January 14, 1862 (Monday): A Plan to Cross the Potomac. On Ice. At Night.

Leesburg Vacinity (Library of Congress)

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

                              Near Centreville, January 14, 1862.

Brig. Gen. D. H. HILL,

         Commanding C. S. Forces, Lessburg, Va:

    GENERAL: Under the supposition that a considerable part of the Federal General Banks’ forces have been diverted either to Hancock or elsewhere, and that circumstances may favor a sudden effective blow at your immediate adversary, General Stone, some clear night, when the passage of the river on the ice shall seem to you practicable and safe, I am instructed to advise you that such are the wishes of the general commanding this army corps, sanctioned by the general commanding the department.

   But preliminary to so grave and important an operation I am directed to say it is essential that the utmost secrecy and circumspection should be observed in all your preparations.  Several reliable and trustworthy guides must be secured, and in the mean time no means should be spared to acquire exact information of the position of General Stone’s forces, his strength, and whether or not his supports have actually been diminished by diversions such as is suspected, whether towards Washington or Hancock.  Nor should there be any doubt as to the soundness and strength of the ice, including its durability for the time needful for such an expedition.

   In the conduct of such an expedition the general has all confidence in your discretion and military ability, but desires me to suggest that you should provided colored lights—lanterns—for signals of recognition.  This can be made, you know, with flannel wrappings.

   Your forces should be kept well in hand and close together; thoroughly informed, once across the river, of the aims of the expedition.  Your men should be inspired with a determination to succeed and to deserve success by coolness and precaution against the casualty of mistaking friends for enemies.  It may be judicious to make a slight detour to take the enemy in reverse, and your point of recrossing must be well guarded and covered by your artillery.

    The ice should be littered with straw, sand, or ashes by a pioneer party.  Finally, ice two inches thick will bear infantry in open order.  The utmost care should be taken to prevent crowding, especially on the return.

    Respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                                      THOMAS JORDAN

                                                            Assistant Adjustant-General

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 5, Part 1, Page 1033

On the day this was written the temperature at 7 a.m. in Washington was 21 degrees and there were high winds.  This came hard on a warm stretch of four days duration (see the excellent “Civil War Weather in Virginia” by Robert K. Krick).  Jordan was Beauregard’s assistant A.G. and it is not surprising “Old Bory”, who was given to grand schemes, would come up with such an amazing plan.  It is not clear whether he previously had spoken with D. H. Hill on the subject, but it is a suggestion which the aggressive Hill would likely have welcomed.  Crossing the Potomac on ice, at night, seems risky beyond imagining and warmer temperatures the remainder of the month rendered the question moot.