Unknown to Robert C. Schenck, June 15, 1868
June 15, 1868. Major-General SCHENCK, Commanding, Baltimore :
Will you not be good enough to inform me of the location of the troops of your pagar in West Virginia, especially of those that may be considered as covering Wheeling? The Governor of [West] Virginia telegraphs there is a force of the enemy at Charleston.
W. T. H. BROOKS, Major-General.
BALTIMORE, June 15, 1863. Major-General Brooks, I have ordered all the troops I have on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and also those of Brigadier-General Averell’s brigade south of the road, to concentrate, as far as practicable, under General Kelley’s command, at New Creek, or some other point on the road, at his discretion, where he can best prevent the rebel force from going westward. General Averell has been ordered to Grafton, in pursuance of this plan. I can hear of no rebel force now in West Virginia. If Governor Peirpoint means Charleston, on the Kanawha, he is mistaken. General Bodiincn of my command, has headquarters there, and all is quiet in that region.
The enemy got possession of Martinsburg this morning, but I hold
Maryland Heights and Harper’s Ferry securely, and General Milroy still holds out against the rebels who have invested Winchester. I will be glad if you can send some troops to Grafton. ROBT. C. SCHENCK, Major-General, Commanding.
Washington, June 15, 1863. Major-General Brooks:
In view of the urgency: of the case, the President will call for 100,000 militia, for six months, from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and West Virginia. This will provide more speedily than anything else for the present exigency, and the more permanent organization
can follow, if needed. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CoLUMBUS, Ohio, June 15, 1863. Major-General Brooks:
The President has called upon me for a force of 30,000 volunteer militia. I have directed those who may volunteer from the counties within your command to report to you at Pittsburgh. You may expect about 1,500 men. I have requested Col. George W. McCook to superintend their organization.
WaAR DEPARTMENT, June 15, 1863—1.10 p. m. Major-General Brooks, Pittsburgh: The arms desired by Governor Peirpoint have been ordered to be forwarded to him immediately. EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
PITTSBURGH, June 15, 1863—2.10 p. m, Hon. E. M. StTanton:
I have no officer that Ican put in charge of affairs at Wheeling. Governor Peirpoint recommends that Colonel Thoburn, First [West] Virginia Volunteers, stationed at Romney, be sent there, as an officer of experience and having the contidence of the people. Under the circumstances, I concur in the recommendation.
W. T. H. BROOKS, Major-General.
WaR DEPARTMENT, June 15, 1863—7.40 p. m.
Major-General Brooks, Pittsburgh:
In case telegraphic communication with Washington should be interrupted by the enemy, you are hereby authorized to make requisi- tions for arms, ammunition, and all other supplies upon the officers at Philadelphia, Cincinnati, or wherever else supplies can be had. But this authority is to be exercised only upon the contingency mentioned. In making such requisitions, regard should be had to the necessities of the service elsewhere, and nothing be called for but
what is needed.
Secretary of War.
WaAR DEPARTMENT, June 15, 1863—7.55 p. m. WILLIAM P. SmitH, Esq., Baltimore, Mad. : I shall be glad to see Mr. [John W.] Garrett whenever hecomes. Is the road between here and Baltimore sufficiently guarded ?