HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, July 29, 1861

Washington, July 29, 1861.

Brigadier-General RosEcRANS, Clarksburg, Va.:

Leave Cox on the Kanawha for the present if he will consent to stay. Portify the Gauley as heretofore proposed; also Cheat Mountain, Huttonsville, and the West Union road. Bring up to Grafton the stores left by the Pennsylvanians (ordered to Harper’s Ferry), or send a detachment to Cumberland or Piedmont.

Sandy Hook, July 29, 1861. Coal. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

Two Pennsylvania regiments and one Indiana arrived, making nine war regiments now here. In view of our reduced force and the probabilities of attack, which, however uncertain, can not be disregarded, I have placed our force chiefly on the Maryland side. We are too weak to defend, yet so strong as to make retreat across the ford impossible if necessary. Commanding officers unanimous in recommending this movement. We occupy the town and the heights commanding it absolutely, and with our increasing forces and the immediate erection of a temporary bridge we shall be ready for any movement you may order.