June 14, 1861 (Friday): The Push Against Harper's Ferry Continues

Colonel Charles P. Stone

                                                                                                                                                                             ROCKVILLE, June 14, 1861-8 o’clock a.m.

   COLONEL:  The First Regiment Pennsylvania was pushed forward early this morning two miles beyond the position of the new York Ninth Regiment, on the road to the two ferries.  The section of Griffin’s battery has gone to the same point.  The First New Hampshire will leae this evening, bivouac nine miles from this, and, in the cool of the morning, proceed to Poolesville.  I leave within the hour, taking the cavalry force to make a reconnaissance beyond Poolesville, towards the ferries, where there are said to be 300 to 400 of the enemy.  I do not credit the report, but, if true, it will not be difficult to capture them.

    From Poolesville it will be easy to march either on the ferries or to the Point of Rocks, as may be deemed most advisable.

    The command is in good health and fine spirits.

    I inclose returns of elections in this region, showing a large majority for the Union candidate for Congress.

    Very respectfully, I am, colonel, your most obedient servant,

                                                                                    CHAS. P. STONE,

                                                Colonel Fourteenth Infantry, Commanding Expeditions.

Lieut. Col. E. D. Townsend,

            Assistant Adjustant-General, Headquarters of the Army.

With McClellan coming from the West, Wallace driving in on Confederates in Romney,  Patterson moving on Hagerstown, and Stone moving  out toward Leesburg Johnston began withdrawing from Harper’s Ferry to Winchester even as Stone was writing his message to Townsend.