Winfield Scott to K. D. Townsend, July 12, 1861

Col. K. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General : Dispatch of 11th received and confirms my impression expressed on 9th instant. To properly strengthen my position and secure line of communication, now insecure, and more so as we advance; to insure expedition and continued success, I ask permission and a little time to transfer my depot to Harper’s Ferry, and my forces on line of operations through Charlestown, overa good road. My depot will be better secured, _ nore convenient, nearer, and line better protected. I cannot now bring from Hagerstown, with present means of transportation, an ample supply of provisions for active operations. Ican from Harper’s Ferry. I send to Hagerstown an officer to commence to-day the transfer, if assent be given, and I wish an answer to-day. Defeat here is ruin everywhere. I consider a regiment of regulars, and more, if possible, essential to give steadiness to my column and to carry on active operations against a determined opposition, and I urge that my three-months’ volunteers be replaced by three-years’ men. Many of them are barefooted and cannot be employed for active service. They can be made useful until their term expires for this transfer of depot. Many three-months’ men refuse to renew their service. The enemy have retired beyond Winchester, and are said to be fortifying. R. PATTERSON, Major-General, Commanding. Washington, July 12, 1861—1.30 p. m. Major-General PATTERSON : 5 Go where you propose in your letter of the 9th instant. Should that movement cause the enemy to retreat upon Manassas via Strasburg, to follow him would seem at this distance hazardous, whereas the route from Charlestown, via Key’s Ferry, Hillsborough, and Leesburg, towards Alexandria, with the use of the canal on the other side of the river for heavy transportation, may be practicable. Considerthis suggestion well, and, except in an extreme case, do not recross the Potomac with more than a sufficient detachment for your supplies on the canal. Let me hear of you on Tuesday. Write often when en route.

WINFIELD SCOTT,