FAIRFAX STATION, July 18, 1861.
Capt. J. B. FRY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Fairfax Court-House:
SIR: I have just received a dispatch from Colonel Heintzelman. He is still at Sangster’s, waiting orders. Not knowing whether he has succeeded in communicating with you otherwise, I deem it best to report the fact myself.
I can get guides to Wolf Run Shoals and Bacon Race Church. I deem it necessary to have both telegraphic and railway communication with Alexandria. Have sent word to this effect to General Runyon, and hope it is approved by General McDowell, but would respectfully suggest that orders be issued.
If we could have struck this point and Sangster’s about three hours earlier we might have taken about three thousand prisoners.
The bridges beyond have been burnt by the enemy.
Very respectfully,
O. B. WILLCOX,
Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade.
Please forward the inclosed. Can I have a small mounted party of soldiers for carrying dispatches? I have to communicate with yourself, Colonel Heintzelman, and Alexandria, and the horses have to be taken from the teams.
Respectfully, &c.,
O. B. W.
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 