George B. McClellan to Winfield Scott, June 29, 1861

Lieut. Gen. WINFIELD ScoTT, Commander-in-Chief Army of the United States :

Sir: I have the honor to call your attention to the present condition of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway. By a written communication received to-night from the roadmaster, I am informed that parties of the enemy have recently examined the trestles, bridges, &c., with a view to further destruction. My informant asserts that he is threatened, if the slightest attempt is made to repair the trestles, greater injuries to the road will follow. The company, however, is prepared to reconstruct the road on our promise to protect it. The injured road being beyond the limits of this department, I can only say that I regard the reconstruction of it necessary to our operations here. There is a strong Union feeling along the route, especially in Hampshire and Morgan Counties, which only awaits protection to practically develop ‘tself, companies in that vicinity being prepared to muster into service. Under these circumstances, by ordering down the Pennsylvania troops, the war frontier would be moved towards the South, and our left flank be so protected that we could continue our operations of advance with greater alacrity, more expeditiously, extending them to the Kanawha.

ees ei ed The necessity of the continual detachment of bodies of troops to watch the enemy on the left being obviated, we could throw a greater force on the more prominent points of attack. The opening of the Baltimore and Ohio Railway, the protection of a Union sentiment wherever manifested, and the importance of guarding the base of our operations alike point to the apparent necessity of the measure indicated, which, I trust, will appear a sufficient excuse for presenting it to your attention.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,