Geo. Cadwalader to George Cadwalader, June 17, 1861
Hagerstown, Md., June 17, 1861.
Maj. Gen. GEORGE CADWALADER, Commanding, &e., near Williamsport, Md. :«
GENERAL: Only the “City Troop” of cavalry ‘remain with you; all regulars with the command go to Washington. The general wishes you to send sixteen of the troop to replace the cavalry now here, and which will join Colonel Thomas here. The efforts to get cars for all of Colonel Thomas’ command (cavalry)—men, horses, and wagons—will probably succeed, in which case he will go by rail from here to-night and Jand in Washington to-morrow; also, the regular infantry under
Miles, and the artillery companies. Tell Captain Newton, if you please, the general would like to see him, to go to Maryland Heights, where he designs sending a force to protect the new bridge. Keep quiet about the move.
The commanding general wishes you to designate a regiment from your division to go to Cumberland. If to go, orders to prepare it will be sent to you to-morrow, if transportation can be obtained.
Lam, &e., F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS First DIVISION, Williamsport, June 17, 1861—74 o’clock p. m. Maj. F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant-General:
Magsor: I have the most extraordinary rumors here within the last half hour. Itis said by many persons here, the most reliable apparently that are around us, that General Johnston is this evening with a very large force at Martinsburg. It is said he has 15,000 men, and that he is marching upon this place at this time. Mr. Pendleton, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Lamon, and others assure me the information is reliable. The best troops have left here and I have no artillery to defend the ford. Something must be done at once. It will require all my efforts to collect the remnant of this demoralized command now scattered everywhere. I have no means of accounting for this unexpected movement. I hear nothing of Colonel Wallace, and it seems impossible to obtain any one to cross the river. It appears to me the troops should all return here. This information is confirmed by several parties, and no one is willing to cross the river. I am entirely unable to account for this movement, but there appears to be every reason to think it is true. Unless it is impossible I would advise that all the troops should be returned here and concentrated, or wherever we are to assume our strongest position. Colonel Burnside might be reached and the Wisconsin regiment should be sent for. Ihave not one moment to lose and have no one to rely upon but myself. I would like to have some officer or two upon whom I ean rely. I do not think I can defend this ford without artillery. Send me word if the troops sent to-day are within your reach, and what you would wish me to do.
I am, very respectfully, yours,
Brevet Major-General, Commanding.