"It was not war - it was murder." Major General D.H. Hill, CSA (Gen Hill on the Battle of Malvern Hill)
Headquarters Army of the Potomac June 25, 1862
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:
"Everything very quiet to-day. I hope to open on enemy's batteries to-morrow morning and to gain important advantages within 48 hours - not however bringing us to Richmond, but somewhat nearer, and improving our position. It is again raining, but this will not probably defer movements." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
Porter's Headquarters, June 25, 1862 - 10:30pm
Hon. E. M. Stanton:
"I need some new regiments at once to re-enforce garrison of Yorktown and Whitehouse. Another division of old troops would be invaluable. Also a couple of new regiments of calvary" Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
Porter's Headquarters, June 25, 1862 - 10:40pm
Hon. E. M. Stanton:
"The information I received on this side tends to confirm impression that Jackson will soon attack our right and rear. Every possible precaution is being taken. If I had another good division, I could laugh at Jackson. The task is difficult, but this army will do it's best, and never disgrace the country. Nothing but overwhelming forces can defeat us. Indications are of attack on our front to-morrow. Have made all possible arrangements." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
McClellan's, VA., June 26, 1862 - 12 m
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:
"The affair of yesterday was perfectly successful. We hold the new picket line undisturbed. All things very quiet on this bank of the Chickahominy. I would prefer more noise." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
Porter's Headquarters, June 26, 1862 - 9:00pm
Hon. E. M. Stanton:
"The firing has nearly ceased. I have nearly everything on the way - impediments on the other side of the Chickahominy - and hope to be ready for anything tomorrow.
Please see that Commodore Goldsborough complies promptly with my request. Victory of to-day complete and against great odds.
I almost begin to think we are invincible." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
McClellan's, June 27 - 12 m
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:
"My change of position on other side just in time. Heavy attack now being made by Jackson and two other divisions. Expect attack also on this side." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
McClellan's Headquarters, June 27, 1862 - 8:40pm
Hon. E. M. Stanton:
"Have had a terrible contest. Attacked by greatly superior numbers in all directions on this side; we still hold our own, though a very heavy fire is still kept up on the left bank of Chickahominy. The odds have been immense. We hold our own very nearly. I may be forced to give up my position during the night, but will not if it is possible to avoid it. Had I 20,000 fresh and good troops we would be sure of a splendid victory to-morrow.
My men have fought magnificently." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
McClellan's Headquarters, June 28, 1862
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:
"Your dispatch and that of President, received. Jackson is driving in my pickets, &c., on other side of the Chickahominy.
It is impossible to tell where re-enforcments ought to go, as I am yet unable to predict result of approaching battle. It will probably be better that they should go to Fort Monroe according to state of affairs when they arrive. It is not probable that I can maintain telegraphic communications more than an hour or two longer." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
War Department, Washington, D.C., June 28, 1862
General Dix:
"Communication with McClellan by White House is cut off. Strain every nerve to open communication with him by James River, or any other way you can. Report to me." A. Lincoln
Berkeley, Harrison's Bar, July 2, 1862 - 5:30pm
Hon. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States:
"I have succeded in getting this army to this place on the banks of the James River...As usual, we had a severe battle and beat the enemy badly, the men fighting even better than before...Officers and men thoroughly worn-out by fighting everyday and working every night for a week. They are in good spirits, and after a little rest will fight better than ever...Our losses have been very heavy for we have fought everyday since last Tuesday. I have not yielded an inch of ground unnecessarily, but have retired to prevent the superior force of the enemy from cutting me off and to take a different base of operations.
I thank you for the re-enforcements. Every 1,000 men you send at once will help me much." Geo. B. McClellan, Major General
"If you think you are not strong enough to take Richmond just now, I do not ask you to." President Abraham Lincoln to Gen. McClellan, July 2, 1862
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