Summary:
In mid-September, 1862, Union General George B. McClellan and the Army of the Potomac followed Robert E. Lee's invading Confederates into Maryland. McClellan's forces fortuitously captured Lee's battle plans, providing the Federals with an opportunity to destroy the Army of Northern Virginia. In this letter, McClellan informs Lincoln of his plans to set a trap for Lee's soldiers. He orders that Pennsylvania forces be placed at Chambersburg to help in the campaign.

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Frederick,

September 13, 1862--12 m.
(Received 2.35 a. m., September 14.)

To the PRESIDENT:

I have the whole rebel force in front of me, but am confident, and no time shall be lost. I have a difficult task to perform, but with God's blessing will accomplish it. I think Lee has made a gross mistake, and that he will be severely punished for it. The army is in motion as rapidly as possible. I hope for a great success if the plans of the rebels remain unchanged. We have possession of Catoctin. I have all the plans of the rebels, and will catch them in their own trap if my men are equal to the emergency. I now feel that I can count on them as of old. All forces of Pennsylvania should be placed to co-operate at Chambersburg. My respects to Mrs. Lincoln. Received most enthusiastically by the ladies. Will send you trophies. All well, and with God's blessing will accomplish it.

GEO. B. McCLELLAN.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 19, Serial No. 28, Pages 281, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.