Summary:
Union Adjutant Fitz-John Porter, stationed with the Department of Pennsylvania at
Chambersburg, writes Colonel George Thomas in June, 1861. Porter gives Thomas
instructions for an advance into Maryland and Virginia, including how to deal
with unionists and Confederate opposition.
Col. GEORGE H. THOMAS, U. S. A.,
Second Cavalry,
Comdg. First Brigade, Greencastle, Pa.:
Chambersburg, Pa.,
June 7, 1861.
COLONEL:
The commanding general does not wish to make any movement forward tending to permanent occupation till he is prepared with all his force to sustain the advance. He wishes every precaution taken against precipitate action and nursing ill-feeling, both by political discussions and improper conduct of the men. The Army must have no enemies in the rear. On your prudence and judgment he relies to maintain the present status.
Appeals may be made to cross into Virginia to protect Union people under assurance that a small force only is required to present itself for disunion to hide its head and loyal people to flock to your banners. They must not be heeded. If, however, inroads are made into Maryland within your reach, the commanding general desires you to meet the invaders with a force which will ride down all opposition, and in all cases to return to your present camp. When practicable, the surprise of armed parties ill be effected. Brig.-Gen. William will be immediately in your rear, and is directed to sustain you in all cases.
I am, &c.,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 2, Serial No. 2, Pages 670, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
