HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Manassas Junction, July 17, 1861.
General EWELL,
Union Mills:
The enemy being in such force we may not be able to attack Centreville with safety. You will confine yourself to protecting the right flank and rear of Jones’ brigade, and be careful to protect your own flank from any attack in the direction of Fairfax Station. Keep strong pickets on roads leading in that direction, and let not the rear of Early’s brigade move too far from the Union Mills Station. But should you in the course of events find it practicable to make a sudden and successful attack on Centreville you are at liberty to do so.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. LI, Part II. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1897.
Spirit of '61 