CAMP NEAR HUTTONSVILLE, VA., July 14, 1861.
Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND:
I have just returned from Cheat River, having crossed the mountain with a strong advanced guard. The enemy have no doubt retreated to Staunton, and I have the pleasure to announce that, with the exception of the Kanawha, the part of Western Virginia included in my department is now free from the presence of the enemy. I expect every day to hear that the measures taken to drive Wise out of the Kanawha have proved successful. I shall now proceed to scour the country with small columns, unless the moral effect of our successes has sufficed to disperse the guerrilla bands. The three-months’ regiments are to be reorganized, and some time will be required to prepare this hastily-reorganized army for further operations.
The general’s kind telegraph is received. Offer him my thanks for it.
GEO. B. McCLELLAN,
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 