June 5, 1862 (Thursday): Lee on Jackson as a Soldier

"Prayer in the Camp of Stonewall Jackson"- (Etching, V. Blada, 1862 Library of Congress)

HEADQUARTERS,
Near Richmond, Va., June 5, 1862.

Honorable GEORGE W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War:
    SIR: I wrote to His Excellency the President this morning about re-enforcements for General Jackson.* The troops from Georgia you propose sending him I believe form a part of General Lawton's brigade. I wish they were mine, but with the North Carolina battalion, if they can join him, will fill up his ranks. He ought to have more, or these will not materially aid him. His plan is to march to Front Royal and crush Shields. It is his only course, and as he is a good soldier, I expect him to do it.
    I telegraphed yesterday to Major Harman, at Staunton, to collect all the troops in that vicinity, raise the community, magnify their numbers, and march down the valley and communicate with Jackson. It will shake Shields and make him pause.
    Very respectfully,


    R. E. LEE,

   General. 

*Letter not found. 

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 11, Part 3, Page 575.

Lee's impression of Jackson's worth as a soldier undoubtedly stemmed from more than his recent accomplishments.  While serving as Jefferson Davis' military adviser, Lee worked closely with Jackson throughout the valley campaign.  The letter is also a good example of Lee's skill in military equations, rightly believing Lawton's brigade was not enough of a reinforcement to give Jackson an advantage equal to the loss of the extra rifles in defense of Richmond.  In the end, Lee goes along with the reinforcement based on his estimation Jackson would crush Shields, as was his plan.