John A. Dix to George B. McClellan, August 23, 1861

GENERAL:

The inclosed letter, which I think of sufficient importance to be submitted to you, only conveys intelligence which I am every day receiving from numerous sources. The secessionists are active and confident throughout the counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, and the friends of the Government discontented and to some

_ extent depressed. They ask for arms, and in some cases for the presence of Federal troops. I am satisfied there are from 1,000 to 1,500 rebels embodied at Eastville, Northampton County, Virginia, and at other points. Two regiments marched from Salisbury, the terminus of

. the railroad from Wilmington, down to the southern extremity of the . Eastern Shore would break up an immense traffic in contraband, disperse the rebels, and give courage to the friends of the Union. I am,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,