The pursuit was 'obstructed'
by the enemy's troops at Centreville, as I have stated in my
official report. In that report I have also said why no advance
was made upon the enemy's capital (for reasons) as follows:
"The apparent freshness of the United States troops at
Centreville, which checked our pursuit; the strong forces
occupying the works near Georgetown, Arlington, and Alexandria;
the certainty, too, that General Patterson, if needed, would
reach Washington with his army of more than thirty thousand
sooner than we could; and the condition and inadequate means of
the army in ammunition, provisions, and transportation,
prevented any serious thoughts of advancing against the capital.
"To the second question I reply that it has never been feasible
for the army to advance farther than it has done--to the line of
Fairfax Court-House, with its advanced posts at Upton's,
Munson's, and Mason's Hills. After a conference at Fairfax
Court-House with the three senior general officers, you
announced it to be impracticable to give this army the strength
which those officers considered necessary to enable it to assume
the offensive. Upon which I drew it back to its present
position.
"Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) "J. E. Johnston."
This answer to my inquiry was conclusive as to the charge which had been
industriously circulated that I had prevented the immediate pursuit of
the enemy, and had obstructed active operations after the battle of
Manassas, and thus had caused the failure to reap the proper fruits of
the victory.
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