Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign May-June 1862 The American Civil War Mr. Contipodero

The Game of Chance “His name might be Audacity. He will take more chances, and take them quicker than any other general in this country.” - Confederate Colonel Joseph Ives, speaking of Robert E. Lee in June 1862

Peninsula and Valley Campaigns in Virginia Spring 1862 McClellan planned to flank the South avoiding frontal attack Confederate General Johnston moved south to Culpeper protect Richmond Painted black logs – Northern embarrassment McClellan relieved as general in chief

Deception

Is Richmond that important? McClellan’s plan Go further south with army to Fort Monroe Advantages of proximity to Richmond Compel Confederates to go southeast – away from D.C. Disadvantages Richmond is objective not Southern army Washington? McClellan promised to leave enough troops near D.C.

The Confederate Capital

Indifferences McClellan did not leave enough troops in D.C. He moved to Richmond April = 70,000 troops + 30,000 more to come while only facing 17,000 Confederates McClellan settled near Yorktown for a siege Confederate General Magruder Shifted troops and artillery to show he had more supplies than he did

The Siege at Yorktown

Lincoln to McClellan “It is indispensable to you that you strike a blow…I have never written you, or spoken to you, in a greater kindness of feeling now, nor with a fuller purpose to sustain you…BUT YOU MUST ACT!” Johnston shifted troops to peninsula McClellan failed to act

The Odd Couple

The Failure of McClellan “No one but McClellan could have hesitated to attack.” - General Joseph Johnston

Confederate Movement By May, 1862 McClellan’s siege guns ready Johnston’s movement toward Richmond Heavy rain and road blocks

Set Up for McClellan Union navy defeated at Drewry’ Bluff (7 miles below Richmond) May 20, 1862 Johnston 60,000 Confederates set up defensive line McClellan 100,000 Union troops Asked for more Stanton estimated 150,000 confederates

Drewry’ Bluff

Checkpoint In your notebooks, create a timeline of events titled, “The Spring of 1862” Make sure to explain the events of the Union and Confederate armies Finally, answer this question, “What do you think will happen next?”

Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley Robert E. Lee suggestion to Jackson: Prevent reinforcements to Richmond Prevent General McDowell from reinforcing McClellan Jackson’s zigzag movements Marched so fast they were called, “Jackson’s foot cavalry” Was secretive about movements to prevent leaks Eventually wore on his troops Captured wagons, supplies, medicine, guns, and horses

Map of Shenandoah Valley

Lincoln’s Plan To defeat Jackson: Plan failed – not quick enough Send 20,000 of McDowell’s forces to Strasburg (Jackson’s rear) Fremont’s 15,000 to Harrisonburg to block Jackson Banks to reorganize and recross the Potomac River – pursue Jackson from North Plan failed – not quick enough

Union Failure Fremont approached Strasburg from west not south Union forces slowed by muddy roads Confederate cavalry beat Union horseman to 3 key bridges Burned bridges that delayed Shields and Fremont

“Stonewall”

History Recognizes Jackson Jackson’s valley campaign Still studies in military schools today Proved a small army utilizing geography and mobility can achieve victory Especially over larger divided armies May 8-June 8 Jackson’s 17,000 men marched 350 miles Won 4 battles against armies doubled their size Inflicted twice as many casualties as suffered

Jackson Streak of Victories Lincoln suspended plans 3 times McDowell to reinforce McClellan – all due to Jackson McClellan “had the command of General McDowell joined the Army of the Potomac in the month of May…we would have had Richmond within a week.”