Unknown to Andrew Porter, August 14, 1861
Brig. Gen. ANDREW PORTER, Provost-Marshal, &c., Washington, D. C.:
GENERAL: The brigade commander of the Seventy-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers having reported that the regiment is in a state of open mutiny, Major-General MeClellan directs that you proceed with a battery, the two companies of the Second Cavalry, at the Park Hotel, and as many companies of regular infantry as you may deem proper, to the encampment of that regiment. On your arrival there you will order such as are willing to move to march out of the camp, leaving the disaffected portion of the regiment by themselves. You will then order
“thelatter portion to lay down their arms, and will put them under a
strong guard. The ringleaders you will put in double irons. You are authorized, if necessary, to use force to accomplish the object. Report the result as soon as possible.*
very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. V. COLBURN,
WHEELING, VA., August 15, 1861.
– Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War: $
Lee has one body of 8,000 men near Monterey, in Highland ; another
another body of considerable size is marching by the way of Mingo Flats
on to Huttonsville. We have no force guarding the Mingo Flats road.
Rosecrans is at Clarksburg, a respectful distance. For God's sake send