Confederate General, accidentally killed by his own troops at Chancellorsville in 1863.
Autograph Note Signed, one page, no date but circa May/June 1862, on lightly lined paper measuring 7 5/8 inches wide by 2 7/8 inches high, to an unidentified recipient.
“My information is that Fremonts troops or (15000 ) of them have returned to New Creek.”
On the verso, in another hand, is written: “This was given me by Col. A.W. Harman — Adjt Gen on ‘Stonewall Jackson’s’ Staff & the attached P.S. was to him personally, Staunton Va. Sepr. 1882.” Lettered on the spine of the folding case in which it was housed are these words: “T.J. Jackson / ADs / No Date / Shenandoah Valley Campaign.”
This important Civil War-era message dates to the Southern general’s famed campaign through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Stonewall Jackson’s 17,000 men marched 646 miles in 48 days, successfully engaged three Union armies and prevented them from reinforcing the Union offensive against Richmond. The victory bolstered the morale of Confederate troops, which had started to waver at that time. Acting upon the intelligence identified here, Jackson prepared to confront Union Major General John C. Fremont, who had been ordered by President Abraham Lincoln to “capture or destroy” Jackson’s forces. The mention of “New Creek” may be a reference to Mill Creek and the Battle of Cross Keys in June. Fremont had pursued Jackson for eight days, finally confronting him at this battle — only to have Jackson slip away.
Appointed a brigadier general when the Civil War broke out, Thomas Jackson organized a brigade of Virginians that fought at the first Battle of Bull Run. It was there that the unit was described as standing its ground like a “stone wall,” and the name forever became attached to Jackson. By the second Battle of Bull Run, Jackson and Lee had developed a partnership of deadly military consequence, leading to triumphs at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Only hours after those victories, Jackson was accidentally shot by one of his own men and died eight days later. His death was a severe setback for the Confederacy, affecting not only its military prospects, but also the morale of its army and of the general public.
Military historians consider Stonewall Jackson to be one of the most gifted tactical commanders in United States history. His Valley Campaign and his envelopment of the Union Army right wing at Chancellorsville are studied even today as examples of innovative and bold leadership. Autograph material by Stonewall Jackson is rare.
Framed (with taupe inner and outer mats and an engraving, in a wood frame) dimensions: 21 inches wide by 14 inches high.
Price: $22,500
This item is associated with these categories in our inventory:
- Civil War
- Military
