Existing comment:
Jubal Early Advances:
Lieutenant General Jubal Early led the third Confederate invasion into the North.
On June 13, he left the front at Petersburg, joined forces with General John C. Breckinridge, and proceeded west into the Shenandoah Valley. There, Early stopped long enough to restructure his army of 15,000 for swift action.
On June 28, he headed north through the Valley on his way to the "back door" of Washington.
June 28, 1864
Staunton, Va
General,
(I have decided) to turn down the valley and proceed according to your instructions to threaten Washington and if I find an opportunity -- to take it.
My purposes are to send a portion of the cavalry to destroy the bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ... I shall also make an effort to release our prisoners at Point Lookout. How much of this I may be able to accomplish will depend on the circumstances, but no effort of mine shall be spared to accomplish all and I hope at least to obtain relief for you from the pressure brought against you...
Respectfully,
J.A. Early
Lt. General |