April 25.

The next information received from General Lee was that the enemy was collecting in strong force at Fredericksburg.  “For this purpose,” he wrote, “they must weaken other points, and now is the time to concentrate on any that may be exposed within our reach.”  He then suggested that, if Banks was too strong in numbers and position, Jackson and Ewell combined should move on Warrenton, where a Federal force was reported; or that Ewell and Field should attack Fredericksburg.  “The blow,” he added, “wherever struck, must, to be successful, be sudden and heavy.  The troops must be efficient and light.  I cannot pretend at this distance to direct operations depending on circumstances unknown to me, and requiring the exercise of discretion and judgment as to time and execution, but submit these ideas for your consideration."* (* Jackson himself showed the same wise self-restraint.  In his communications with Ewell, after that officer had been placed under his orders, but before they had joined hands, he suggested certain movements as advisable, but invariably left the ultimate decision to his subordinate’s judgment.)

April 26.

On April 26, when Banks moved two brigades to Harrisonburg, Ewell was at once called up to Stanardsville, twelve miles south-east of Swift Run Gap.  No opportunity as yet had offered for attack.  “I have reason to believe,” wrote Jackson to Lee on the 28th, “that Banks has 21,000 men within a day’s march of me.* (* On April 30 Banks and Shields, who had been reinforced, numbered 20,000 effective officers and men, of whom a portion must have been guarding the communications.  Reports of April 30 and May 31.  O.R. volume 12 part 3.) He has moved his main body from New Market to Harrisonburg, leaving probably a brigade at New Market, and between that town and the Shenandoah (Luray Gap), to guard against a force getting in his rear...On yesterday week there were near 7000 men in the neighbourhood of Winchester, under Blenker; as yet I have not heard of their having joined Banks...I propose to attack Banks in front if you will send me 5000 more men...Now, as it appears to me, is the golden opportunity for striking a blow.  Until I hear from you I will watch an opportunity for striking some exposed point."* (* It is amusing to note how far, at this time, his staff officers were from understanding their commander.  On this very date one of them wrote in a private letter:  “As sure as you and I live, Jackson is a cracked man, and the sequel will show it.”  A month later he must have been sorry he had posed as a prophet.)

April 29.