Unknown to Steepman, May 26, 1861

Cincinnati, May 26, 1861.

Colonel STEEPMAN, :

Commanding Fourteenth Regiment, Marietta :

You will on receipt of this cross the river and occupy Parkersburg. The Highteenth [Ohio] Regiment at Athens is ordered to report to you. You will at once move forward by rail towards Grafton, as far as can be done with prudence, leaving sufficient guards at Parkersburg and the bridges as you advance. Avail yourself of the assistance of the armed Union men. Preserve the strictest discipline, and do all in your power to conciliate. If you have to fight, remember that the honor of Ohio is in your hands. Communicate fully. See that the rebels receive no information by telegraph. Take one week’s rations. See that the

at negro insurrection. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding Department.

Instructions to Brig. Gen. T. A. Morris.