Image: Lt. Edwin Gray Lee, ADC to Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson

Edwin Gray Lee, ADC to BG Thomas Jackson (Source)

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This Awful Drama: General Edwin Gray Lee, C. S. A., and His Family

Lt. Edwin Gray Lee, ADC to Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, On the Battle

Near Manassas Junction
July 22d 1861

The quiet of our beautiful Sabbath, my precious, darling mother, was utterly destroyed by a tremendous battle yesterday. I find George McGlincey here, & have only time to send you a hasty note to say that I am well, thank God, without A scratch. The engagement became general about 11 A.M. Tho’ an irregular fire had been kept up all morning. From 11+ to 4 the strife & carnage were fearful. Gen. Jackson had the middle fingers of his left hand broken. Capt. Pendleton (now Col.) had his ear tipped & his thigh hit by a Spent ball. Sandie Pendleton scratched & his horse Shot. Gen J’s horse Shot. I met with no accidents. We routed them completely & overwhelmingly. I have no idea of the loss on either side. Theirs doubles ours – They outnumbered us two to one – our officers suffered terribly. Capt. Wm. Nelson* hit in the heart – dangerous – but not fatal. Wm. Lee, poor Wm, shot thru the Center of the breast bone – the ball drove in a button & the cloth. but I don’t think is in there. I fear it is fatal. I am writing in the room with him, about 4 miles from the Junction & 1 from the battle field. He may get well, but I fear not – His regiment is covered with glory – it took a battery of rifled cannon supposed to be Shermans. Peyton Harrison is Killed, Holmes & Tucker Conrad fell side by side. I saw their Three corpses. Lloyd Powell is Killed.

Thank God for our victory. We drove the enemy entirely off, in ignominious retreat. Captured all their cannon – Some splendid ones – Oh! how horrible is the battle field. they took off most of their dead & wounded, but left a great many. I took a revolver from a prisoner, & got a splendid Army saddle & bridle & saddle cover – I aided a great deal in taking care of our wounded. Helped to bind wounds & saw off legs &c – No time for more – Our Brigade is almost immortalized, but for us the day would have been lost – No body hurt in Butlers Company – Eb. Shaver & Jno. Feaman touched – Capt. B’s hat pierced. Wm L. Clark of Winchester badly wounded. –

Thank our gracious God for all his great mercies. – Darling, darling, Mother, farewell – I saw Bro. Jno. Powell this morning – he is well- Fondest love to Pa, the brs. d sister Ellen. – Write to Sue immediately on getting this – I don’t know when I can move Wm. if at all.

God bless you all.
Ever fondly Your Son
E G Lee
(Edwin G. Lee)

William NELSON PENDLETON PAPERS, #1466, Southern Historical Collection, University Oo N.C. Library

Source image

Contributed by John Hennessy

*Captain of Co. C, 2nd Virginia Infantry. The writer was detached from the 2nd VA for duty on brigade staff.

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This Awful Drama: General Edwin Gray Lee, C. S. A., and His Family

Capt. Thomas M. Boyd, Co. G, 19th Virginia Infantry, On Stonewall Jackson at the Battle

“Use the Bayonet, Colonel.”

In an article on Stonewall Jackson in the Southern Bivouac for November Thomas M. Boyd tells of his appearance on the field of battle.

I never was close to him on the field of battle but once; that was on the hill not far from the Henry house at the first battle of Manassas. He was extremely pale, but his eyes glared with an unnatural brilliancy. It ws on that occasion that Colonel Baylor, of August County, rode hurriedly up to him and said, “General, my men are armed with the old flint-lock musket, and not half of them will fire.” He replied, “If you will examine it, you will find that old musket has the best bayonet in the world. Use the bayonet, Colonel.” In a short while the Federal troops began to give way, and it is possible that this circumstance turned the tide of the battle. I have seen the statement somewhere, that General Bee said to him, General, they are beating us back,” and Jackson’s reply was, “We will give them the bayonet, sir.” This may be true, but it is probable that the remark made to Colonel Baylor was afterward claimed to have been made to General Bee. I will never forget the terrific fighting that evening about three o’clock – the roar of artillery, the screaming, bursting shells, the rattle of small arms. The smoke blinded me; I stooped low to see how to lead my men. We were almost exhausted, and burning with thirst. Beauregard galloped by; this gave us some hope, and we cheered him and pressed on. The Federals fought desperately. At last I saw Jackson, and I felt safe, for his presence always inspired his men with confidence. That evening he was shot through the bridle-hand. General Imboden approached, called his attention to the fact, and suggested surgical aid. Jackson said, “It is a mere scratch, Sir.” His hand was bound up with a sash, he continuing on the field until the engagement ceased. He then repaired to the place where the wounded had been collected. The surgeons were busy, of course. One of them seeing General Jackson, approached, and offered his assistance. The General insisted that the surgeon attend to those who were more seriously hurt than himself, saying he preferred waiting until the private soldiers were relieved.

Jedediah Hotchkiss Papers, Roll 58, Frame 796, Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Clipping image

Contributed by John Hennessy

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Anniversary Video with Civil War Times: Jackson’s Gun Line, Wrap Up, 7/21/2021

Our seventh and final stop on Thursday was a cannon on Jackson’s gun line on Henry Hill. It was the end of a long day. It was hot. It was humid. I was going on 2 hours sleep and a Cliff bar. I ran out of gas and lost my voice. Then it started to rain – which felt kind of nice. There were a few things I had prepared as a wrap up, including the myth of the “death” of the idea of a “single grand victory” with this defeat for the Union (it didn’t die – as John Hennessy has pointed out, the notion that the next fight was “the big one” persisted throughout the war). But I couldn’t get to them. All in all, it was a great day. Thanks to Dana, Melissa, and Brandon for having me along. Appearing in this video are Civil War Times editor Dana Shoaf, Civil War Times director of photography Melissa Weeks, Manassas National Battlefield Park superintendent Brandon Bies, and myself.

Special Orders #211 – Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson Assigned to Command of Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – CONFEDERATE

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, p. 963

Special Orders,
No. 211

Headquarters,
Richmond, Va., July 4, 1861.

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III. Brig. Gen. T. J. Jackson, Provisional Army, Confederate States, will report for duty to General Johnston, commanding Army of the Shenandoah.

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By order of General Lee:

GEO. DEAS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

Col Thomas J. Jackson to Col. Robert S. Garnett on Resolution of Command Dispute at Harper’s Ferry

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – CONFEDERATE

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, p. 877

Harper’s Ferry, Va., May 25,1861.

Col. E. S. Garnett, Adjutant-General Virginia Forces:

Colonel: Subsequent to mailing to you yesterday the communication in which I refused to recognize General J. E. Johnston’s authority to assume command here, I was furnished with the following indorsement on an application:

Referred to General J. E. Johnston, commanding officer at Harper’s Ferry.

By order of Major-General Lee:

JOHN A. WASHINGTON,
Aide-de-Camp.

Immediately on receiving this information I complied with General Johnston’s request, and published his order assuming command.

I am, colonel, your obedient servant,

T. J. JACKSON,
Colonel Virginia Volunteers.

Col. Thomas J. Jackson to Col. Robert S. Garnett on Command Dispute at Harper’s Ferry

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – CONFEDERATE

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, pp. 871-872

Headquarters, Harper’s Ferry, Va., May 24,1861.

Col. R. S. Garnett, Adjutant-General:

Colonel: I forward herewith copies of correspondence between General J. E. Johnston, of the C. S. Army, and myself. Major Whiting has taken charge of the defenses.

I am, colonel, your obedient servant,

T. J. JACKSON,
Col. Virginia Vols., Comdg. at Harper’s Ferry, Va.

[Inclosure No. 1.]

Harper’s Ferry, Va., May 24, 1861.

Colonel Jackson, Virginia Forces:

Colonel: Will you oblige me by having the inclosed order copied and distributed to the different regiments?

Very respectfully,

J. E. JOHNSTON.

[Inclosure -No. 2.]

Orders, No. —.] Harper’s Ferry, Va., May 24,1861.

In obedience to the orders of the Secretary of War, the undersigned assumes the command of the troops at and in the vicinity of this place.

Maj. E. E. McLean, C. S. Army, will take the direction of the operations of the Quartermaster’s Department; Maj. W. H. C. Whiting those of the Engineer Corps.

J. E. JOHNSTON, Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.

[Inclosure No. 3.]

Headquarters,
Harper’s Ferry, Va., May 24, 1861.

Brig. Gen. J. E. Johnston, C. S. A.:

General: I have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your note of this morning, requesting the publication of an order, as coming from you, assuming the command of this post, in obedience to the orders of the Secretary of War, and directing Maj. E. E. McLean, C. S. Army, to take the direction of the operations of the Quartermaster’s Department, and Maj. W. H. C. Whiting those of the Engineer Corps. Until I receive further instructions from Governor Letcher or General Lee, I do not feel at liberty to transfer my command to another, and must therefore decline publishing the order. Meanwhile I beg you to be assured that it will give me pleasure to afford to yourself and to the other officers named every facility in my power for obtaining appropriate information relating to the post and departments of the service connected with it.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

T. J. JACKSON,
Col. Virginia Vols., and Comdg. at Harper’s Ferry, Va.

Col. Thomas J. Jackson to Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee on Situation in Northwestern Virginia

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – CONFEDERATE

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, pp. 863-864

Headquarters, Harper’s Ferry, Va., May 21, 1861.

Maj. Gen. E. E. Lee, Commanding Virginia Forces:

General: Since this place has been strengthened by additional troops and artillery, so as to give confidence to our people, there has been a manifest improvement in public sentiment in this county; but I regret to say that in Berkeley things are growing worse, and that the threats from Union men are calculated to curb the expression of Southern feeling. While I have been unwilling to diminish the force here, yet, for the purpose of checking the disloyalty there, I have ordered the regiment from Jefferson opposite to Williamsport. You speak of concern at the want of alacrity on the part of companies west of here. This is partly due to their unarmed condition and want of a secure place of rendezvous. If no better plan is practicable, I would suggest that a force destined for the northwest be assembled, ostensibly for the defense of this part of the State, at Winchester, or some point near here, and that the moment that the governor’s proclamation announces the ratification by the people of the ordinance of secession, such troops be put in the cars, as though they were coming to this place, but that they be immediately thrown into the northwest, and at once crush out opposition. This force need remain there only for a short time, until the local ones could be armed. You will pardon me for urging promptness in what is to be done for that section of the State. Any want of this may be disastrous.

I send herewith a letter from Captain Shriver, of Wheeling, who has been on a visit here. I wrote to Colonel Garnett that Colonel Huger had gone on to Richmond, for the purpose of procuring whatever may be necessary for the efficiency of the heavy batteries; but I regret to learn that he has been delayed by sickness on his way. Should he not reach Richmond before this letter, please forward a large supply of ammunition for ten 24-pounder guns, if it can be spared. Should Colonel Huger be prevented from reaching Richmond soon, I hope you will, if available, send me a practical ordnance officer. I have been depending on Colonel Huger for mounting and rendering efficient the heavy guns, with the exception of those intrusted to Lieutenant Fauntleroy.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. J. JACKSON,
Colonel, Virginia Volunteers, Commanding Harper’s Ferry, Va.

P. S.—I have about ninety thousand percussion caps.

[Inclosure.]

Harper’s Ferry, Va., May 19, 1861.

Colonel Jackson, Commandant, Harpers Ferry, Va,:

At this time there is between three and four hundred Federal troops stationed upon the fair grounds on Wheeling Island, Ohio County, Virginia. They have been regularly sworn into the service of the U. S. Government by Colonel Oakes, who has been in the city of Wheeling for some time past expressly for that purpose. These troops have been furnished with arms by the U. S. Government at the request of citizens of the counties of Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall, for the express purpose of resisting the authorities of the State of Virginia. At this time A. W. Campbell, of the city of Wheeling, by a published authority from Governor Dennison, of Ohio, will not permit citizens of Wheeling to ship provisions in any quantities over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Yours, truly,

DAN. M. SHRIVER.

Likely Daniel McElheran Shriver, later Lt. Col. of the 27th Virginia Infantry. FindAGrave

Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee and Col. Thomas J. Jackson Discuss Policy Regarding Maryland

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – CONFEDERATE

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, pp. 832-833, 836

Division Hdqrs., Harpers Ferry, Va., May 11, 1861.

Maj. Gen. R. E. Lee :

General: The precautions mentioned in your letter of the 6th instant have been under consideration for some time, and some of them have been taken; others are progressing as rapidly as the circumstances admit of. Arrangements are complete for a desperate defense at Point of Rocks. I have troops also at Berlin, Shepherdstown, and Martinsburg. Marylanders, with artillery, are opposite Shepherdstown, and have threatened us there to such an extent as to induce the officer stationed there to call on me for artillery; and though I can poorly spare it, yet, under the circumstances, I must comply. Previous to receiving your letter I had authorized the payment of $5 for the best arms, and graded pieces below that. My report for yesterday* will show the strength of the command. I can get enough volunteers from the counties named to swell the force to probably four thousand five hundred; but they are without arms, accouterments, and ammunition. Please send me five thousand good muskets and rifles, with complete equipments. Also full equipments for three hundred cavalry, and an additional light battery more than those called for in my last. Make this the depot for the northwest. Grafton should be occupied at once. Col. J. M. Bennett will deliver this to you, and give important information respecting the northwest. The quartermaster, Mr. John A. Harman, of this post, should not be removed, if it can possibly be avoided. Please have him appointed and retained, if practicable. I had difficulty in inducing him to remain; but, if the appointment be sent to him, I think he will continue here.

Please to forward the arms at once, and all troops and supplies destined for Harper’s Perry. I respectfully request they may be sent at once. Have no fear of this place being surprised.

Your most obedient servant,

T. J. JACKSON,
Colonel, Virginia Volunteers, Commanding.

*Not found.

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Headquarters Virginia Forces,
Richmond, Va., May 12,1861.

Col. T. J. Jackson,
Commanding, &c., Harper’s Ferry, Va.:

Colonel : I have just received your letter of the 11th instant, by Colonel Bennett. I am concerned at the feeling evinced in Maryland, and fear it may extend to other points, besides opposite Shepherdstown. It will be necessary, in order to allay it, that you confine yourself to a strictly defensive course. I presume the points occupied by you at Point of Bocks, Berlin, and Shepherdstown are on our side. I am glad to hear that volunteers are assembling. Over two thousand arms have already been sent to you, and one thousand more have been ordered this evening. If you only expect to receive sufficient volunteers to swell your force to four thousand five hundred men, I do not see how you can require five thousand arms, as you must now have nearly three thousand armed, besides the three thousand arms, above mentioned, ordered to you. We have no rifles or cavalry equipments. The latter may use double-barreled shot-guns and buck-shot, if no better arms can be procured. I will see to the quartermaster. I fear no field battery can be sent you besides that now preparing. The Fourth Begiment Alabama troops, from Lynchburg, have gone to you, and I have ordered two others from the same point. Ammunition has also been ordered to you. You know our limited resources, and must abstain from all provocation for attack as long as possible.

I am, &c.,

R. E. LEE,
Major-General, Commanding.

Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee and Col Thomas J. Jackson on the Occupation of Maryland Heights

CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA FROM APRIL 16 TO JULY 31, 1861

CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. – CONFEDERATE

O. R. – Series I – VOLUME 2 [S #2] CHAPTER IX, pp. 823-825

Division Headquarters,
Harpers Ferry, May 9, 1861.

Major-General Lee,
Commander Virginia Forces:

General: If this place is attacked, we may expect the enemy to make a free use of rifled cannon, in addition to field artillery, and possibly larger caliber.

The object of this letter is to state that Colonel Thomas, adjutant-general of Maryland, has placed at my disposal the ordnance from the Virginia navy-yard en route for Baltimore via this place, and to request that you will, should it meet with your approbation, send a competent ordnance officer, with sufficient force and means, to mount such pieces as I may designate.

I am, general, your most obedient servant,

T. J. JACKSON,
Colonel Virginia Volunteers, Commanding Division.

P. S.—There are about 2,200 Federal troops at the Relay House, others beyond Baltimore, and about 4,000 near Chambersburg, Pa. I have occupied the Maryland Heights with the Kentuckians and one company of infantry from Augusta County, making about 500 in all.

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Headquarters Virginia Forces,
Richmond, Va., May 10, 1861.

Col. T. J. Jackson,
Virginia Volunteers, Commanding Harper’s Ferry, Va.:

Colonel: Your letter of the 7th instant, by Major Massie, has been received. Orders have been given to fill your requisition for arms, ammunition, and accouterments as far as possible. In addition to the guns that you were advised yesterday would be sent to you, I have directed two 32-pounders, with navy carriages, and a supply of ammunition, &c., to be forwarded to you. They will be in charge of Lieutenant Fauntleroy, of the Navy, who is ordered to report to you, and I hope will be useful in defending your post.

Your intention to fortify the heights of Maryland may interrupt our friendly arrangements with that State, and we have no right to intrude on her soil, unless, under pressing necessity, for defense. I had hoped that her own citizens would have relieved us of that question, and you must endeavor to give to the course you may find it necessary to pursue the appearance of its being the act of her citizens. At all events, do not move until actually necessary and under stern necessity.

I have directed the companies ordered to rendezvous at Staunton to be sent to you as soon as mustered into the service, and I hope you will receive a large accession of troops under the authority extended to you. Several officers of experience have been sent to you, and I shall endeavor to send some cadets. I know, from the spirit with which you are animated, that you will leave nothing undone to insure the defense of your post and the security of your command. You will not neglect, therefore, the instruction of the troops, who ought to be constantly practicing their military exercises and prepared in every way for hard service. Every rifle that you can finish will be of advantage, but it will be necessary to send off that machinery as soon as the musket factory is removed. I have directed the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments to send funds, if practicable, to the assistant quartermaster and commissary at your post.

Respectfully, &c.,

R. E. LEE,
Major-General, Commanding.

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Headquarters Virginia Forces,
Richmond, Va.y May 10,1861.

Col. T. J. Jackson, Commanding, &c., Harper’s Ferry, Va.;

Colonel: Your letter of May 9th has just been received. The guns you refer to, intended for Maryland, have, I understand, been stopped by the governor. I wrote you to-day that two 32-pounders had been ordered to you. I fear you may have been premature in occupying the heights of Maryland with so strong a force near you. The true policy is to act on the defensive, and not invite an attack. If not too late, you might withdraw until the proper time. I have already suggested to you the probability of the use of the canal as a means of carrying ordnance and munitions from Washington to use against you. In that event it would be well to cut the supply dams to prevent its use. Ten cadets have been ordered to report to you, in addition to the ten now there.

Very respectfullv, &c.,

R. E. LEE,
Major- General, Commanding.