent out strong
reconnaissances early in the morning in the direction of Charlestown, Leetown,
&c., and as sharp artillery fire was heard, I felt it incumbent to go to
the front. I did not leave Charlestown until dark, so that I have been unable
to give Your Excellency's letter that full and respectful consideration which
it merits at my hands...I am not wedded to any particular plan of operations. I
hope to have to-day reliable information as to the position of the enemy, whom
I still believe to be between Bunker Hill and Winchester. I promise you that I
will give to your views the fullest and most unprejudiced consideration, and
that it is my intention to advance the moment my men are shod and my cavalry
are sufficiently renovated to be available...Your Excellency may be assured
that I will not adopt a course which differs at all from your views without
first fully explaining my reasons…”
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