July 23, 1862 (Thursday): Lee Puts Off Jackson

General Robert E. Lee

HEADQUARTERS, July 23, 1862.

Major General THOMAS J. JACKSON,
Commanding Valley District:
   GENERAL: I have received your letter* of the 21st, with inclosure. I am in doubt as to the position and numbers of the enemy in your front and on the Rappahannock, and can get no clew as to his intentions. I am inclined to the belief that General McClellan is being re-enforced to the extent of the means of his Government and that he will continue to be so. A force will be kept in front of Washington to guard its approach, and General Pope, I presume, is charged with this duty. His main body, I suspect, is not far from Manassas, that being his best front, and his scouts and skirmishers are sent out for plunder, provisions, and devastation. I have not been as yet able to send you re-enforcements. Indeed, unless General Pope was within striking distance, or you were prepared with transportation,, provisions, &c., for a further aggressive movement, I saw no object. I have not heard your strength or condition, or what favorable prospect you saw for a blow. The troops have not yet arrived from the south. General McClellan is feeling stronger, is uneasy in his position, and no doubt feels the necessity to advance upon Richmond. He is making daily demonstrations to deceive us or test our strength. Under these circumstances I am reluctant to weaken the force around Richmond without seeing a prospect of striking a blow elsewhere. I am, however, ready to re-enforce you as soon as that prospect is apparent.
    I am, most respectfully and truly, yours,


R. E. LEE,
General.

*Not found.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 12, Part 3, Page 917.

 Jackson was in the Gordonsville area with about 11,000 men, an insufficient amount to strike he a blow.  From his correspondence with Lee during this period he was much agitated his lack of resources prevented his going on the offensive.  Essentially, Jackson was back in the weakened position he was in when he first came to the Valley.  It would be easy to speculate he wanted to make an aggressive move to recompense for his lack of success during the Seven Days campaign, but for the fact when in this same position previously he also was often requesting reinforcements to make an offensive possible.  It is clear from this letter Lee could not begin any offensive campaign until the question of the safety of Richmond was answered. It is also interesting to see Lee taking note at this early point of the abuse of the civilian population of northern Virginia.