hk. Patterson to E.D. Townsend, June 18, 1861

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General : From General Cadwalader’s report apprehensions existed of serious attack at Williamsport from force of fifteen thousand men. On that returned to him Colonel Miles, about to take rail, and Thomas marching by me, and telegraphed Doubleday to bring his artillery from Harrisburg, and protected Cadwalader with the wholecommand. His division had not then recrossed the Potomac. The command now are this side; one man shot. Captain Doubleday just arrived with battery and fitting it out. Miles ordered at once to joinyou. Reliably informed that about fifteen thousand, exaggerated to thirty-five thousand, dotted from Martinsburg to Winchester. Under circumstances shall I send to-morrow all the regular troops? Too much fagged to march to-day. Like to retain artillery and some cavalry. Threatened attack on Cumberland a ruse to draw off forces from here. No troops at Romney. Can demonstrate in your favor via Frederick and Leesburg. Shall I occupy Harper’s Ferry after putting up bridge? I write by mail.

hk. PATTERSON,