Thursday, July 3, 2014

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson’s General Orders No. 53, May 26, 1862

GENERAL ORDERS No. 53.

HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
May 26, 1862.

Within four weeks this army has made long and rapid marches, fought six combats and two battles, signally defeating the enemy in each one, captured several stand of colors and pieces of artillery, with numerous prisoners and vast medical, ordnance, and army stores, and finally driven the boastful host which was ravaging our beautiful country into utter rout. The general commanding would warmly express to the officers and men under his command his joy in their achievements and his thanks for their brilliant gallantry in action, and their patient obedience under the hardships of forced marches, often more painful to the brave soldier than the dangers of battle. The explanation of the severe exertions to which the commanding general called the army, which were endured by them with such cheerful confidence in him, is now given in the victory of yesterday. He receives this proof of their confidence in the past with pride and gratitude, and asks only a similar confidence in the future. But his chief duty today and that of the army is to recognize devoutly the hand of a protecting Providence in the brilliant successes of the last three days, which have given us the results of a great victory without great losses, and to make the oblation of our thanks to God for His mercies to us and our country in heartfelt acts of religious worship. For this purpose the troops will remain in camp to-day, suspending as [far as] practicable all military exercises, and the chaplains of regiments will hold divine service in their several charges at 4 p.m. today.

By order of Major-General Jackson:
R. L. DABNEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCES: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 263-4;  The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 51, Part 2 (Serial No. 108), p. 563-4

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