HEADQUARTERS,
Winchester, July 8, 1861.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:
GENERAL: Since I forwarded to you Colonel Jackson’s report from Darkesville nothing has occurred worth mentioning. I waited in that position until yesterday, hoping that the enemy might, by leaving his strong post at Martinsburg, give us an opportunity to fight. Becoming convinced that he had no such intention, I returned to this place last night, and am now having a few slight field works thrown up, under the superintendence of a clever colonel and an industrious major of engineers. Two brigades were called out, the commanders of which expect to have 2,000 men respectively.
General Patterson received two regiments day before yesterday, and several others are said to have arrived simultaneously with Williamsport re-enforcements, and to be approaching Martinsburg by Williamsport.
The service here requires a few more regular officers in quartermaster and commissary departments; two more competent to command brigades, and one for adjutant-general.
If we are beaten here, General Beauregard’s left will be very insecure.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. JOHNSTON,
Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.
[Inclosure.]
BATH, July 7, 1861.
MAJ. GEN. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON:
DEAR SIR: The same gentleman who gave you some information just before you left Harper’s Ferry has learned from the same source that General Mansfield is on his way to Martinsburg, with 7,000 regulars by way of Chambersburg. He cannot reach Martinsburg before to-morrow evening. Colonel Stone has left Noach’s Ferry, just above Point of Rocks, pushing up himself his men to be at Martinsburg. The First Pennsylvania Regiment marched from Frederick City by way of Shepherdstown yesterday about 6 o’clock. This regiment had five pieces of artillery. This information left Bath yesterday morning. Rely upon this information.
Very truly, yours, &c.,
H. E. EDMUNDSON.
This indicates an attack upon us here. I am trying to prepare for it with the slender means at my disposal.
J. E. J.
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 