Robert Patterson to E.D. Townsend, June 1, 1861

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, U. 8S. Army:

Sir: I have the honor to state, for the information of the General-inChief, in reply to his telegram of this date, calling for a report of my intended operations, that, though looking to Cumberland, my plans have been mainly directed to turning Harper’s Ferry, throwing across the river near Williamsport ample force (with support following and threatening Shepherdstown) to push on and occupy Martinsburg, if I do not find the enemy too strong and moving to cut my line of march. His attitude and strength will then determine the course to be pursued, either to move direct upon him through Shepherdstown or to cut off his

_retreat along the Winchester Railroad and to harass his rear. I wish to place such a force on the Virginia shore as can hold every inch of ground gained, and, however slowly, to advance securely, after Harper’s Ferry falls, upon Winchester.

The effective force now in Chambersburg is five companies of cavalry

{four regular and one volunteer) and six infantry regiments, and four not accoutered. At York and Lancaster two regiments each, not accoutered. These will be at once collected in Chambersburg. A regiment at New Castle and one at Baltimore will soon follow. The troops in New York Harbor are ordered on.

I shall to-morrow evening be in Chambersburg, and shall lose no time to complete arrangements and send forward ‘the command, as indicated in my letter to Major-General Keim, a copy of which is inclosed. All the troops are anxious to be on the move and to see their foe—a desire which shall soon be gratified. I will inform you when I shall move in time to permit the General-in-Chief to make the demonstration indicated.

I am much gratified to know the General-in-Chief will provide some artillery.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,