Unknown to Simon Cameron, June 18, 1861

General SIMON CAMERON:

DEAR Sir: We are all here deeply disappointed. This entire command on Sunday was in admirable condition. It had dragoons, artillery, a good body of volunteer infantry, good spirits, plenty of provisions, and needing nothing but transportation, and this was being rapidly supplied. A large portion of General Cadwalader’s division was across the river at Williamsport, and in two days would have been in a reasonably intrenched camp, occupying a bend on the Virginia side of the river, with a good ford well defended behind. The residue of this corps was within reach, and in a very short time would have occupied Sharpsburg, Maryland Heights, Harper’s Ferry, Martinsburg, and would have been in good condition to strike at Winchester, or, by a temporary bridge at Harper’s Ferry, to have advanced via Frederick or Leesburg to Washington. General Patterson had around him a corps of very superior Regular Army officers, and it was apparent that the proposed work of this corps was advancing with certainty and force. In this condition of affairs comes an order for Burnside’s regiment with all the artillery in this army, leaving General Patterson without a gun. Then comes an order for all the regular troops, leaving us without dragoons or any regular infantry to give confidence to volunteers; and, what is worse than all, the regular officers, including Colonels Thomas

and Miles, heads of brigades, and upon whom much reliance was placed, .

were taken away. This compelled a return to this side of the river and an abandonment of all aggressive plans. We had then a rumor that Johnston was again appearing in great force at Martinsburg. This led to a delay of Miles’ and Thomas’ movements, but as all General Patterou

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

” gon’s force is now on this side, able to repel attack, the orders of Gen-

‘ eral Scott will be at once obeyed.

See what a position this will leave these volunteers in! They are now _ keen for a fight. They must now stand on thedefensive. Their time of enlistment will melt away, and they go home having done nothing, and

little likely to enlist again. The demoralization of this column, of which so much was expected, will be generally injurious. Pray think whether it is not better either to leave it in strength to carry out the original plan, or to call it to Washington, via Frederick, to join in your general movements.

Remember, I write to you freely as an outsider, without presuming to criticise plans, and without knowledge of your precise condition. If you are in actual danger in Washington, we ought to be with you to share in it, or have strength to make a diversion in your favor.

Very respectfully, yours,