ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE,
Richmond, June 19, 1861.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON,
Commanding C. S. Forces near Winchester, Va.:
GENERAL: Your letter of 18th instant just received. A large supply of ammunition for your command left here this morning, including eighty thousand percussion caps. An additional supply will be forwarded to you by to-morrow morning’s train. Every effort will be made here to support and sustain you to the extent of our means. All that is asked is to be informed promptly of your wants.
The movements of the enemy indicate the importance he attaches to the position of the valley of Virginia, and that he has probably seen the power he would acquire, if left free to do so, by advancing as far as Staunton, and then distributing his force so as to cut off our communication with the West and South, as well as to operate against our Army of the Potomac by movements upon its lines of communication, or attacking upon the reverse, supplying himself at the same time with all the provisions he may acquire in the valley of the Shenandoah, and enabling him to dispense with his long train of transportation from Pennsylvania. Everything should be destroyed which would facilitate his movements through the valley.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General.
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 