Unknown to Irvin McDowell, January 1, 1861

Brigadier-General MCDOWELL, Commanding, Ce.

It is known that a strong re- diiortomont left Wihoheser on the afternoon of the 18th, which you will also have to beat. J’our new regiments will leave to-day to be at Fairfax Station to-night. Others shall follow to-morrow; twice the number, if necessary.

JULY 21, 1861. Major-General MCCLELLAN, U.S. A., Beverly, Va.:

I sympathize with you on the subject of Cox. You will soon redeem blunders, and so will McDowell. Johnston has amused Patterson and re-enforced Beauregard. McDowell is this forenoon forcing the passage of Bull Run. In two hours he will turn the Manassas Junction and storm it to-day with superior force.

Colonel TOWNSEND :

Captain Fry writes to me to say, “Telegraph to Washington: Send on immediately all the troops that can be spared.” Colonel Hunter has just arrived, badly wounded.

FArRFAx CourT-HovsE, July 21, 1861—5.15 o’clock. General Scott:

I am directed to send the accompanying dispatch to you or to deliver in person.

CENTREVILLE, July 21—4 p. m. Adjutant-General THomas:

General McDowell wishes all the troops that can be sent from Washington to come here without delay. He has ordered the reserve now here under Colonel Miles to advance to the bridge over Bull Run, on the Warrenton road, having driven the enemy before him. Colonel Miles is now about three or four miles from here, directing operations near Blackburn’s Ford, and in his absence I communicate.

G. H. MENDELL, First Tieutenant, Topographical Engineers.

JULY 21, 1861. General McDowell’s army in full retreat through Centreville. The day is lost. Save Washington and the remnants of this army. All available troops ought to be thrown forward in one body. General McDowell is doing all he can to cover the retreat. Colonel Miles is forming for that purpose. He was in reserve at Centreville. The routed troops will not reform. B. 8S. ALEXANDER, Captain, Corps Engineers.

Washington, D. C., July 21, 1861—7 p.m. COMMANDING GENERAL AT BALTIMORE:

Put your troops on the alert. Bad news from McDowell’s army not credited by me. Shall write again in an hour. Doubt whether I shall call Delaware regiment here or order it to Baltimore.

JULY 21, 1861—8 p. m. Brigadier-General RUNYON:

Of the regiments which crossed the river this morning you are directed to retain two for the defense of Alexandria. It is now known that McDowell has rallied his army at or about Centreville. Consequently, you will send forward the two regiments to support the rally. You are aware that Taylor’s regiment was Saturday morning at Burke’s Station. Cannot this regiment be ordered up to McDowell also?