John G. Nicolay, The Outbreak of Rebellion

[162] to the Potomac, and keeping himself well informed by scouts and spies. Meanwhile the Confederate authorities, still anxious to hold the Shenandoah Valley, and having also in view a possible junction with Beauregard at Manassas, sent forward reinforcements which raised Johnston's army to the effective strength of nine thousand, besides twenty-five hundred local militia in process of organization.

Toward the end of June a movement against Manassas was resolved on at Washington. As a preliminary, General Scott once more suggested a definite task to Patterson. “Remain in front of the enemy,” he telegraphed on June 25th, “while he continues in force between Winchester and the Potomac. If you are in superior or equal force, you may cross and offer him battle.” Two days later he gave further emphasis to the suggestion by saying, “I had expected your crossing the river to-day in pursuit of the enemy.” But Patterson complained that Johnston outnumbered him, and clamored for reinforcements and batteries. Reinforcements and batteries were ordered to join him, and he was also informed of the intended movement on Manassas; upon which he again put on a bold front and crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, moving to Martinsburg, with sufficient opposition to bring on a smart skirmish at Falling Waters, the enemy retiring toward Winchester as he advanced.

From this point, during the short time he yet remained in command, Patterson's military conduct becomes the subject of criticism and controversy. It is military usage-perhaps military necessity establishes the usage — that orders and directions from superior to subordinate officers are conveyed in brief words expressing or suggesting only the objects to be accomplished, and leaving methods largely at the discretion of him who has to perform the task. Following this established usage, General Scott, by his orders and directions