Existing comment:
An Impossible Mission:
As Early maneuvered toward Washington, his cavalry command under Maryland native Bradley T. Johnson dashed across the state to free thousands of imprisoned Confederate soldiers at Point Lookout. Johnson was still 80 miles away from Point Lookout when Early ended the Confederate mission and withdrew his troops from the outskirts of Washington.
Johnson's raid through Maryland caused panic and disruption to Union communications, but he failed to free the prisoners at Point Lookout.
"It will be well he should be a Marylander, and of those connected with the army, I consider Col. Bradley T. Johnson the most suitable. He is bold and intelligent, ardent and true, and yet I am unable to say he possesses the requisite qualities. Everything in an expedition of this kind depends on the leader."
-- General Robert E. Lee to Confederate President Jefferson Davis |