However, Col. Robert E. Lee reached Harpers Ferry first, and Colonel Lee telegraphed to Captain Ord that the situation was under control and Ord and his men would not be needed at Harpers Ferry.
Imidlertid nåede oberst Robert E. Lee frem til Harpers Ferry først, og telegraferede til kaptajn Ord, at situationen var under kontrol, så Ord og hans mænd ikke behøvedes ved Harpers Ferry.