Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1873-05-10
GEN. JACKSON'S RESIGNATION.
INTERESTING LETTERS OF THE GREAT CON
FEDERALE LEADER.

INTERESTING LETTERS OF THE GREAT CoN-
FEDERALE LEADER.
rhe Richmond Wing has been fur
nished with several letters written by
Generals r. Z. Lee and Il. j. Jackson,
during the late war, which have never
before been published. Those OF Gen
eral Lee possess no special interest at
this time, but General Jacksons letters
relate to his resignation after the Rom,
ney expedition, and gives some ne" anu
important facts in explanation OF that
event. The letters are as follows
LETTER OF EX-GOVERNOR LETcIIER.
Some time ago you requested me to
send you General Jackson's resignation
if I had a copy of it. A few days since
in looking over such papers as were
saved by my mother found copy OF
his resignation, sent to the War De
partment, and also letter on the same
subject to myself; both Of which EN-
close to you. Neither of these papers
have ever been published.
The Secretary of War received the
resignation before the Generals letter
reached me, and having been informed
of the facts by one of my aids, to whom
Mr.. Benjamin communicated 1t, l at
once went to the War Department, and
after some conversation between the
Secretary and myself, it was agreed that
no action should be taken until should
have an opportunity to write to General
Jackson and receive his reply. l ac-
cordingly went to my Office and wrote
to him long and earnest letter,lnform-
ing him of what had taken place, urging
such reasons as thought would induce
him to remain in the field, and conclud-
ING with the request that he would sane
ton what had done, and permit me to
withdraw his resignation.
This letter was sent by my aid, Col
Boteler, and I was greatly gratifed on
his return to find that the General had
acceded to my wishes, and gave me his
full assent 10 the withdrawal OF his let
ter of resignation from the files of the
War Department. Such are the facts
connected with his resignation. 1t was
fortunate for the South that he remain
ed in the army. This letter also shows
the opinion of General Jackson as to
that much abused Romney expedition,
which Gas know, twas undertaken with
the full knowledge and approval OF the
Confederate authorities. The troops
were ordered to him from Pocahontas,
to take part in this movement-which
General Jackson regarded as of great
importance and value to the Confeder-
acy. ,oo,
On the evening OF April 9th, 1861,
General Jackson (then at Camp Lee
was sent for, and notified that he would
receive orders that night to repair to
Harpers Ferry and take command at
that place. He came in from the camp
accepted the command, and made his
ARRANGEMENTS to leave that night for his
post Of duty. General Lee was then in
command of the Virginia forces, and
the Executive having determined to
send Jackson to Harper's Ferry, issued
the order to General Lee, which was
promptly executed. General Richard
son, a6jutant general, aud General ii:
F. Smith, who were consulted, approved
most cordially Of the course which was
subsequently adopted. Thus commenc-
ed General Jackson's active services In
the field, and the Southern people, In
deed, all the civilized world, know how
faithfully and how efficiently all his du-
ties were discharged. Your friend.
JOHN LErcHER.
Col. John G. Shields, Richmond, Va.
GENERAL JAcKsoN's LETTER TO THE SEC
RETARY OF WAR.
HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
January 81, 1862.
Hon. J. p. Benjamin, Secretary Of Wdr'
SIR: Your order requiring me to
direct Gen. Loring to return with his
commanded to Winchester Immediately
has been received and promptly com
piled with. With such interference in
NV COmIudiu L Cihhoe IA APSSs w
much service in the field, and accord
ingly respectfully request to be ordered
to report for duty to the superintendent
of the Virginia Military Institute in
Lexington, as has been done in the case
of other professors. Should this ,asppG-
cation not be granted, respectfully re-
quest that the President will accept my
resignation from the army.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
T. J. JACKSON,
Major General P. A. c. S.
HIs LETTER TO GOVERNOR LETCHER-THE
RoNNEY EXPEDITION.
WMcHEsrER, January 81, 1862.
GOVERNOR This morning / received
an order from the Secretary of War to