Existing comment:
Retribution:
Throughout his campaign in Maryland, Early had threatened destruction of civilian property in retaliation for Union depredations in Virginia. In the end, the Confederates destroyed little, instead reaping a windfall in ransom from communities like Hagerstown, Middletown, and Frederick.
On the outskirts of Washington, however, Early finally took retribution. On July 12, his army ransacked the Blair family farms and destroyed the home of one of Washington's most prominent politicians, abolitionist Postmaster General Montgomery Blair.
A Difficult Decision:
On the night of July 12, Jubal Early withdrew his troops and ended the Confederates' attempt to take the capital.
Leesburg, July 14, 1864
General R.E. Lee
Commanding Army of Northern Virginia
... I determined at first to make an assault, but before it could be made it became apparent that the enemy had been strongly re-enforced, and we knew that the Sixth Corps had arrived from Grant's army and after consultation with my division commanders I became satisfied that the assault, even if successful, would be attended with such great sacrifice as would insure the destruction of my whole force. I, therefore reluctantly determined to retire...
Respectfully,
J.A. Early
Lieutenant-General |