John W. Geary to George B. McClellan, March 31, 1862

GENERAL:

Yesterday afternoon I examined the line of the. railroad from this point to Salem, and also to Thoroughfare. The road to Salem is in good running order.* The telegraph wire has been pulled down and cut in two or three places and two poles have been cut away. The insulators all remain, and this slight damage can be repaired in a few hours. The road to Thoroughfare is also in good order, the only break being a burnt bridge about 14 miles this side of the town. It was 40 feet long, in two spans 20 feet each, resting on a stone pier in the center. This pier still stands undisturbed, and the bolts of the bridge are undestroyed. Near it, on the side of the road, are about 50 new rails, and at Thoroughfare between 200 and 300 more. A great stench is noticeable in Thoroughfare, arising from the smoldering remains of a large quantity of meat destroyed by fire by the rebels to prevent it falling into our hands. Since our occupation of this place the rebels have evacuated Warrenton. White’s cavalry has retired to Warrenton Springs.

I will continue my investigations to-day and report. All is now quiet, and no enemy in sight.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,