The national Republican., 1861-08-10

the enemy entrenched at Winchester with from
thirty.6ve to forty.two thousand men, and very
large force Of artillery, his own army consisting
of eighteen thousand men and eighteen pieces
Of artillery of which fourteen were six FOUNDERS,
with line of communication Of thirty two miles
in his rear to be guarded. An attack, under
these circumstances, being ont Of the question,
he succeeded in keeping Johnston with this
force for three days at Winchester, and then by
a flank movement occupied Charlestown, q much
better base Of operations.
"From this point General Patterson design.
ed to advance, and had given orders for two
days cooked provisions, but was overruled by
the unanimous opinion Of all the regular officers
with him. In addition to other reasons, it was
stated that the term Of service Of our force was
Not believing this, the general addressed each
each regiment, making the most earnest sp-
peals to them to remain one week longer. Four
agreed to stay, the remainder refused. OF these
the most of them we're without shoes and unable
to make any forward movement. The force
began to melt away, and General Patterson
moved to Harper's Ferry, where reinforcements
could replace the returning troops. The result
Of the foolish enlistment for three months is now
apparent-we we're perfectly hel pless when most
needed. Our Pennsylvania troops have been
in state Of discomfort ever since they have
been in the service, which has been much in.
creased since they have discovered the inef.
fciency of their officers. It was therefore sb.
surd to suppose they would extend their term
of enlistment for day.
AT one time General Patterson had fine
force with him, and instantly advanced into
Virginia. This was on the 10th of June. Bit
he was peremptorily ordered back by General
Scott and his artillery and best troops detached.
No criticism is here intended in regard to the
plan of the campaign, but this order from head.
quarters has always been ignored by those dis.
Finally, when allowed to cross the Potomac and
to get crack at the enemy, if ii could de done
Without risk, he advanced with nine thousand
men against fifteen, and forced Johnston back
to Winchester. The public certainly cannot be
aware that General Patterson entered Martins.
burg with nine thousand men, whilst the news.
papers were giving him twenty five and thirty.
"It ought to be remembered that Johnston
and Beauregard we're connected by railroad
and could throw their troops either to Win
chester or Manassas as should be deemed best,
whilst our three columns could be of little avail
to each other. If General Patterson had made
an attack on the 10th, whilst Mcdowell was not
yet threatening Manassas, he would, probably,
have fallen into far worse defeat even than the
one we have now experienced.
"The contemplate insinuations which have
here and there appeared in the newspapers, in
regard to General Patterson's personal courage,
are beneath contempt. With the real soldiers
who are about him, mot the paper warriors,
his fault as general is rather esteemed to be
too great anxiety to settle the campaign by q
battle and a needless exposure Of his own
person."
This account, like all which come from Gen.
ersl Patterson, or are inspired by him, mon.
strously exaggerates the force under General
Johnston. In that particular, General Patter.
son exhibited the same facility ofbeing deceived,
as in not knowing until Sunday morning that
General Johnston had left Winchester on the
preceding Thursday.
The account given by the North american,
of General SCOTS orders of July l6, confirms
in substance that given by the 7ibune's cor
respondent. General Patterson was to attack,
if strong enough, but otherwise, to hold Gen.
eral Johnston by " demonstrations Of attack" "
He did neither thing, but moved to Charles.
town, and it was not till three days afterwards,
on the 18th of July, and one day after General
Johnston had left Winchester, that he talked Of
doing either thing. 1t was then too late.
The statement Of the American that General
Patterson kept General Johnston st Winchester
three days after the 10th Of July, is an entire
mistake.
The country will not be satisfied that Gen.
Patterson did all that he ought to have done,
aud might have done, in execution of the order
Of July l6, to 6gbt Gen. Johnston, or hold him
in check.
| Whether it was wise to restrict him so long
to merely defensive policy, is another matter
altogether.
COL. BLAIR, OF MISSOURI.