Winchester; but
the opinions of all the regular officers who were with him, were
against it. The opinions of all the men in whose judgment I had
any confidence, were against it. They seemed to have the notion
that General Patterson had got his Irish blood up by the fight we
had had at Falling Waters, and was bound to go ahead. He decided
upon going ahead, against the remonstrances of General [Fitz John]
Porter, who advised against it. He told me he considered he had
done his duty, and said no more. The movement was delayed in
consequence of General Stone's command not being able to move right
away. It was then evident that there was so much opposition to it
that the General was induced to call a council of the general
officers in his command, at which I was present. They were
unanimously opposed to the advance. That was at Martinsburg."
* * * * * * * * *
"Question.--While at Bunker Hill, the night before you left there,
were any orders issued to march in the evening?
"Answer.--I think there were such orders."
"Question.--Did not General Patterson issue orders at Bunker Hill,
the night before you marched to Charlestown, for an attack on the
Enemy?
"Answer.-I think such orders were written. I do not think they
were issued. I think General Patterson was again persuaded not to
make an advance."
Colonel R. BUTLER PRICE, Senior aide to Patterson, testified as
follows:
* * * * * * * * *
"Question [by Mr. Gooch].--Was it not the intention to move from
Bunker Hill to Winchester?
"Answer.--Yes, Sir. At one time General Patterson had given an
order to move from Bunker Hill to Winchester. He was very
unwilling to leave Johnston even at Winchester without attacking
him; and on the afternoon before we left Bunker Hill he decided to
attack him, notwithstanding his strong force."
"Question.--Behind his intrenchments?
"Answer.--Yes, Sir; it went so far that his order was written by
his adjutant, General [Fitz John] Porter. It was very much against
the wishes of General [Fitz John] Porter; and he asked General
Patterson if he would send for Colonel Abercrombie and Colonel
Thomas and consult them on the movement. General Patterson
replied: No, Sir; for I know they wil
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