Abraham Lincoln: “Ordered, 1. That the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac proceed forthwith to organize that part of the…”

“Ordered, 1. That the major-general commanding the Army of the Potomac proceed forthwith to organize that part of the said army destined to enter upon active operations (including the reserve, but excluding the troops to be left in the fortifications about Washington) into four army corps, to be commanded according to seniority of rank, as follows:First Corps to consist of four divisions, and to be commanded by Major-General I. McDowell.”