Scott Advises McDowell of Available Resources and Options

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – UNION

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, pp. 747-748

Headquarters Army, July 21, 1861.

General McDowell, Fairfax Court-House;

Three regiments—Woodbury’s, McCunn’s, and another, name not known—are at Fairfax Station.

A commissary train is stopped a little way out of Alexandria with a drove of cattle. Call it up, if you mean to risk a stand; but under the circumstances it seems best to return to the line of the Potomac.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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Headquarters of the Army,
July 21,1861—9 p. m.

General McDowell, Centreville:

Besides three regiments sent you by General Runyon from the reserve, four regiments have crossed the river to-day. Two of the latter we know have reached Fairfax Station. The other two must be there in a few minutes. We suppose you to have rallied your army at Centreville, or, at the worst, you will rally at Fairfax Court-House and Fairfax Station. We know that you and your experienced officers will do all that is proper and possible. A company of regulars has also gone over. Additional re-enforcements shall follow early to-morrow. We are not discouraged.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

Scott Issues Orders for the Defense of Baltimore and Alexandria

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – UNION

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, p. 747

Washington, D. C., July 21, 1861—1 p. m.

Commanding General at Baltimore:

Put your troops on the alert. Bad news from McDowell’s army not credited by me. Shall write again in an hour. Doubt whether I shall call Delaware regiment here or order it to Baltimore.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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July 21, 1861—8 p. m.

Brigadier-General Runyon:

Of the regiments which crossed the river this morning you are directed to retain two for the defense of Alexandria. It is now known that McDowell has rallied his army at or about Centreville. Consequently, you will send forward the two regiments to support the rally. You are aware that Taylor’s regiment was Saturday morning at Burke’s Station. Cannot this regiment be ordered up to McDowell also?

WINFIELD SCOTT.