April 20, 1862 (Friday): "Jackson Is Flying"

General James Shields

WOODSTOCK, VA., April 20, 1862.
Honorable E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War, Washington:
    Jackson is flying from this department. I assisted in conducting the movement against him the other day when he was driven from Mount Jackson and New Market, and saw that the moment he abandoned Rude's Hill, which is by far the strongest position in the Shenandoah Valley, he gave the whole valley up for lost. He has between 10,000 and 12,000 men with him. General Ewell is lying now with 10,000 men near Culpeper Court-House. These forces will unite at Gordonsville with the purpose of checking our advance. They constitute the only force between us and Richmond. I would respectfully suggest that my division, Blenker's division, and Abercrombie's and Geary's commands be united and consolidated as speedily as possible, to force their way toward Richmond. This movement, if followed up by General Sumner's command and the rest of the disposable troops on the Potomac, will relieve General McClellan, and contribute to the destruction of the rebel army and the capture of the rebel capital. I am ready to conduct this movement if you can get the Senate to pass at once upon my nomination, but confirmed or not by that body I am ready to lead or follow, whichever you may deem most advisable, and in acting thus will do everything in my power to vindicate your kindness and partiality for me and the generous confidence which the President and yourself have been pleased to place in me since I entered the service.
    There are no troops needed at present in the Shenandoah Valley but those which are necessary to garrison the different posts. Williams' division is ample for this. I venture to make these suggestions know-
ing with what indulgence they will be received, whether they may strike you as practicable or not. If they should impress you favorably there is not a moment to lose. A rapid movement of this kind on the flank of the rebel army may help materially to hasten the defeat of that army and the overthrow of the rebel Government.
    I have the honor to be, with sentiments of profound gratitude and respect, your obedient servant,



    JAS. SHIELDS,
    Brigadier-General, Commanding Division.

Series I. Vol. 12, Part 3, Page 95.

Shields was an Irishman who came to this country after being shipwrecked in Scotland.  Active in politics before the war he once challenged Lincoln to a duel, but they settled their differences and became good friends.  Shields tended to overestimate Jackson's force and underestimate Jackson.  It would have been better for him if he had reversed that equation.  At the time this was written, Jackson and his troops were spending a rainy day in camp.  Ashby's cavalry was trying to burn three bridges to the east of New Market and succeeded in burning only one.  And Jackson was biding his time, waiting as always to strike a blow.  After the war he became a Senator from Missouri, which made him the only man to be a U. S. Senator from three states (Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri).