He telegraphed to Halleck, in accepting his new command, that he would "Move toward the Susquehanna, keeping Washington and Baltimore well covered, and if the enemy is checked in his attempt to cross the Susquehanna or if he turns toward Baltimore, to give him battle."
Han telegraferede til Halleck og bekræftede, at han overtog stillingen, samt at han ville "rykke mod Susquehanna og holde Washington og Baltimore godt dækket, og hvis fjenden afskæres fra sit forsøg på at krydse Susquehanna, eller hvis han drejer mod Baltimore inddrage ham i slag."