Lieutenant-General Scorr to Irvin McDowell, July 21, 1861

General MCDOWELL: I have learned from my scouts that large trees are felled across the turnpike on road from here to Alexandria. Things are looking ugly here. McCUNN. —— FAIRFAX CouRT-HovSE, July 21, 1861—9.10 p. m. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND : We are reliably informed that the enemy’s cavalry will attack us on the left to-night. Send instructions. D. A. WOODBURY, Colonel, Commanding [Fourth Michigan Infantry]. FAamrFAX STATION, July 21, 1861—11.5. Lieutenant-General Scott: Orders have arrived that no more regiments are to come here from Alexandria to-night. I have placed myself in best position. Have removed obstructions of slide from railroad track. McCUNN, Thirty-Seventh New York Volunteers. Washington, July 21, 1861—11.45 p. m. Colonel McCunn, Fairfax Station : General McDowell is at Fairfax Court-House, where he will try te make a stand. Communicate with him there, and also let Colonel Woodbury know. : _ Washington, July 21, 1861—[8 p. m.]. Major-General McCLELLAN, U.S. A.: McDowell has been checked. Come down to the Shenandoah Valley with such troops as can be spared from Western Virginia, and make head against the enemy in that quarter. Banks and Dix will remain at Baltimore, which is liable to revolt. HEADQUARTERS ARMY, Washington, July 21, 1861. Send your regiments to this city instead of Harper’s Ferry, and hurry them.

ALEXANDRIA, July 21, 1861.