| Headquarters |
| Centreville, February 28, 1862 |
| |
| Mr. President, |
| I regret to be unable to make a
favorable report of the progress of our preparations to execute your
plans. The want of an efficient staff and the wretched mismanagement
of the railroad are the causes and our endeavoring to save as much
as possible of the great amount of public property collected here. |
| General Hill reported to me today that
the enemy is in force at Harper's Ferry, having crossed the
Potomac on a pontoon bridge; they occupied Charlestown yesterday; I
am not informed if in force. Should they move directly upon
Winchester from that point as well as Hancock, our left would be so
threatened as to compel the movement you have ordered without
further delay. |
| General Whiting writes that it is
impossible, with any means at our control, to remove the heavy guns.
As I remarked to you, orally, the measure must be attended with
great sacrifice of property, and perhaps much suffering. |
| Most respectfully, your obedient servant, |
| J. E. Johnston |
| General |
|