Letter

Unknown to Irvin McDowell, July 23, 1861

Washington, July 23, 1861.

Brigadier-General MCDOWELL, Arlington:

An Ohio ‘volunteer, who left Gbutwevitle at 9 o’clock yesterday morning, walked to this place, and did not see an enemy. May you not profit by this, and send out for our wounded and stragglers? It is reported that Mr. Jefferson Davis, or the enemy, is advancing upon your lines. This is possible. Rally and compact your troops ‘to meet any emergency. WINFIELD SCOTT.

Editor's Notes
From: Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 1861. Location: Washington. Summary: General Winfield Scott advises Brigadier-General McDowell to secure wounded and stragglers and prepare troops for a possible Confederate advance near Arlington in July 1861.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 2 View original source ↗