October 6, 1862---"Give battle to the enemy."

OCTOBER 6, 1862:             

After almost three weeks of inaction, “Old Brains” Henry W. Halleck, General-in-Chief of the Union Armies, orders Major General George B. McClellan to pursue Robert E. Lee’s shattered forces south of the Potomac:

“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 reinforced by thirty thousand men…You will immediately report what line you adopt, and when you intend to cross the river…I am directed to add that the Secretary of War and the General-in-chief fully concur with the President in these directions.”