Robert Patterson to Winfield Scott, May 24, 1861

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters of the Army, Washington City :

Sir: I am in receipt of two telegrams of this date from the Generalin-Chief—one directing troops to be pushed to Frederick, Hagerstown, and Cumberland, the other that Major Hagner would be here to-day to arrange about accouterments. In anticipation of the orders of the General.in-Chief, I to-day issued orders (herewith) disposing of troops unserviceable for marching purposes, so as to untie the legs of good regiments. One regiment was sent to New Castle, in consequence of temporary excitement there. That regiment, with Major Hagner’s aid, with all others, will, if possible, be in motion by Tuesday to the field of operations. I shall employ the four cavalry companies at Carlisle with the Hagerstown column, and I desire the General-in-Chief to be reminded of my request for artillery to accompany the column to Frederick,

very respectfully, your obedient servant, —__