Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02626 Author/Creator: Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) Place Written: Charles Town, West Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 March 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
Plan to trap Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson near the Strasburg road. Written just after Jackson began his Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Three days earlier Jackson had defeated Fremont at Battle of McDowell, the beginning of his Valley Campaign. Banks believes Jackson will now try to retreat and that "his only escape" is to "reach Strasburg, and then by the way of Woodstock go down to Harrisonburg and Staunton." Banks plans to cut Jackson off along this route, and defeat him there. Believes this position on the Strasburg road "is now perfectly safe...There is now no danger of an enemy in the rear. If we are on that line, he cannot possibly escape us." Banks would in fact be soundly defeated by Jackson more than once during this campaign, as Jackson continually confused and out-maneuvered Banks. Addressed simply to "General."
Nathaniel P. Banks was a Congressman with no military experience before the war. He was given his command due to his political influence, and often proved insufficient as a field commander.
Charlestown - 11 March 7. P. M.
General
The occupation of Manassas by our troops last night opens to us new movements. It is now perfectly safe, if we have time, to take a position on the Strasburg Road, intermediate from Winchester to Strasburg before hostilities commence. There is now no danger of an enemy in the rear. If we are on that line, he cannot possibly escape us. Jackson will endeavor to reach Strasburg, and then by the way of Woodstock go down to Harrisonburg and Staunton avoiding the Manassas road altogether. This is his only escape, - to occupy the Strasburg line the only hope of cutting him off. I want much to see you in the morning - to ascertain from information you have gained if this be practicable. If I telegraph to you, it will relate to this subject. I will [communicate?] again. I go to meet Sedgwick and Gorman tonight.
Very Truly Yours
N. P. Banks
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