HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Beverly, Va., July 13, 1861.
JOHN PEGRAM, Esq.,
Stiling himself Lieutenant-Colonel, P. A. C. S.:
SIR: Your communication, dated yesterday, proposing to surrender as prisoners of war the force assembled under your command, has been delivered to me. I will receive you, Your officers and men, as prisoners, and I will treat you and them with the kindness due to prisoners of war, but it is not in my power to relieve you or them from any liabilities incurred by taking arms against the United States.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 