Making circuits round Martinsburg, they learned from the farmers what number of troops each day came along; and while the Federals knew nothing of the force opposed to them, and believed that it far outnumbered their own, General Johnston knew that Patterson's force numbered about 22,000 men, while he himself had been joined only by some 3000 men since he arrived at Winchester.
On the 18th of July a telegram from the government at Richmond announced that the Federal grand army had driven in General Beauregard's pickets at Manassas, and had begun to advance, and Johnston was directed, if possible, to hasten to his assistance.

A few earthworks had been thrown up at Winchester, and some guns mounted upon them, and the town was left under the protection of the local militia.

Stuart's cavalry was posted in a long line across the country to prevent any news of the movement reaching the enemy.

As soon as this was done the infantry, 8300 strong, marched off.

The troops were in high spirits now, for they knew that their long period of inactivity was over, and that, although ignorant when and where, they were on their march to meet the enemy.
They had no wagons or rations; the need for speed was too urgent even to permit of food being cooked.