January 16 (Wednesday): Jackson Prepares to Garrison Romney

Fort Mill Trenches Near Romney-Justin A. Wilcox

HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,

 Romney, Va., January 16, 1862.

Major THOMAS G. RHETT,

       Assistant Adjutant-General, Hdqrs. Dept. of Northern Virginia:

     MAJOR:  In consequence of the weather and bad condition of the roads none of General Loring’s command has yet arrived here, though last night the head of the column encamped only 8 miles distant.  Garnett’s brigade arrived yesterday.  At last accounts the enemy were crossing the Potomac into Maryland on the railroad bridge below Cumberland.  Their force in and about Cumberland is from information about 11,000; at

Hancock, 2,000; at Hagerstown, 2,000; at Fredericktown, 8,000.  I have not succeeded in obtaining definite information as to the number in Williamsport.

    Unless otherwise directed, I will proceed to construct winter quarters, and will station General Loring’s troops and General Boggs’ militia brigade in the South Branch Valley; General Garnett’s brigade at Winchester; General Carson’s brigade at Bath, and General Meem’s brigade at Martinsburg.  The cavalry will be distributed along the norther frontier at various points.

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

           

                                                                                    T. J. JACKSON,

                                                                        Major-General P. A. C. S., Commanding

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 5, Part 1, Page 1034.

That there were sound military reasons for Jackson to hold Romney there is no question.  It severed communication between Rosecrans in Western Virginia and Banks at Fredericktown, relieved a portion of Western Virginia to allowing recruitment in the region, and at least raised the threat of movement against Union forces in the region at some later date.  But the combination of miserable weather conditions and Loring’s failure to inspire his troops with an understanding of the importance of their outpost made for the troubles which would soon come in the form of complaints to Richmond and a disruption of Jackson’s plans.  Some have argued the Stonewall Brigade should have been sent west and Loring to Winchester, but Loring’s force was much the larger and considerable strength would be needed to garrison Romney and threaten the Union forces in the area.