[
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was done in about a day. Nothing worth removing was left.
In a letter dated the 18th, addressed to me at
Winchester, giving the
President's further instructions,
General Cooper wrote:
. . . You are expected to act as circumstances may require, only keeping in mind the general purpose to resist invasion as far as may be practicable, and seek to repel the invaders whenever and however it may be done.
In order that all dispositions may be made to meet your wants, it is necessary that you write frequently and fully as to your position, and the movements that may be contemplated by you. Since the date of my last letter reinforcements have been steadily sent forward to the camp at Manassas Junction, and others will be added to that place and to yours, as the current of events may determine us to advance on one line or the other ....
Reenforcements will be sent to you of such character and numbers as you may require and our means will enable us to afford. ...
In another, written on the 19th, he added:
A large supply of ammunition for your command left here this morning, including eighty thousand percussion caps.
An additional supply will be forwarded by to-morrow morning's train.
Every effort will be made to support and sustain you, to the extent of our means .. .
The movements of the enemy indicate the importance he attaches to the possession of the Valley of Virginia, and that he has probably seen the power he would acquire if left free to do so, by advancing as far as Staunton and distributing his forces so as
