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Lot #494
Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson

'Stonewall' outlines troop strengths to his commanding officer amidst 1862's Romney Expedition

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Estimate: $12000+
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Description

'Stonewall' outlines troop strengths to his commanding officer amidst 1862's Romney Expedition

Significant Civil War-dated ALS signed “T. J. Jackson, Maj. Genl. PACS Comdg,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9.5, January 10, 1862. Letter to Joseph E. Johnston, relating to the location of his troops during the Romney Expedition, in part: "In accordance with instructions received from you I submit the following report respecting the location of the troops of this District. The numbers are not strictly accurate.

At Winchester 183 Infantry. Hanging Rock on the North Western Turnpike distant from Winchester 28 miles 650 Infantry and 56 Cavalry. At North River Mills on Couper Bridge and Frankfort Turnpike distant from Winchester 29 miles 50 Cavalry. At Martinsburg 100 Inft and 56 Cavalry. At Shepherdstown 60 Cavalry. At Duffields Depot on the B&O. R. R. midway between Charlestown and Shepherdstown 100 Inft and 26 Cavalry. At Moorfield distant 57 miles from Winchester and 27 from Romney 400 Inft. At this place on the Hampshire and Berkely Turnpike distant 24 miles from Winchester 8000 Infantry and 375 Cavalry.

Brig Genl Meem left here this morning for Moorfield with 545 Inft and Brig. Genl. Carson left here this morning for Bath a distance of 16 miles in command of 200 Inft and 25 Mounted Militia. All the Volunteers and Regulars are stationed here." In fine condition.

Jackson was in command of the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS) at the time he wrote this letter. The Romney Expedition was conducted from January 1 to January 24, 1862 and acted as a precursor to Jackson's Valley Campaign. Jackson conceived a grand scheme to retake control of western Virginia (later the state of West Virginia) by conducting a large expedition along the Potomac River valley along the northern boundary of Virginia. He assembled forces of 11,000 men—a bit short of the 15,000 he desired—but he proceeded on the expedition anyway. During the expedition, Jackson was successful in cutting the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line to Washington and destroying sections of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Jackson had planned to continue the expedition into Maryland, but the severe winter weather had so hampered the morale of many of his troops who were from warmer regions much further south, that he canceled his further expeditionary plans. He returned to Winchester and began amassing his forces for his campaign through the Shenandoah Valley. A superb autograph letter with phenomenal wartime content.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #583 - Ended May 13, 2020





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