Letter
Joseph E. Johnston to Abraham Lincoln, March 25, 1862
Rapidan, Va., March 25, 1862.
His Excellency the PRESIDENT :
Siz: I have just received the inclosed letter from General Jackson. He evidently attacked the enemy under a misapprehension as to his force. He had previously reported it reduced from about 28,000 to 10,000 men. He now represents the Federal force in the valley as too strong to be driven back by a mere detachment of this army. In such a be Sa our communications would be completely exposed to McMellan.
It is reported that a bridge over the Shenandoah has been made on
the Snickersville road. Most respectfully,
your obedient servant,
Editor's Notes
From: Operations in N. Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Pt. 1. Location: Rapidan, Va.. Summary: J. E. Johnston informs President Lincoln of General Jackson's misjudgment of enemy strength in the Shenandoah Valley, warning that Union forces threaten Confederate communications.
Topics
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 12, Part 1
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