HIGHLY IMPORTANT: A Battle in the Shenandoah Valley; Jackson Overtaken by General Fremont and Compelled to Fight (6/11/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 6/11/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY IN THE FIELD,

CAMP NEAR PONT REPUBLIC, June 8-9 A.M.

(No. 40.) -- The army left Harrisonburgh at 6 this morning, and at 8 1/2 my advance engaged the rebels about seven miles from that place, near Union Church. The enemy was very advantageously posted in the timber, having chosen his own position, forming a smaller circle than our own, and with his troops formed en masse. It consisted undoubtedly of Jackson's entire force.

The battle began with heavy firing at 11 o'clock, and lasted with great obstinacy and violence until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Some skirmishing and artillery firing continuing from that time until dark.

Our troops fought occasionally under the murderous fire of greatly superior numbers; the hottest of the small-arm fire being on the left wing, which was held by STAHL's Brigade, consisting of five regiments.

The bayonet and canister shot were used freely and with great effect by our men.

The loss on both sides is very great; ours is very heavy among the officers.

A full report of those who distinguished themselves will be made without partiality.

I desire to say that both officers and men behaved with splendid gallantry, and that the service of the artillery was especially admirable.

We are encamped on the field of battle, which may be renewed at any moment.

(Signed) J.C. FREMONT., Maj.-Gen.

SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE TIMES

BATTLE-GROUND SIX MILES FROM HARRISONBURGH,
June 8, via WASHINGTON, June 10.

JACKSON made a stand at this point and we attacked him this morning. The country is not favorable for open fighting, being hilly any woody. Our forces were drawn up in battle line -- Gen. STAHL on the left, supported by Gen. BOLEN; Gen. MILROY in the centre, supported on the right by Gen. SCHENCK,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4070051/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Highly Important: A Battle in the Shenandoah Valley – 2-3
The Mountain Department: The Movement to Mount Jackson – 3
Department of the Shenandoah: The Rebel Plan of Operations – 3-4
From the South: Rebel Reports of the Battle of Fair Oaks – 4
The War in the Southwest: The Disastrous Retreat of the Rebels from Corinth – 4-5
From Gen. McClellan’s Army: Our Correspondence from the Advance – 5
News from Washington: The Reports from General Fremont’s Army – 5-6
Editorial: The End of the Confederate Navy – 6
Editorial: The Summer Campaign – 6-7
Rebel Perfidy and Col. Corcoran – 7
Ashby Dead at Last – 7
Editorial: Lord Lyons’ Holiday – 7
Aid for Pennsylvania Sick and Wounded – 7

[Alter Kaker]

Jackson was a thoroughly overrated General. He did well in a number of small battles in the Shenandoah campaign, but was entirely overmatched in more important engagements like the 7 Days.

[jeffersondem]

“Jackson was a thoroughly overrated General.”

That is like saying: Gravitation is a theory, not a fact.

Both funny as h-ll.

[TTFlyer]

Horsehockey.

[georgiarat]

See Second Bill Run, Chancellorsville, etc.

[Timber Rattler]

...but was entirely overmatched in more important engagements like the 7 Days.

Or maybe he was thoroughly exhausted after whipping three federal armies in the Valley mere days before joining Lee a hundred and fifty miles away for the Seven Days battles?

And Ol' Jack certainly wasn't overmatched at Cedar Mountain, 2nd Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

[Alter Kaker]

And Ol' Jack certainly wasn't overmatched at Cedar Mountain, 2nd Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

He sure was at Fredericksburg. Yes, the rebels won a big victory there, but it was despite of Jackson not because of him. Jackson's line was for a time broken by a Union assault which threatened the entire rebel army. Fortunately for the rebels, the rest of the line held - but that was thanks to other commanders (and the general stupidity of the Union forces in assaulting entrenched, well defended positions).