HEADQUARTERS,
Winchester, July 9, 1861.
[General COOPER?]
GENERAL: I was so unwell yesterday as to be unable to write fully, and therefore trusted to the information contained in the note from Colonel Edmundson of the correctness of which, in the main, I have no doubt. Similar information from other sources gives me the impression that the re-enforcements arriving at Martinsburg amount to seven or eight thousand. I have estimated the enemy’s force hitherto, you may remember, at 18,000. Additional artillery has also been received. They were greatly superior to us in that arm before.
The object of re-enforcing General Patterson must be an advance upon this place. Fighting here against great odds seems to me more prudent than retreat.
I have not asked for re-enforcements, because I supposed that the War Department, informed of the state of affairs everywhere, could best judge where the troops at its disposal are most required. The arms ordered by Colonel Thomas for the militia are not here yet. The two generals expect some 2,000, but at present we cannot arm them all, and they have their own ammunition to fix, being furnished with powder and lead.
Most of the regiments which have joined since my arrival have incompetent officers, and are therefore still uninstructed.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. JOHNSTON,
Brigadier-General, &c.
If it is proposed to strengthen us against the attack I suggest as soon to be made, it seems to me that General Beauregard might, with great expedition, furnish five or six thousand men for a few days.
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 