To Abraham Lincoln [Telegram]

Berkeley, Harrison's Bar Hon A Lincoln President US July 2nd [1862] 5.30 PM

I have succeeded in getting this Army to this place on the banks of the James River. I have lost but one gun which had to be abandoned last night because it broke down. An hour and a half ago the rear of the wagon train was within a mile of Camp and only one wagon abandoned. As usual we had a severe battle yesterday and beat the Enemy badly, the men fighting even better than before. We fell back to this position during the night and morning. Officers and men thoroughly worn out by fighting every day and working every night for a week. They are in good spirits and after a little rest will fight better than ever. If not attacked during this day I will have the men ready to repulse the Enemy tomorrow. General Ferry is here. Our losses have been very heavy for we have fought every day 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 reinforcements. Every thousand men you send at once will help me much.

G B McClellan
Maj Genl