G. S. Hillard, Life and Campaigns of George B. McClellan, Major-General , U. S. Army

[90] Western Virginia, and that you remain true to the Stars and Stripes.

Geo. B. Mcclellan, Major-General U. S. A., Commanding Dep't.

Headquarters Department of the Ohio, Cincinnati, May 26, 1861.

soldiers:--You are ordered to cross the frontier and enter upon the soil of Virginia.

Your mission is to restore peace and confidence, to protect the majesty of tie law, and to rescue our brethren from the grasp of armed traitors. You are to act in concert with Virginia troops, and to support their advance. I place under the safeguard of your honor the persons and property of the Virginians. I know that you will respect their feelings and all their rights.

Preserve the strictest discipline. Remember that each one of you holds in his keeping the honor of Ohio and the Union. If you are called upon to overcome armed opposition, I know that your courage is equal to the task; but remember that your only foes are the armed traitors,--and show mercy even to them when they are in your power, for many of them are misguided. When, under your protection, the loyal men of Western Virginia have been enabled to organize and arm, they can protect themselves; and you can then return to your homes with the proud satisfaction of having saved a gallant people from destruction.

Geo. B. McClellan, Major-General U. S. A., Commanding.

General McClellan also wrote full particulars to the President of what he had done, but, receiving no reply, inferred that his course was approved of.

Colonel Kelley reached Grafton on the 13th of May. The enemy retreated at his approach, and he