December 26, 1861 (Wednesday): Jackson Lobbies A Congressman

Jackson's Winter Headquarters-Winchester

WINCHESTER, VA., December 26, 1861.

J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War:
   DEAR SIR: I had an interview this morning with General T. J. Jackson, and learned that most of the troops of the enemy who were at the fight on Alleghany Mountain a few days since were now at Romney, and that he was very desirous that the forces on the Alleghany, under the command of Colonel Johnson, should be immediately sent direct to Moorefield, so as to form a junction with his troops when desired. The enemy is doing a great deal of mischief in Hampshire County, and should be driven out as soon as possible, or captured, if convenient. Jackson mentioned that he had written a letter directed to the Adjutant-General, requesting these troops on the Alleghany to be sent to Moorefield on the 23rd instant, in which his wishes are fully set out. Having called frequently at your department on business, and observed with pleasure your promptness in attending to all calls, I, with the approbation of General Jackson, write to you to request that you will look at General Jackson's letter of the 23rd, and, if advisable, adopt his recommendations. Here at Romney the enemy is concentrating all his forces from Western Virginia, leaving, as I am informed, very few troops on Cheat Mountain. Let us without delay meet them with our western forces.
I hope the deep interest I feel in this matter will be sufficient apology form my writing this letter.
With much respect, I am, yours, &c., 




T. S. HAYMOND. 

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 5, Part 1, Page 1009.

Haymond, a Virginia legislator, was a member of the Virginia Congress’ committee on military affairs. Jackson again shows his political acumen, and no small amount of stubbornness, by again making an attempt to obtain Johnson’s forces for his expedition on Romney (the War Department already having determined to leave Johnson to guard the western approaches to the Valley).  Jackson, in planning operations, repeatedly discussed capturing the Federal forces at Romney.  This was no doubt due to his geographic knowledge of the area and the untenable nature of Romney as a defensive position.  Ironically, he would soon embroil himself in a controversy with General Loring over his desire to leave his troops in that very same untenable position.