Andrew Jackson Dialectical Journal

855 Words2 Pages

Meanwhile Loring had allowed his men to make camp a few miles south of Jackson. He was outraged and commanded Loring to bring his men up immediately. Loring was furious over Jackson’ insensitivity and “madness” but obeyed and led his men through the night, without food, to Jackson. Friday, January 3, dawned clear and cold. General Garnett, Stonewall’s replacement as commander of the Stonewall Brigade allowed his men to built fires and cook some of their rations. Jackson rode up and demanded an explanation. “I have halted the men to let the men cook their rations.” Jackson shot back, “There is no time for that!” Garrett persisted, “But it is impossible for the men to march further without food.” Jackson looked slowly over his old brigade and …show more content…

These ermine grace were broken up by the awaking men “as if a resurrection was in progress,” one of the officers recalled. It was not until the evening of the next day an exasperated Jackson rode into Bath ahead of his troops. From a prominence overlooking the Potomac River, he saw the enemy fleeing and knew it would be impossible to catch them. They were able to capture 24 prisoners for their pains, but nothing more could be accomplished. Bad roads, terrible weather, inexperience in command and among the men, along with a lack of close coordination all made this action one of little consequence, hardly worth the suffering the men endured. The soldiers of Loring in particular were pushed to the edge of mutiny. One Tennessean wrote, “They called him ‘Tom Fool Jackson.’ They blamed him for the cold weather, they blamed him for everything.” (5) After three more days, Jackson turned the men back south. The weather was still terrible and the way back was no easier than the way up had been. John Lyle of the 4th Virginia said that the march was reminiscent of Napoleon crossing the Alps. The road was covered with ice and extremely treacherous for both the horses and the men. Men broke arms in falls and several horses died, while many had icicles of blood hanging from their bodies. On at least two occasions Jackson …show more content…

The Confederates had abandoned almost everything including two cannons. The road was opened all the way to Winchester but the Federals failed to press their advantage. This didn’t help Jackson’s frustration. He was aching to be on the march but the men and especially the horses simply could not do

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