E.D. Townsend to McDowEL1, U. S. A., Arlington, July 22, 1861

General McDowEL1, U. S. A., Arlington: General Scott says it is eke intended you should reduce your com

ea Ri mand to the minimum number of regiments mentioned by him (fifteen) to-day, but if the enemy will permit, you can take to-morrow or even the next day for the purpose.

‘ HEADQUARTERS ARMY, July 23, 1861. Colonel McCunn, Alexandria:

The officers and non-commissioned officers of companies and regiments should collect their men and keep them together as well as they can. A few of each regiment will soon form a body for all to rally on, and the place where provisions are issued to a regiment will be the best point. to collect its men if issue is made there to men of no other regiment.

Respectfully,