Unknown to Joseph E. Johnston, November 3, 1861

General J. E. JOHNSTON, + Commanding Department of the Potomac: Sir: Reports have been and are being widely circulated to the effect _ that I prevented General Beauregard from pursuing the enemy after the battle of Manassas, and had subsequently restrained him from ad- vancing upon Washington City. Though such statements may have been made merely for my injury, and in that view might be postponed to a more convenient season, they have acquired importance from the fact that they have served to create distrust, to excite disappointment, and must embarrass the administration in its further efforts to re-enforce the armies of the Potomac, and, generally, to provide for the public defense. For these public considerations I call upon you, as the commanding general, and as a party to all the conferences held by me on July 21 and 22, to say whether I obstructed the pursuit of the enemy after the victory at Manassas, or have ever objected to an advance or other active operations which it was feasible for the Army to undertake.*

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,