Doc. 124.-proclamation of Gen. Patterson.
Headquarters Department of Pennsylvania, Harper's Ferry, July 31, 1861.
General orders.
The term for which the troops from Pennsylvania were called into service having expired, and nearly all of them having returned to their homes, the Commanding-General, by direction of the War Department, relinquishes command of this department on the expiration of the term of service.
The Commanding-General regrets to leave you, but it is with satisfaction that you have steadily advanced in the face of the enemy in greatly superior numbers and artillery, and offered battle which they refused until protected by their strong intrenchments at Winchester.
You have done all that was possible, and more than could have been expected or was demanded, and if advantage has not been taken of your sacrifice, and if the fruits of your campaign have been lost, the fault cannot be imputed to you.
To the members of the Department and staff, he tenders his thanks for their efficient aid and devotion to duty. R. Patterson, Maj.-Gen. Commanding.