Unknown to George B. McClellan, June 15, 1861

Chambersburg, Pa., June 15, 1861.

Gen. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding, Cincinnati, Ohio:

Colonel Wallace is threatened between Grafton and Cumberland by three thousand rebels, and asked for aid (artillery, infantry, and ammunition) from General Morris, which was declined. If possible, assistance will go from Hagerstown, but I may be able only to hold my own for a few days, fearing to be cut up in detail. The destruction of Harper’s Ferry is a decoy, I fear. I have ordered him, if hard pressed, to come this way or to return towards Bedford. The force of enemy at Harper’s Ferry exceeds mine at Hagerstown. Do not know the kind of arms Wallace has.

R. PATTERSON, Major-General, Commanding.

HAGERSTOWN, June 15, 1861.—Received 11.15 p. m. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

I arrived and located my headquarters here at 6 p. m. Harper’s Ferry at 2 p. m. was occupied by five hundred men breaking camp. Everything destroyed; also depot, iron-works, &c., at Martinsburg. Rebels gone to Winchester.

Major-General, Commanding. 44 R R—VOL

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WASHINGTON, June 15, 1861. Capt. B. Du Barry, U.S. Ag , Chambersburg, Pa.:

It is said you are making ‘ire angements to send all regiments arriying at Harrisburg to Chambersburg. General Scott says the Third Michigan Regiment and all others are now to be forwarded to this city. General Patterson will need no more troops.

Acknowledge this, and send it to General Patterson.

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General.

WASHINGTON, June 15, 1861. General MCDOWELL, Arlington:

General Scott says, whether Harper’s Ferry is evacuated or not, General Patterson cannot cross the river before Wednesday next [19th]. This in reference to a proposed movement of yours, on the expediency of which events must now decide.

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- General.