Civil War-era ANS signed “T. J. Jackson,” one page, 7.25 x 2.25, no date (circa May / June 1862). Brief handwritten note to an unidentified recipient: "My information is that Fremonts troops or (15000) of them have returned to New Creek." Handsomely double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 21 x 14.25. In fine condition. The consignor notes that another hand has on the reverse written: "This was given me by Col. A. W. Harman—Adjt. Gen. on 'Stonewall Jackson's' Staff & the attached P.S. was to him personally, Staunton, Va., Sepr. 1882."
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 prevented 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.
Appointed a brigadier general when the Civil War broke out, Thomas Jackson 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 Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Only hours after those victories, Jackson was accidentally shot by one of his own men and died eight days later. His death was a severe setback for the Confederacy, affecting not only its military prospects, but also the morale of its army and of the general public.
Military historians consider Jackson to be one of the most gifted tactical commanders in United States history. His Valley campaign and his envelopment of the Union Army right wing at Chancellorsville are studied even today as examples of innovative and bold leadership.
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