June 19, 1861 (Wednesday): Scott and the Nervous Generals

General Lew Wallace

                                                                        Washington, June 19, 1861-9.45 p.m.

Maj. Gen. R. Patterson, U. S. A. Hagerstown, MD.:

    McClellan is again alarmed for the safety of Wallace.  I do not believe there is any formidable force in the mountains to assail Wallace, and sooner than be annoyed with these daily rumors it would perhaps be better to call him to you and absorb him.  Govern yourself, however, by the later and better information that you may possess.  Retain two companies of Thomas’ horse, and send him with the other two here.  I shall send Major Palmer temporarily to you.

                                                                        WINFIELD SCOTT

Scott appears to have formed an accurate impression of both the location of Confederate forces and  the reliability of McClellan's intelligence.  Within the week he would have Wallace’s force called to Patterson.

Series I, Vol. 2, Page 708