General Patterson's Union army did indeed cross the Potomac River into Virginia on the early morning hours of July 2, 1861.They were met at Falling Waters by a Confederate army that retreated quickly as they were vastly outnumbered.
Congress convened for the first time in speical session on July 4, 1861. Prior to that, President Lincoln had almost no Congressional support. By that time he had declared war, raised troops, and spent money to support the war effort.
Now Congress needed to sanction his actions in a backhanded way, after he had already acted without authority. Mr. Lincoln would have argued, if needed, that what he did was done to save the Union. Hopefully that would not be needed.
W. H. Lamon
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