Mansfield, Joseph K. F. (Joseph King Fenno) (1803-1862) to Henry W. Halleck
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05043 Author/Creator: Mansfield, Joseph K. F. (Joseph King Fenno) (1803-1862) Place Written: Suffolk, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: September 3, 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.7 x 19.6 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 29 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Marked "Confidential." Advises Halleck "You want the best troops in the line of Washington" and not scattered over the Peninsula, since he expects Washington will be the focus of Confederate plans. Thinks the regiments in Washington should be sent to Norfolk to be trained, and battle-tested men from Norfolk should be sent to join the Army of the Potomac for the climactic campaign. Also offers his services, if wanted, in the Army of the Potomac. 1 black and white bust engraving of Mansfield included.
Joseph Mansfield was a brigadier general mortally wounded at Antietam.
Henry W. Halleck was general-in-chief of the Union army.
(Confidential)
Suffolk Va.
3d Sept 1862
Major Genl Halleck.
Washington City.
Dear Sir.
I venture to interrupt you with a private letter. The honor & interest of our country is at stake. To be brief. You want the best troops in the line of Washington.
We have here the 1st Delaware, 3d & 4t N.Y. old volunteer Regiments been in the service 14 months & have never fired a gun at the enemy. They will average rank & file 800 each. Are well officered & [struck: in the] all have some of the Mexican War officers & soldiers in them. They, want nothing but to be brought into action.
Now I would recommend that you send by steamer from Washington, a Baltimore, or Anapolis three green Regiments and take [2] to be landed at once at Norfolk not to stop at fort Monroe, & bring these Regiments back with them to Washington.
They are all in marching order & well armed. They can leave their tents standing & I can send them all to Norfolk in 6 hours in the Cars, or march them there in one night.
This place will never be seriously attacked so long as the contest is on the Washington line & green troops can be well drilled here.
I am astonished that two of your best Generals Keyes & Peck are left on the Peninsula at unimportant points with a considerable force.
Now if I can help you by taking a Command on the Washington line & I [struck: sh] feel should have one in this trying emergency, I shall be quite happy to comply with your wishes.
Very truly your friend & able
Jos. K. F. Mansfield
If the Enemy is soundly whipped at Washington & followed to the very city of Richmond these unimportant posts will never be attacked.
M.
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