Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 19.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

dear Major: Your kind letter of the 26th instant is at hand, and I am much obliged to you for the information communicated, and also for your kind regards for me. I wish I could of had you on the 23d. I don't recollect of ever having heard such a roar of musketry. We must resolutely defend this Valley. Our little army here is in fine spirits, and when the tug of war comes I expect it, through Divine blessing, to nobly do its duty. If your health would justify it I would like to have you in this army.

Very truly your friend,

The army was falling back after the repulse on the 23d at Kernstown. I was not in the field at this time on account of a severe affliction of my eyes. After defeating Milroy at McDowell and driving (Fremont's advance arrived after the battle closed) the Federal army to Franklin he returned to the Valley and left Captain Gilmer only with his company to watch the enemy. There was no other force between them and Staunton, the base of his supplies.

In this connection I will mention a fact I have never seen in print. By General Jackson's order I gave Colonel Gibbons, of the Tenth Virginia, and Colonel Harman, of the Fifty-second Virginia regiments, the positions they were to take, and when I reported to the General he abruptly asked me who was attending to my duties in Staunton, and said go there as quick as you can. General Ewell, he said, whom I left at Swift Run Gap, is not under my orders, and in the event he has left that position, and General Banks has moved towards Staunton from Harrisonburg, you will send as quickly as possible supplies to Millboroa Depot. I will have to move in that direction. On arriving at Staunton I found the situation as General Jackson had left it, and so reported.

dear Major: Did Major Paxton¹ bring me a set of buttons for a uniform coat? Did you receive my letter directing that all persons absent from the army without leave will be sent back in irons as directed, and requesting you to enforce the order strictly?

Yours truly,

dear Major: Captain Bell has requested me to relieve him from the duty of commanding officer at Staunton. Accordingly I have selected you for the duty and the order is sent herewith. If your duties are too heavy let me know and I will make some arrangement. I desire you to enforce that strict military control and discipline which you so well understand and know how to apply as well as appreciate. [320] Keep in Staunton only enough well men to answer your purposes and have the others sent to their companies, and next Monday please mail the accompanying letter to Mrs. Jackson. Always put deserters in irons.

Very truly your friend,

He did not wish the letter sent to Mrs. Jackson until after the result which followed the capture of Strasburg, Front Royal, and Winchester.

dear Major: Please send the above by telegraph. Direct Captain Gilmer to return towards Shaw's Fork, or to keep within sight of the enemy if he is this side. Please give me all the information you can respecting Fremont's movements. Don't keep many stores on hand at Staunton. Organize your convalescents so as to resist any incursions of cavalry. You needn't send any more of them here for the present if you can make them useful with arms at Staunton. The hospital stores should be sent off as received, but let it all be done in a quiet way.

Very truly yours,

The telegram referred to was one announcing his success at Strasburg, Front Royal, and Winchester, to the Secretary of War. The hospital stores were the immense captures at these points, and were sent to Staunton.

Major: I am gratified to see from your letter that you have succeeded so well in removing the public property from Staunton. Respecting your operating against the enemy with Gilmer's company and such other force as you may be able to collect, it is not advisable for the present. I am very desirous of having the cavalry, lately [321] under the gallant Ashby, organized. Is Gilmer's company necessary west of Staunton? Please let me know where the cavalry are that belong to the Army of the Northwest. From what I learn they are probably with General Loring. Where is General Edward Johnson? If he is still with you remember me to him very kindly, and ask him whether there are any objections to his cavalry being ordered to the vicinity of Staunton, if it is not already there.

Very truly yours,

Please have the following telegraphed to General R. E. Lee:

Brown's Gap, June 11, 1862.—Send four pieces of artillery with every thousand infantry.

Major: Please forward the above by telegraph. I hope to get you a colonelcy.

Yours truly,

The above telegram was one to General Lee, saying he need not send transportation with the troops or horses for the artillery, as they could be supplied by me at Staunton.

Major: Your letter of this date has been received. Please provide one hundred and fifty-four-horse wagons.

How would you like to be a field officer of cavalry? I don't know whether I can secure it or not, but desire to know your pleasure before taking any steps in the case.

Very truly yours,

He wanted the wagons for the troops sent from the South and Richmond. He wanted to reorganize the cavalry, twenty-six companies of General Ashby's command, Major O'Funster being the only field officer with General Ashby at his death.

The commanding officer of the Maryland line will move his command this evening by the cars and encamp near Brigadier-General Lawton's camp east of the Blue Ridge.

General Lawton had moved from Staunton preparatory to General Johnson's move on Richmond. He had only arrived some ten days before from Savannah, Ga. At this time the effort was being made to get all the Maryland troops in one command—under, I think, General Steuart, of Maryland.

Halt your advance at such point as you may desire until you get your division together.

The reinforcements are ordered, as authorized by your telegram of yesterday.

Please have good encampments selected for the troops, where there is plenty of wood and water, and, if practicable, drill-grounds.

Yours truly,

Major: As soon as any commander is ready to move down the Valley with his command, I desire him to do so, and he will encamp at such point as he may select between Staunton and Mount Crawford, without crossing North river. Please inform General Whiting and other commanders of this as they arrive in Staunton. It is desirable that the camp selected should fulfill the conditions of giving plenty wood and water and drill ground, and that the commander inform me of its ___location.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,