Executive Mansion, Washington, January 31st, 1861.
President’s Special War Order No. 1.
Ordered, that all the disposable force of the Army of the Potomac, after providing safely for the defence of Washington, be formed into an expedition for the immediate object of seizing and occupying a point upon the railroad south-westward of what is known as Manassas Junction; all details to be in the discretion of the General-in-Chief, and the expedition to move before or on the 22d day of February next.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
General McClellan replied, in writing, to this order, objecting to the plan which it proposed, as involving “the error of dividing our army by a very difficult obstacle (the Occoquan), and by a distance too great to enable the two portions to support each other, should either be attacked by the masses of the enemy.” In conclusion he expressed himself desirous of moving against the enemy, either by the way of the Rappahannock or the Peninsula. This reply explains the reason of his having so long delayed operations. His aim was to mass together a large army, thoroughly equipped and drilled, and leaving a sufficient force to guard Washington, throw the remainder of his army suddenly in the enemy’s rear, or hurl them swiftly upon the rebel capital, before they could move to its support.
The President did not agree with his young General, as will be seen from the following communication, which he addressed him in reply:
“Executive Mansion, Washington, February 3d, 1862.
“My Dear Sir:—You and I have distinct and different plans for a movement of the Army of the Potomac; yours to be down the Chesapeake, up the Rappahannock to Urban, and across land to the terminus of the railroad on York river; mine to move directly to a point on the railroad south-west of Manassas. If you will give me satisfactory answers to the following questions, I shall gladly yield my plan to yours:
“1. Does not your plan involve a greatly larger expenditure of time and money than mine?
“2. Wherein is a victory more certain by your plan than mine?