MARTINSBURG, VA., July 12, 1861.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:
Dispatch of 11th received and confirms my impression expressed on 9th instant. To properly strengthen my position and secure line of communication, now insecure, and more so as we advance; to insure expedition and continued success, I ask permission and a little time to transfer my depot to Harper’s Ferry, and my forces on line of operations through Charlestown, over a good road. My depot will be better secured, more convenient, nearer, and line better protected. I cannot now bring from Hagerstown, with present means of transportation, an ample supply of provisions for active operations. I can from Harper’s Ferry. I send to Hagerstown an officer to commence to-day the transfer, if assent be given, and I wish an answer to-day. Defeat here is ruin everywhere. I consider a regiment of regulars, and more, if possible, essential to give steadiness to my column and to carry on active operations against a determined opposition, and I urge that my three-months’ volunteers be replaced by three-years’ men. Many of them are barefooted and cannot be employed for active service. They can be made useful until their term expires for this transfer of depot. Many three-months’ men refuse to renew their service. The enemy have retired beyond Winchester, and are said to be fortifying.
R. PATTERSON,
Major-General, Commanding.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 