Records Related to Augusta County Regiments



From: MILROY.
May 6, 1862.

Summary:
During the first week of May, 1862, Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson prepared a surprise attack on Union troops at McDowell, Virginia. In this letter, Union General Robert Milroy, commanding at McDowell, reports on Jackson's movements and speculates as to his intent. He promises to report from Staunton to commanding officer, General John C. Fremont, within 48 hours.


Gen. FREMONT:

McDOWELL,

May 6, 1862.

GEN.:

Your dispatch of 4th instant received. I believe Jackson's movement to be a feint for relief of Johnson. He cannot move from Port Republic toward my advanced position without leaving Banks in his rear, which, the former experience, he will not do, and the latter would have the opportunity to attack him in the rear as he moves in this direction. I shall not retire beyond this point, but in case of an attack by a superior force will await re-enforcements-Schenck's and Blenker's force. I cannot give up the country now in our possession. Why cannot they move up rapidly, and then push on vigorously together and clear the department before the May days are over? I may, in case of threatened attack, move on some 7 miles to Shaw's Ridge and make a stand there, if permission is granted. I will try and report to you from Staunton within forty-eight hours.

MILROY.


Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 12, Serial No. 18, Pages 137, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.


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