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696 Series I Volume II- Serial 2 - First Manassas

Page 696 OPERATIONS IN MD., PA., VA., AND W. VA. Chapter IX.

HAGERSTOWN, MD., June 17, 1861.

Colonel TOWNSEND:

Let me know decision after receiving my letter by Colonel Sherman. May I advance to Harper's Ferry, where I can open communication with you and send the regulars down by road in three days? Can repair bridge over Harper's Ferry; otherwise, if regulars are withdrawn, will withdraw. Cadwalader now intrenching neck near Falling Waters. Have no guns. Perkins cannot get harness for ten days. Siege battery not come. Can bring Perkins from Carlisle, and haul him over.

R. PATTERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS, June 17, 1861.

General PATTERSON, U. S. A., Hagerstown, Md.:

We are pressed here. Send the troops that I have twice called for without delay.

WINFIELD SCOTT.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA,
Hagerstown, Md., June 17, 1861.

Major General GEORGE CADWALADER, Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: The commanding general directs you at once to put Major Thomas, with his regular troops, in motion for this place, with secret orders to march as fast as possible, consistent with efficiency, via Frederick, for Washington City; also, to order Colonel Miles to move at once, with secret orders, to Hagerstown, ready to take rail via Harrisburg to Washington City, with the Second, Third and Eighth Infantry; also, to withdraw your command to this side. General Scott says he is pressed, and must have the troops as fast as possible.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HARRISBURG, June 17, 1861.

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND:

Troops have been ordered, and if rail transportation now on the way can take them, you shall have them to-morrow morning. Colonel Burnside requires twenty passenger, twenty-three platform, and fifteen stock cars.

R. PATTERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.


HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA,
Hagerstown, Md., June 17, 1861.

Colonel LEWIS WALLACE,

Eleventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers, Cumberland, Md.:

COLONEL: Simultaneously with your telegram that your scouts had seen no troops within twelve miles of you, came a demand from the


Page 696 OPERATIONS IN MD., PA., VA., AND W. VA. Chapter IX.