John G. Nicolay, The Outbreak of Rebellion

[160] spection of the neighborhood, he at once recognized the error of this assumption. “There is no danger of attack in front,” he wrote (May 26th), “but the position is easily turned by crossing the river above or below. The present force is not sufficient for defence against a superior one attacking from the Virginia side. Relief, in case of investment, could not be furnished. Considered as a position, I regard Harper's Ferry as untenable against a strong enemy. We have outposts at the Point of Rocks, near the ferry at Williamsport, and the bridge at Shepherdstown, the extreme points being at least thirty miles apart.” Two days later he repeated his statement, his engineer reporting that “to hold this post, then, either as a fortress, a point d'appui, or as a condition of the defence of the Virginia Valley, we require a force of from twelve to fifteen thousand men.”

Lee did not relish the alternative; he sent him two additional regiments, and wrote him that the abandonment of Harper's Ferry “would be depressing to the cause of the South.” But Johnston held stubbornly to his opinion, and wrote on June 6th, that, though the abandonment of Harper's Ferry might be depressing to the cause of the South, the loss of five or six thousand men would be more so. “And if they remain here,” he added, “they must be captured or destroyed very soon after General McClellan's arrival in the valley.” The opinion was evidently based on the current rumors that McClellan would bring Western troops to join Patterson.

This decided warning had its effect on the rebel authorities, and under date of June 13th they authorized Johnston to retire upon Winchester, after destroying everything at Harper's Ferry, “whenever the position of the enemy shall convince you that he is about to turn your position.” But they coupled the permission with another strong reminder: