[
334]
27th, the
Governor received the following, dated midnight, May 26, from the
Secretary of War:—
Two despatches have been received from General Banks, one dated at Martinsburg, the other between Martinsburg and Williamsport, which state that he has saved his trains, and the chief part of his command, and expected to cross the Potomac at Williamsburg in safety.
We hope he may accomplish his purpose.
In consequence of the favorable change of affairs in
General Banks's command, the order to send forward the militia was countermanded, and the men returned to their homes, most of them disappointed that they were not to go forward.
The battalion raised for garrison duty at
Fort Warren, composed of six companies of three years men, left, on the 27th, for the front, under command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis J. Parker; and orders were received to recruit four new companies, and make it a regiment, which was speedily done.
This was what was called afterwards ‘the great scare,’ and many people blamed
Mr. Stanton for the semi-sensational character of his telegraph messages.
They certainly created the wildest excitement throughout the
Commonwealth; and
Boston, in a degree, resembled
Edinburgh on receipt of the fatal news of
Flodden Field.
June 2.—Governor telegraphs
General Banks,
Williamsport, Md. :—
Telegram received yesterday.
Surgeon-General Dale has arranged to supply your requisition immediately.
I greet you cordially.
All honor to our brave Massachusetts men!
This was a request to send forward additional surgeons to take care of the wounded in
General Banks's command.
On the 4th of June, the
Governor wrote
Colonel George H. Gordon, Second Massachusetts Volunteers, who had command of a brigade under
General Banks,—
Permit me, in closing, to congratulate you upon your nomination to the rank of brigadier-general, and also upon the brilliant success achieved by the withdrawal of our forces, with so little loss, from the heart of the enemy's country, and against a force so completely overwhelming.
