CINCINNATI, June 16, 1861.

General WINFIELD SCOTT:

I hear from General Patterson that he is checked at Harper's Ferry. If I do not hear from you to the contrary, I will attack from the west in sufficient force to make it sure. Will require two or three days to prepare. In mean time will arrange so that I can move by the route suggested in my earliest dispatch to you from Columbus, if you prefer. Please reply.

GEO. B. MCCLELLAN,

Major-General, Commanding Department of Ohio.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, June 16, 1861.

General MCCLELLAN, Cincinnati:

We have nothing later from Patterson than his arrival last night at Hagerstown. The report that he is checked at Harper's Ferry to-day therefore can't be true. The enemy has evacuated Harper's Ferry. Do not send a regiment across the mountains. There is no need of it.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

WASHINGTON, June 16, 1861.

Major-General PATTERSON, Commanding:

You tell me you arrived last night at Hagerstown, and McClellan writes you are checked at Harper's Ferry. Where are you?

WINFIELD SCOTT.

HAGERSTOWN, June 16, 1861.

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND:

Am here, checked by no enemy. Cadwalader waded the ford at Williamsport to-day. Rhode Island regiment gone to Cumberland. Asked McClellan to send one or two regiments in rear of rebels from Romney after Wallace. He has sent one. Wallace holds his own.

R. PATTERSON,

Major-General, Commanding.

JUNE 16, 1861-11 a. m.

Major-General PATTERSON, Hagerstown, Md.:

What movement, if any, in pursuit of the enemy, do you propose to make consequent on the evacuation of Harper's Ferry? If no pursuit, and I recommend none specially, send to me at once all the regular troops, horse and foot, with you, and also the Rhode Island regiment.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

HAGERSTOWN, June 16, 1861.

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND:

Design no pursuit; cannot make it. The enemy is routed by fear. Cross the river to-day. If approved wish to make Harper's Ferry my depot, and can establish line of communication east and west and ad-