Appointed a brigadier general when the Civil War broke out, Thomas Jackson (1824–1863) organized a brigade of Virginians that fought at the first Battle of Bull Run. It was there that the unit was described as standing its ground like a “stone wall,” and the name forever became attached to Jackson. By the second Battle of Bull Run, Jackson and Lee had developed a partnership of deadly military consequence, leading to triumphs at Fredricksburg and Chancellorsville. Only hours after those victories, Jackson was accidentally shot by one of his own men and died eight days later. War-dated ANS signed “T. J. Jackson,” one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 3, no date, but circa May/June 1862. Short note to an unidentified recipient. In full: “My information is that Fremonts troops or (15000) of them have returned to New Creek.” Note in another hand on the reverse, with no show-through, reads: “This was given me by Col. A.W. Harman – Adjt Gen on ‘Stonewall Jacksons’ Staff & the attached P.S. was to him personally. Staunton Va. Sepr. 1882.” Housed in a folding case of green marbled paper over boards, red morocco spine, green morocco inside. Gilt lettered on spine: “T.J. Jackson – ADs – No Date – Shenandoah Valley Campaign.” In fine condition, with two vertical folds, one mild central horizontal fold lightly passing through Jackson’s signature, and some mild toning.
This important Civil War-era message dates to the Southern general’s famed campaign through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Jackson's 17,000 men marched 646 miles in 48 days, successfully engaged three Union armies and preventing them from reinforcing the Union offensive against Richmond. The victory bolstered the morale of Confederate troops, which had started to waver at that time. Acting upon the intelligence identified here, Jackson prepared to confront Union Major General John C. Fremont, who had been ordered by President Abraham Lincoln to ‘capture or destroy’ Jackson’s forces. The mention of “New Creek” may be a reference to Mill Creek and the Battle of Cross Keys in June. Fremont had pursued Jackson for eight days, finally confronting him at this battle—only to have Jackson slip away. Historic Civil War content. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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