Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall", 1824-1863 to Alexander Robinson Boteler

Writes to Boteler, the representative of Virginia's 10th District to the Provisional and First Regular Confederate Congresses (who also would serve on his staff when Congress was not in session) and addresses him as "colonel." Discusses the issue of sending troops to protect the Shenandoah valley. Jackson tells him that "I have repeatedly urged upon Genl. Lee the importance of protecting the Valley, and upon more than one occasion have apologized to him, from a conviction that I was apparently forgetting my position and encroaching upon the prerogatives of my commanding general." Feels that it is important that the officer sent to command the valley district should have the authority of a department commander. States that he did not tell General Lee this while he was in command of the Valley District because it would have looked like he was doing it for personal gain. Says, "It is natural that I should feel a deep & abiding interest in the people of the Valley, where are the homes of so many of my brave soldiers who have been with me so long, and whose self sacrificing patriotism has been so thoroughly tested." Informs that he is not interested in having command of the valley and wants to remain in a subordinate position near his commanding general.