June 18th.
On Sunday, by order of General Johnston, the entire force
left Harper's Ferry, marched towards Winchester, passed through Charlestown,
and halted for the night about two miles this side. The next morning we moved
towards the enemy, who were between Martinsburg and Williamsport, Maryland, and
encamped for the night at Bunker Hill. Yesterday morning we were to have
marched at sunrise, and I hoped that in the evening, or this morning, we should
have engaged the enemy; but, instead of doing so, General Johnston made some
disposition for receiving the enemy if they should attack us, and thus we were
kept until about noon, when he gave the order to return towards Winchester.
Near sunset we reached this place, which is about three miles north of Winchester,
on the turnpike leading thence to Martinsburg. On Sunday, when our troops were
marching on the enemy, they were so inspirited as apparently to forget the
fatigue of the march; and though some of them were suffering from hunger, this
and other privations appeared to be forgotten, and the march continued at the
rate of about three miles an hour. But when they were ordered to retire, their
reluctance was manifested by their snail-like pace. I hope the general will do
something soon. Since we left Harper's Ferry, an active movement towards
repelling the enemy is, of course, expected. I trust that through the blessing
of God we shall soon be given an opportunity of driving the invaders from this
region.
SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of
General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 161-2
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