This, I thought, might be feasible
by the establishment of a battery near to Acquia Creek, where the
channel of the Potomac was said to be so narrow that our guns could
prevent the use of the river by the enemy's boats, and, by employing a
steamboat lying there, troops enough could be sent over some night to
defeat that force, and return before any large body could be
concentrated against them. The effect of the battery and of the
expedition, it was hoped, would be important in relieving our friends
and securing recruits from those who wished to join us. Previously,
General Johnston's attention had been called to possibilities in the
Valley of the Shenandoah, and that these and other like things were not
done, was surely due to other causes than "the policy of the
Administration," as will appear by the letters hereto annexed:
"Richmond, Virginia, _August_ 1, 1861.
"General J. E. Johnston:
"... General Lee has gone to western Virginia, and I hope may be
able to strike a decisive blow in that quarter, or, failing in
that, will be able to organize and post our troops so as to
check the enemy, after which he will return to this place.
"The movement of Banks will require your attention. It may be a
_ruse_, but, if a real movement, when your army has the
requisite strength and mobility, you will probably find an
opportunity, by a rapid movement through the passes, to strike
him in rear or flank, and thus add another to your many claims
to your country's gratitude.
Pages:
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706