Beschreibung:

CIVIL WAR]. JACKSON, Thomas J "Stonewall"), General, C.S.A. (1824-1863). Autograph letter signed (T. J. Jackson " with postscript initialed "T.J.J.") to GENERAL RICHARD S. EWELL, Lebanon White Sulphur Springs [Virginia], "5 A.M.," 17 May 1862. 1½ pages, 4to, small marginal nick, several tiny holes at fold intersections . Labelled "Confidential" by Jackson at top of page 1, and with Jackson's emphatically underlined marginal note "Do not breathe this plan to any one." Verso with Ewell's bold docketing. JACKSON'S SECRET STRATEGY FOR HIS LEGENDARY SHENANDOAH VALLEY CAMPAIGN: "RELYING UPON GOD FOR SUCCESS, PREPARE FOR ATTACKING BANKS... DO NOT BREATHE THIS PLAN TO ANY ONE" ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT JACKSON LETTERS STILL IN PRIVATE HANDS. Hastily written in the early morning hours, this missive reveals much about Jackson's evolving strategy--aimed at controlling the Shanadoah Valley and preventing Union troops from reinforcing McClellan's foundering Peninsula campaign--by the skilful deployment of small, highly mobile forces of Confederate infantry and cavalry. Here, Jackson seems unsure at first how much information to provide Ewell about his larger strategy, but, in the postscript, he describes it in vivid, telling detail. He instructs Ewell: "...I desire you to encamp beyond New Market on next Wednesday night. If any of the troops at Gordonsville can not join you for want of transportation please direct them to send their cooking utensils and entrenching tools by the R.R. [railroad] to Staunton, and with four days cooked rations in their haversacks to march at dawn on next Monday morning Via Fisher's Gap for New Market. Let us relying upon God for success, prepare for attacking Banks [Union commander in the Shanandoah]." Then, in a remarkable passage, Jackson explains that he depends upon the initiative and fortitude of Ewell and his men to make his general plans a particular success: "I can only give you these general instructions. If your Cavalry, or any part of your force can consistently with these instructions damage the Manasses Gap R.R. or otherwise operate against Banks, I hope that it will be done. You may expect to hear from me daily until we meet. Give me all the information you can regarding Banks' movements." On the verso, Jackson adds a long postscript: "You must regard the preceding instructions as based upon the idea that Banks is not leaving the Valley. My own opinion is that he does not design leaving the Valley. If Banks is crossing the Blue Ridge, you should by moving nearer him and by every other practicable way, try to keep him in the Valley. Ascertain whether you can cross from Luray to Edinburg? And get all the information you can respecting the country. It may be necessary for me to follow you through Luray and cross the Shenandoah at Front Royale but these things cannot be determined upon until we know what the enemy is doing. See whether you can get enough boats etc. to build a [pontoon] bridge at Front Royale". In a brilliantly executed campaign--generally regarded as one of the most masterful military operations ever mounted--Jackson's strategic diversion in the Valley successfully prevented a large Union force under McDowell from being sent to reinforce McClellan before Richmond.