Ward H. Lamon to Abraham Lincoln, August 23, 1861

Head Quarters
Camp Lamon
Williamsport Md--
August 23rd 1861

Dear Sir:

I have just heard from Martinsburg, that there are about four hundred raw troops there, -- and about as many wagons; hauling the machinery from the machine shops there, to Winchester-- One Locomotive that they had not destroyed -- in the general destruction of the engines -- cars &c, there -- they attempted to day to haul to Winchester -- but got only two miles out of town when they broke down-- There is a guerrilla cavalry there numbering about 50 men under a man by name of Dougherty -- who are a terror to the Union men in Berkeley County-- By Monday night I expect to have in camp, six more companies -- and if the same state of things exist then, -- I will try to clean out Martinsburg -- purge it if possible, so it will have none of the unclean thing in it.--

There has been great consternation among the people here, since last Sunday night they have been daily and nightly expecting the Rebels to cross here, into Maryland-- I think they have been unnecessarily alarmed-- Col Kenly is in command here, and I found on my return here that he had sent two of my companies some fifteen miles down the river -- to guard the fords-- He speaks very highly of my men, especially the cavalry. --My little preacher commands a Co. of Cavalry-- Col Kenly is a fine officer -- and is very vigilant-- I have an arrangement made by which I expect to hear from Martinsburg daily—

So far as I am able to judge -- I believe that more than one half of the women in Maryland are secessionists-- I had a quarrel with one, a few days ago -- and I told her that I was well satisfied that Breach loading pieces were dangerous weapons in the hands of the Enemy-- -- She recoiled from me like a timid person would from the discharge of a Howitzer-- I think I satisfied her that I had little respect for an Enemy dressed in either pants or petticoats, -- I treat all alike--

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Ward H Lamon