Fitz J. Porter to Lew1s Wallace, June 17, 1861

Col. LEW1s WALLACE, Eleventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers, Cumberland, Md.: COLONEL: Simultaneously with your telegram that your scouts had Seen no troops within twelve miles of you, came a demand from the

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

General-in-Chief for all the regulars with my column, and the Rhode Island regiment and battery, the force which the commanding general had ordered to you. It was too late to send another regiment, and transportation could not be obtained till some time after your telegram confirmed the suspicion of the ruse attempted. It is evident the design was to draw off force from here which would be most available for relief to the capital, now threatened by all the power of the enemy. Fortunately you did not require it, and it had not gone so far as to be out of reach. It is now on its way to Washington. Cartridges will not be here until to-morrow, nor caps. In the mean time transportation is being gathered, and as soon as practicable a regiment will be sent to you. I-wish you to give me by telegram the caliber of your guns, whether .69, .58, or .54-inch.

No communication from you gives information of the supplies to be procured at your place. If provisions are required be pleased to inform Col. E. G. Beckwith, U.S. Army, at this place, by telegraph, that it may be sent by first wagon train.

Our means of transpoitation are very limited, and the commanding general wishes you and all who join you to be self-reliant—to draw only absolute necessities from this place. He desires to hear from you as often as opportunity offers, and, when necessary, by telegraph.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,