Advocate
Secretary Cameron to General McCall
Gen. McCall received the following letter from the Secretary of War:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Brig. Gen G.A.McCall, Commanding Division
GENERAL: I have read your report of the Battle of Drainesville, and although no reply is necessary on my part, yet as a citizen of the same Commonwealth as yourself and the troops engaged in that brilliant affair, I cannot refrain from expressing to you my admiration if the gallant conduct displayed, both by officers and men, in this first contest with the enemy----- Nearly all your command on that occasion are either my personal friends or sons of those whom for long years I have been more or less intimately associated. I feel I have just cause to be proud that, animated by no other motive than patriotism, they are among the first to revive the glory shed upon our country by the men of the Revolution and the soldiers of the War of 1812. It is one of the bright spots that gives assurance of the success of coming events. And its effect must be to inspire confidence in the belief that hereafter, as heretofore, the cause of our country will triumph.
I am especially gratified that a Pennsylvania Artillery Corps, commanded by officerswho have necessarily had but limited systematic instruction, have won not only the commendation of their friends but an unwilling compliment from the enemy for the wonderful rapidity and accuracy of their fire.
I wish I could designate all the men who, nobly discharging their duty to the country, have added to the glory of our great Commonwealth. Other portions of the army will be stimulated by their brave deeds, and men will be proud to sat that at Drainesville, they served under McCall and Ord.
I am, General very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
Simon Cameron, Secretary of War