` J. P. Benjamin to Henry R. Jackson, October 12, 1861

Richmond, October 12, 1861.

SIR:

I have received through the Adjutant-General your report of the action of 3d instant at Greenbrier River. I congratulate both yourself

and the officers and men under your command for your brilliant conduct on this occasion and your successful defense of the important position held by you against a force so superior. The President joins me in the expression of the satisfaction we both feel in finding our confidence in you and your command so fully justified. In this connection I beg to say that the President submitted to my perusal your private letter to him in relation to a newspaper report relating to the affair at Cheat Mountain. He has answered your letter, as he informs me. It gives me pleasure to assure you that there is not a syllable in General Lee’s report that reflects in the remotest manner any discredit on you, and I hope you will not feel offended at my expressing surprise that you Should attach any importance or feel any sensitiveness in relation to sensation articles or reports in the newspapers. I have the pleasure of seeing my own action and opinions almost daily misconceived or misrepresented on “the most reliable information” with perfect equanimity, and you may well trustto your own well-earned reputation as a perfect shield against all anonymous attacks. Very respectfuily,

your obedient servant,

` J. P. BENJAMIN,
Acting Secretary of War.
Brig. Gen. HENRY R. JACKSON,
Headquarters, Greenbrier River.
No. 6.
Report of Col. William B. Taliaferro, Twenty-third Virginia Infantry.
HDQks. FIFTH BRIGADE, ARMY OF NORTHWEST,
Camp at Greenbrier River, October 4, 1861.