Colonel John H. McCunn, 37th New York Infantry, and Colonel Dwight A. Woodbury, 4th Michigan Infantry, Communicate with McDowell and Army HQ

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. 748

Fairfax, July 21, 1861.

General McDowell:

I have learned from my scouts that large trees are felled across the turnpike on road from here to Alexandria. Things are looking ugly here.

McCUNN.

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Fairfax Court-House, July 21,1861—9.10 p. m.

Col. E. D. Townsend:

We are reliably informed that the enemy’s cavalry will attack us on the left to-night.

Send instructions.

D. A. WOODBURY,
Colonel, Commanding [Fourth Michigan Infantry].

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Fairfax Station, July 21,1861—11.5.

Lieutenant-General Scott:

Orders have arrived that no more regiments are to come here from Alexandria to-night.

I have placed myself in best position. Have removed obstructions of slide from railroad track.

I have no communication from General McDowell.

I am guarding the roads lest a surprise.

Colonel Woodbury telegraphed me that he expects an attack from cavalry. What shall I do?

McCUNN,
Thirty-Seventh New York Volunteers.

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Washington, July 21,1861—11.45 p. m.

Colonel McCunn, Fairfax Station:

General McDowell is at Fairfax Court-House, where he will try to make a stand. Communicate with him there, and also let Colonel Woodbury know.

WINFIELD SCOTT.