HEADQUARTERS NEAR WINCHESTER, June 18, 1861.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:
GENERAL: In writing by Colonel Thomas yesterday I reported myself on the road hence to Martinsburg and twelve miles from this place. Since then I have encamped within four miles, and have just selected a position for the 12 batteries covering the route from the west and northeast. There are eight heavy guns here, which, with the military of the town and country, ought to enable us to hold out against any probable force which can be expected, provided ammunition shall be furnished, especially caps, which I am told are now made very expeditiously in Richmond. These troops have not a supply for half an hour’s fighting. I beg you to direct that efforts may be made to supply this want, which makes me overcautious, perhaps.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. JOHNSTON,
Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.
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 