Joseph E. Johnston to Irvin McDowell, July 23, 1861
GENERAL: I respectfully inclose herewith a note just received from Colonel Stuart. The President knows the person from whom the colonel received the information and the value of his statements. He came with a Mr. Magraw to ask permission to come within our lines to look
for the body of a friend; taking this course, they said, because a rule established by their authorities forbids flags. of truce in such cases. Colonel Stuart is directed to treat them as prisoners. Should they be ‘ permitted to go to the North from Richmond, I suggest that the sea . furnishes their best route. The last paragraph indicates a diversion in Western Virginia effected by the recent battle.
Col. A. W. McDonald has just reported to me, and been ordered to repair through Staunton to the forces assembling to operate against the troops commanded by McClellan.
Most
respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier-General, C. 8. Army.
[Inclosure.]
fs Hpqrs. ADVANCE BRIGADE, ARMY OF Potomac,
: GENERAL: I arrived and halted beyond the town at 9.30a.m. Three
wounded officers here. I had already sent scouting parties around.
The enemy's operations may be known by the papers inclosed. The