December 15, 1863 (Tuesday): Trouble In the Valley

Road to Woodstock (CivilWarAlbum.com/
Alan M. Di Sciullo, Esq)

NEW MARKET, December 15, 1863-4 o'clock.
General R. E. LEE:
      The enemy's cavalry again dashed into Woodstock about 2 o'clock. The force not known.



      CHAS. T. O'FERRALL.



DECEMBER 15, 1863.
Lieutenant General R. S. EWELL:
     GENERAL: I think I had better go to the Valley at once, and another brigade had better be sent. Of course if things did not require it, I would return immediately. If we wait further developments it might be too late. I will be over very shortly.


      J. A. EARLY,
      Major-General.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 51, Part 2, Page 797.

Ewell was filling in for Lee while the Army of Northern Virginia's commander was in Richmond conferring with Jefferson Davis.  The Union cavalry, more numerous and active than in the past, was having its way in the Shenandoah Valley.  Early would spend most of 1864 associated with famous events in the Valley and here makes an early foray into the region to quiet Union activity there.