Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall" (1824-1863) to Richard Ewell
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03246 Author/Creator: Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall" (1824-1863) Place Written: Mount Jackson, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 April 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23.8 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses plans for his upcoming Valley Campaign, specifically escape plans. Also discusses the potential size of opposing forces and information from a deserted.
Richard Ewell served under Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, then succeeded him in command of the Second Corps. Lost a leg later in the war, but continued to command.
near Mount Jackson
April.12th, 1862.
My dear General,
Yours of yesterday has been received.
Should I fall back in consequence of the enemy's advancing I will let you know immediately when according to the present arrangement Genl Johns[inserted: t]on expects you to fall back behind the Rapidan, and from that point reinforce me if necessary. Your route will be from Rapidan to Swift Run Gap via Madison C.H. Please examine the road from Rapidan to Madison C.H. I have had it done this side and its character is rather rough though graded. You can get over it without repairing it but I would suggest that you send in advance a small pioneer party. It is important that you be in a condition to fall back promptly, as we should join our forces before the enemy reach the top of the Blue Ridge. Swift Run Gap is 19 miles from Madison C.H. and 38 miles from the enemy. The route you speak of would be shorter, but you will have time to join me by the route which General Johnston desires, you to pursue, and we will be certain not to miss each other [2] if you come to Madison C.H. I will keep you continually advised of my movements and will if you so desire send an officer to meet you at Madison C.H. and report upon the road this side.
A deserter who came in this morning reports that there are 34 Regts. in front of me, say between here and Strasburg. He puts all of Banks force at near 39,000, omitting Geary's viz Shields' 9,000 Williams 10,000 and Banks additional command 20,000. The cavalry is nearly 4 Regts. Arty he believes about 60 pieces. My own opinion is that the infty force in my front is not over 25,000 and probably not over 22,000. I am well satisfied from reliable information from other quarters that the deserters estimate is too large
Very truly yours,
T. J. Jackson
Maj Genl. R. S. Ewell
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