Thomas J. Jackson to J. E. Johnston, Ó, December 14, 1861

: Winchester, Va., December 14, 1861.

“GENERAL: Yours of the 12th instant is at hand.* I have made two attempts to prevent navigation on the canal, but have not thus far succeeded. The only good results that I am aware of having been effected was the capture of 1 captain, 2 corporals, and 5 privates of the Twelfth Indiana Regiment, and damaging this end of Dam No. 5, and killing 1 of the enemy. On our part 2 men are supposed to be mortglly wounded. The injury done to Dam No. 5 is not sufficient to admit the passage of water on the Virginia side. RT Re

In consequence of the importance of economizing ammunition and keeping the batteries and other troops that would be required for supports at drill, I do not think that it would be advisable to attempt with artillery anything more than the protection of our working parties engaged in turning the water around one of the dams, or making a break in the canal. I have had some small boats made for the purpose of crossing a party to the Maryland side if necessary. I hope in this way to stop the navigation for a while, but my desire is to complete the work commenced on the dam, and for this purpose have made arrangements for marching with Garnett’s brigade at 6 a. m. on Monday.

During the greater part of next month I expect to have my head- ‘ quarters near Martinsburg. If this plan succeeds—as through the

blessing of Providence it will—Washington will hardly get any further supply of coal during the war from Cumberland; but should General Kelley advance on me, I may have to content myself with trying to make a break in the canal. :

I have not received. any additional force except Colonel Taliaferro’s brigade, which is well encamped and giving its time to drilling.

The enemy are, from last information, near 9,000 strong in Hampshire, principally at Romney. Their present principal damage to us is the demoralization of our people in Hampshire. They picket near 6 . miles this side of Romney. I should not be surprised any day to hear of his (General Kelley) advancing. He says that he does not design going into winter quarters in Romney; that as soon as the weather becomes cold enough to require such protection, if not before, he expects to receive orders to advance. I hope that I will be in a condition to move before he does.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,