R. Patterson to E.D. Townsend, July 3, 1861
Martinsburg, Va., July 3, 1861.
Lieut. Col. BE. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:
Entered and passed through this place to-day in hot pursuit of the enemy. The Army was welcomed with enthusiasm by the mass of the population, gratified by the protection promised and now given by the Government. The force we scattered yesterday was thirty-five hundred strong, and their loss about sixty killed. It rallied, and presented front to-day, but again retreated to a point seven miles from here, where they have been re-enforced by a party under Colonel Bee, claimed in all to be thirty thousand; in reality, thirteen thousand.
I have ordered the Rhode Island Battery to come up from Williamsport with a provision train on the 5th. Rumor indicates Colonel Stone as approaching by way of Harper’s Ferry. My post-office is Hagerstown, unless the Government re-establishes the mail route.
Major-General, Commanding.
MARTINSBURG, VA., July 4, 1861.
Str: I avail myself of a favorable opportunity hastily to mtorm you of my arrival at this place, with no opposition of any character since the 2d instant, but with a warm welcome from the populace. The rebel — eavalry retired from the town as the command entered, and scattered in several directions. The infantry and artillery retired towards Winchester.
I have halted temporarily to bring up supplies, which will be here to-morrow, having to-day returned all iny wagons fer the purpose. Pro158 OPERATIONS IN MD., PA., VA., AND W. VA. [Cmap. IX.
visions in this part of the country are limited, and consequently with my present transportation I can advance but a short distance before I am compelled to halt. As soon as provisions arrive I shall advance to Winchester to drive the enemy from that place, if any remain. I then – design to move towards Charlestown, to which point I believe Colonel Stone is advancing, and, if I find it not hazardous, to continue to Leesburg. I must do this or abandon the country, by retiring the way I came, in consequence of the term of the three months’ volunteers being about to expire. They will not, in any number, renew their service, though I think the offer should be made.
The Union sentiment here is apparently very strong, but many fear a reverse, and that.this force will retire, either voluntarily or forcibly. The people cannot be made use of to raise a force for self-defense unless supported by a strong force of U.S. troops.
I desire to be informed of the wish of the General-in-Chief in regard to the continued occupation of this region. I have ordered up all force in the rear, except the Connecticut regiment, five companies of which are stationed at each of the depots, Williamsport and Hagerstown. ~ The Rhode Island Battery and the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers join me to-night. *
your obedient servant,
Major-General, Commanding.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdgrs. Army, Washington City.
MARTINSBURG, July 4, 1861.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General :
Received your confidential letter by Lieutenant Jones,* of the Rhode
Island Battery, and will regulate accordingly, though may have to act