Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-09-19

points. but subsequently was or dered back to
Winchester by the rebel secretary OF war and
they were Immediately reoccupied by the
Union forces Much incensed BY this unac-
countable order, Jackson rendered his resigna-
ton, but was prevailed upon to recall it.
During the fall and winter Gen. Banks had
been in command in Maryland, along the
Potomac. and early in 1862 he had cautiously
advanced across the river into the lower
valley. making Harper's Ferry and Williams
port his base.
The aggregate Of Union forces in the depart
ments Of West Virginia and the valley largely
outnunbered the enemy, but being under
separate commanders, fer many months mis-
takes and cross purposes completely neutral
lied this advantage. The confederate leader,
in a country he knew Familiarity, operating on
inner lines. easily outgeneraled and defeated
the purposes of his opponents. The battles
we're generally small affairs, but BY the rapid
ity OF his movements, by striking sudden blows
from unexpected quarters, with vastly
inferior force he prevented the junction Of
Banks and Fremont and compelled the recall
OF cooperating force against Richmond. His
battles were not all victories, yet Jackson,
accomplished his purposes and won imperish-
able renowp. His reputation rests more on
this wonderful sixty-day campaign than any Of
bis subsequent operations.
WHERE SHIELDS nzruIsED JACKSON.
All the Union military projects in Virginia
in the spring OF 1862 hinged on the principal
movement of Mcclellan up the peninsula
against Richmond In conjunction with this
advance about half OF Banks contingent had
been ordered fiom the valley toward Manassas
to cover Washington. This movement had
begun. when the remaining division was sud-
denly attacked ut kernstown, on the 23d Of
March, by Stonewatl jackson. In this first
affair Jackson completely worsted BY
Shields division, which was lying in wait for
him; IN fact 1t appears that the confederate
leader was dccoyed into attacking what he
supposed was u greatly inferior force, Banks
movement eastward favoring the superstition.
Shields was disabled by q wound, and the battle
was really fought by Col. Nathan Kimbai,.
jackson lost Ills men killed and wounded, two
cannon and three caissons. The Union loss
Was officially stated at $50. The forces engaged
were probably about equal; II anything. Jack
sou was the weaker. Although he reiterated
after The action up the valley some forty miles,
his real purpose Was accomp !ished-the Union
detachmen.s we're Immediately recalled to the
vicinity. and Mcdowell was detached from
Mcclellan instead to watch over Washington.
Gen. Fremont had been assigned to tine CON-
mand OF the mountain department III March.
Some time III April nc began movement to-
ward the south IN cooperation with Banks
advance in the valley. the object being to
crush the opposing rebel force somewhere in
the upper valley and capture Stauntop, thus
menacihg Lynchburg and other points west of
Richmond Mcdowell FROM the Washington
front WAS already feeling down toward Rich
mond. preparatory 20 eventually joining Nc
Clellau. l; was of prime importance to the
confederate cause 70 defeat these combina-
tions. To do this Jackson's only chance was
to attack the federal forces in detail
After Kernstown Banks had pushed on up
| the valley IN Jacksons wake AZ far Harri-
sonburg, acting with grea. vigor and fighting
| successfully two three uuimportant Skin
mishes. Hess he came to halt, about twenty
i've miles frtm Staunton. Fremont, advancing
on parallel lines west of the mountains. had
already reached point somewhat further
| south. Tho confederates we're reinforced aud
after feintins toward the lesser force Of Banks.
| as il n,edita,ing nm attack, and setting Even
with division to watch him. jackson suddenly
effected eopceuuation OF his ether troops