As McClellan gathered his forces to approach Richmond in May of 1862, Confederate Major General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson provided relief for that city by attacking up the Shenandoah Valley. His troops’ swift and concealed movements enabled him to surprise Union forces that had been reduced by dispatch of troops to the Richmond front. Jackson seized Front Royal and Winchester from outnumbered Union soldiers. Lincoln promptly ordered a pincers movement from other Union divisions that should have cut off Jackson’s avenue of retreat and subjected him to flank attacks. But the Union generals and troops moved too slowly and Jackson’s men were able to move to the south end of the Shenandoah Valley, where the Confederates successfully defended themselves at the battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic.
Falmouth, Va., May 28, 1862
Dear Father:-
I received a letter from you last week but none this week as yet, although I expect there is one somewhere floating around after us. My letters have heretofore been addressed to “Ord’s Brigade.” Since he has left us I suppose some are missent and go to his headquarters. These will not be lost, however, as some of his aides will send them on to me.
We have had quite a stir here for a few days past owing to the report concerning the retreat of Banks. The circumstances are these as near as I can understand:
Banks was near Strasburg as was also Shields. When the bridge here at Fredericksburg was about finished, a Division was formed for Ord of detached regiments which had been about Washington and Alexandria. I think some thirteen in all. We then had three Divisions, McCall’s, King’s, and Ord’s, as I wrote you before. About five days ago Shields’ Division arrived, having left Banks at Strasburg. They marched across from the mountains, there being no railroad or water communication from that place to here. As soon as the enemy found that Shields had left they attacked Banks and have driven him back to Harpers Ferry. We were already to move over the river when this news came. Ord has now gone to Harpers Ferry, via Washington—taken the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad—to assist Banks, while Shields has cut across via Warrenton Junction to get in the rear of the enemy. The whole affair is thought to be a grand strategic movement just to catch old “Stonewall” Jackson in a trap. If he has not got out of the way by this time he certainly will be caught with all his army. Banks seems to have made little or no resistance.
The enemy have fallen back from our front about four days since. Our advance has been out about ten miles beyond Fredericksburg.
I was unwell when Shields’ Division was here and did not get to see Merrick Housler or hear about Penrose. I suppose Sylvanus will know something about them. I will see him in a day or two.
I had a short illness from remittent fever—had one chill—was quite sick one day—was in the hospital two days—took blue mass—quinine—neutral mixture, etc., etc. I feel quite well now only somewhat weak. There is much sickness here now, fever and chills, though no serious illness that I know of. The days are very warm while the nights are uncomfortably cold. This is the cause of so much sickness the doctors say.
There is going to be an abundance of fruit here this season. Every fruit-tree, and they seem to grow spontaneously, is loaded with fruit.
The 4th Cavalry is now encamped with our Brigade. All the Rocklanders are well, both in it and in the 10th Regiment.
I had a letter from Domer yesterday and he gave me an account of his visit to Rockland and gave me more news of interest to me than I have received in a long time. Tell Bing and Mother to write soon, and Frank, too. Miles has written but once since he went to Meadville. Hoping to have good long letters from you all soon, I will close for the present.
Affectionately, Your son, James
The fact of my having written this upon a board laid across my knees accounts for the poor penmanship.
Next posting: June 11, 2012
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335