Page:Harris Dickson--The unpopular history of the United States.djvu/150

The Unpopular History of the United States Government 658 educated soldiers to direct its campaigns.

Singularly enough the operations immediately prior to the first battle of Bull Run presented the same difficulties as those which destroyed the ill-starred Montgomery at his assault upon Quebec — the Union commander's plans were disarranged by the impending dissolution of his army because of short-term enlistments. On June 16th, Gen. Patterson, commanding the Army of the Shenandoah, advanced within ten miles of Winchester, Va., then occupied by the Confederates. From that point he wrote: "I have to report that the term of service of a very large portion of this force will expire in a few days. From the undercurrent of feeling I am confident that many will be inclined to lay down their arms on the day their time expires. Active operations towards Winchester cannot be thought of until they are replaced by three-year men."

A few days later, having transferred his forces to Charlestown, near Harpers Ferry, [132]