Description:

Jackson, Thomas J. Stonewall (1824-1863) Historically important and previously unreported letter: Generals Stonewall Jackson and R. S. Ewell order two spies from "beyond our lines." Could the information they received have caused the routing of Union General Pope at 2nd Manassas?

War-date Autograph Letter Signed "T. J. Jackson Maj. Genl," 1 page, 4.5" x 7.25". July 24, 1862. To Major General Richard S. Ewell who has docketed the letter on verso in pencil, signing "R.S. Ewell." Lightly soiled with scattered staining on verso. Expertly strengthened. Lightly professionally cleaned. Fine condition.

Gen. Stonewall Jackson orders two spies to help the President of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad procure information from "beyond our lines" --- just weeks later Jackson's army struck the railroad at Manassas Junction forcing Union Gen. Pope to retreat in the Battle of 2nd Manassas --- Pope was blamed for the defeat and removed from command.

On January 24, 1862, Ewell was promoted to Major General and served alongside General Stonewall Jackson through the Valley Campaign in Virginia.

In full, "General, Please let Mr. J.S. Barbour select a couple of men from your command for the purpose of procuring information beyond our lines. Respectfully yours, T.J. Jackson Maj. Genl."

Addressed in Jackson's hand at lower left to Maj. Gen. R. S. Ewell. On verso are two dockets in Gen. Ewell's hand in light pencil: "Mr. Barbour wishes to confer with two men from the 13th Va., he is referred to Genl. Early. July 24, 62 R.S. Ewell" and "Genl. Early will please detail the men if Mr. Barbour find those he wishes."

"Mr. J.S. Barbour" was John Strode Barbour (1820-1892), President of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. When Union Gen. John Pope's Army of Virginia joined Gen. George B. McClellan in the Valley and Gen. Pope moved toward Gordonsville, Virginia, a railroad junction strategically located between Richmond and the Valley, General Robert E. Lee sent Gen. Jackson to protect the town. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad extended from Alexandria to Gordonsville, Virginia. Ostensibly, Barbour wanted spies, "a couple of men" from the 13th Virginia "for the purpose of procuring information beyond our linesÉ" His railroad line was the only rail link between Washington, D.C., Richmond, Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley.

Worthy of further research: What information was obtained from the two spies by Barbour and given to Gen. Jackson? On the evening of August 26, 1862, after passing around Union Gen. John Pope's right flank, Major General Stonewall Jackson's wing of the army struck Barbour's Orange & Alexandria Railroad at Bristoe Station and before daybreak August 27th, marched to capture and destroy the massive Union supply depot at Manassas Junction. Also supporting this is a letter dated one day later "Pope had begun moving the Union army toward Gordonsville, in part: "The enemyÕs cavalry about 1400 strong crossed the Blue Ridge yesterday in the direction of ConradÕs Store. You should keep a look out . . . and see that the enemy does not turn your flank and get in your rear. Should he attempt to get to the C[entral] R. R. . . . please telegraph or let me know in the quickest possible time. . . . I am well satisfied that you are making good use of your time by drilling . . . I wish that you would have your weekly inspection on Saturday evening instead of Sunday, and give your command every practicable opportunity of observing the Sabbath."

This surprise movement, perhaps on information procured by the spies, forced Gen. Pope's Army into an abrupt retreat across Bull Run Creek, having lost 15,000 men. Gen. Pope was blamed for the defeat and relieved of his command.

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