Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall" (1824-1863) to Joseph Eggleston Johnston
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00046 Author/Creator: Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall" (1824-1863) Place Written: Winchester, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.2 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
General Jackson, in command of Valley of the Virginia (Shenandoah Valley) discusses his attempts to damage the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Informs General Johnston, Commander of the Department of Northern Virginia, that he has not been successful in damaging the Canal, but has captured several prisoners from the 17th Indiana Regiment. Hopes to reverse the flow of water through a dam, or to make a small break in the canal. Plans to march with Gannetts' brigade the following Monday. Hopes to prevent Washington, D. C. from receiving coal from Cumberland, Virginia during the course of the war. Reports that if General Kelly (possibly Benjamin Franklin Kelley) advances, he (Jackson) will only have time to make a break in the canal. Relates that his has been joined by Colonel William Booth Taliaferro's brigade, and that he has received reports of nine thousand Union troops gathering in Romney (present day West Virginia). Expects Kelley to advance when the weather becomes colder.
Kelley had captured Romney in October 1861.
Hd Qrs. Valley District
Winchester
Dec. 14th , 1861.
General,
Yours of the 12th inst. is at hand.
I have made two attempts to prevent navigation on the Canal, but have not thus far succeded. The only good results that I am aware of having been effected, was the capture of one Capt. two Corporals and five privates of the 12th Indiana Regiment, and damaging this end of Dam No. 5. and killing one of the enemy. On our part, two men are supposed to be mortally wounded. The injury done to dam no. 5 is not sufficient to admit the passage of water on the Virginia side. In consequence of the importance of economizing ammunition, and keeping the Batteries and other troops that would be required for support at drill, I don't think that it would be advisable to attempt with Artillery anything more than the protection of our working parties engaged in turning the water around [inserted: one of] the dams, or making a break in the canal.
[2] I have had some small Boats made for the purpose of crossing a party to the Maryland side if necessary. I hope in this way to stop the navigation for a while, but my desire is to complete the work commenced on the dam, and for this purpose have made arrangements for Marching with Garnetts Brigade at 6.A.M. on Monday. During the greater part of next week, I expect to move my Hd. Qrs. near Martinsburg. If this plan succeeds; as through the blessing of Providence it will, Washington will hardly get any further supply of coal during the war from Cumberland. But should Genl. Kelly advance on me, I may have to content myself with trying to make a break in the canal.
I have not received any additional force except Col. Taliaferro's brigade, which is well encamped, and giving its time to drilling. The enemy are from last information near nine thousand strong in Hampshire, principals at Romney. Their present principal damage to us is the demoralization of our people in Hampshire. They picket near 6 miles this side of Romney. I should [3] not be surprised any day to hear of his [inserted: Genl. Kelley's] advancing. He says that he does not design going into Winter quarters in R., that as soon as the weather becomes cold enough to require such protection if not before, he expects to receive orders to advance. I hope that I will be in a condition to move before he does.
Respectfully Your Obdt Servt
T. J. Jackson.
Maj. Genl.
Comd. V. D.
Genl. J. E. Johnston
Comd. D. of N. V.
[docket]
Hd. Qrs. Valley District
Winchester Dec. 14th, 1861.
T.J. Jackson
Maj. Genl. [illegible]
Letter respecting the
Valley District
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