Gettysburg - July 11th - Meade advancing cautiously

To Honorable J. K. DUBOIS,Springfield, Ill.:
It is certain that after three day's fighting at Gettysburg, Lee withdrew and made for the Potomac; that he found the river so swollen as to prevent his crossing; that he is still this side, near Hagerstown and Williamsport, preparing to defend himself; and that Meade is close upon him, and preparing to attack him, heavy skirmishing having occurred nearly all day yesterday.

I am more than satisfied with what has happened north of the Potomac so far, and am anxious and hopeful for what is to come.

A. LINCOLN.

Meade To Halleck, Antietam Creek, July 11, 1863—4 P. M.
The line of this army was advanced cautiously this morning in the direction stated in yesterday's despatch, and at this time its right rests on the road from Smoketown to Funkstown, about two miles from the latter—the line crossing the Antietam, passing through Jones's crossroads, the left being near Wash run. Strong reconnaissance of infantry are being pushed out toward Funkstown, on the left bank of the Antietam, towards the same point on the right bank, and on the road from Sharpsburg to Funkstown ; at the same time cavalry force is pushing out on the left on the Boonsboro' and Williamsport road, and on the right towards Hagerstown from Chewsville and Leitersburg. The cavalry on the Chewsville road advanced without opposition to within a short distance (about a mile and a half) of Hagerstown... Everything indicates that the enemy is massing between Hagerstown and Williamsport, and from various sources it is stated that they are entrenching.

From the representations of General Spinola, that the nine-months' men of his command could not be relied upon, as their time had nearly expired, and my own experience of troops under such circumstances, I have directed the regiments of his brigade to be posted in the rear.

Halleck To Meade, Washington, D. C., July 11, 1863.
The nine months men told me that they were willing to serve through this crisis under any one but General Spinola, but would not serve under him, as they regarded him as worthless. You are authorized to relieve him and send him away.