CHARLESTOWN, VA., July 18, 1861—1.30 a. m.
Colonel TOWNSEND, Headquarters of the Army:
Telegram of to-night [17th] received. Mine gives the condition of my command. Some regiments have given warning not to serve an hour over time. To attack under such circumstances against the greatly superior force at Winchester is most hazardous. My letter of 16th gives you further information. Shall I attack?
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 