Joseph E. Johnston to Mansfield is on his way to Martinsburg with two regiments by, July 8, 1861

‘ HEADQUARTERS,
Winchester, July 8, 1861.
General S. CooPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: Since I forwarded to you Colonel Jackson’s report * from Darkesville nothing has occurred worth mentioning. I waited in that position until yesterday, hoping that the enemy might, by leaving his strong post at Martinsburg, give us an opportunity to fight. Becoming convinced that he had no such intention, I returned to this place last night, and am now having a few slight field works thrown up, under Major Whiting’s directions, to cover our cannon and militia. The latter are assembling; two brigades were called out, the commanders of which expect to have 2,200 men by evening.

General Patterson received two regiments day before yesterday, and several others are said to be approaching Martinsburg by Williamsport.

The service here requires ‘a few more regular officers in quartermaster and commissary departments; two more competent to command brigades, and one for adjutant-general.

If we are beaten here, General Beauregard’s left will be very insecure.

Most respectfully,

your obedient servant,

Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.
[Inelosure.]
Batu, July 7, 1861.

DzrAR Ste: The same gentleman who gave you information just before you left Harper’s Ferry has learned from the same source that
General Mansfield is on his way to Martinsburg with two regiments by
way of Chambersburg. He cannot reach Martinsburg before to-morrow
evening. Colonel Stone has left Noland’s Ferry, just before Point of