Headquarters at Pry House
Camp near the town of Keedysville, Maryland
September 15, 1862
Mr. President,
There is something urgent in the manner that needs discussion. Though I informed you [that] the rebel army failed in its success, I must tell of this immediately. I cannot but regard our condition as critical. You have been fully informed once more that [the] rebel army has been overwhelmed after the gunfire. The matter should have been settled with a surrender. None of both sides lost too many, and a surrender was to happen after. Yet I write saying it has not.
The rebel army has an affliction I myself have never seen. I request your knowledge and choice on the matter. Just a few days ago, as we sat in camp after the gunfire, I heard the most horrible of noises. One of the men thought it was a beast in the brush. But, then I spotted it. It was the most horrible, vile, terrible thing I’ve seen. My hands shake. I write this, and I hear them across from our camp now.
When one of my men saw, their eyes burned white-yellow in the light of the moon. Their skin was so sallow, ragged, tattered. Something protruding from their mouths. Sharp and white. And the sounds they uttered. It rattled our bones on [that] cold winter’s night. The men wish to shoot them, as they have been barricaded in the river. Send me back words of hope, and words of confidence on which the matter of what to do.
I may be on the brink of eternity; and as I hope forgiveness from my Master, I have written this letter with sincerity towards you and from love of my country.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Geo. B. McClellan,
Maj.-Gen. Commanding.
Helenmollybooks 