Irvin McDowell to B. D. Townsend, June 1, 1861

Sir: The following facts have just been reported to me by the orderly sergeant of Company B, Second Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Tompkins, the commanding officer being too unwell to report in person. _It appears that Company B, Second Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant Tompkins (aggregate about 75) left its camp about 103 last night on a scout, and reached Fairfax Court-House about 3 a. m., where they found several hundred men stationed—Captain Ewell, late of the U.S. Dragoons, said to be in command. A skirmish took place, in which a

number of the enemy were killed; how many the sergeant does not know. Many bodies were seen on the ground, and several were taken into the court-house and seen there by one of our cavalry, who was a prisoner in the court-house for a short time, and afterwards made his escape.

Five prisoners were captured by our troops. Their names are as follows, viz:

Having no good means of keeping the prisoners here, they are sent to general headquarters for further disposition. As soon as Lieutenant Tompkins recovers, a less hurried report than this will be submitted by Colonel Hunter, commanding brigade.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,