Return to Clark's Mountain
Virginia, March 5, 1864 |
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In early March of 1864, a snowstorm draped Virginia's mountain
country in a cloak of white that extended over the countryside
south of Clark's Mountain, where General Robert E. Lee had temporarily
placed his headquarters. While Lee was back east in Richmond meeting
with President Davis and other Confederate leaders, General Judson
Kilpatrick and Colonel Uric Dahlgren led a force of Federal cavalry
on a lightning raid against the Confederate capital, reportedly
planning to free Northern prisoners, burn the city and assassinate
President Davis and his cabinet. The raid ended disastrously for
the Federals, Dahlgren was killed and many of his troops were
captured. From Virginia's mountain country, however, some reports
of a larger Federal advance. Fearing an enemy move on Richmond
from the west, Lee promptly returned to Clark's Mountain. Trudging
through the snow in freezing weather, Lee and his troops prepared
for battle. The Federal advance was a diversion, however, launched
mainly to assist the failed Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid. Instead
of engaging Lee, the Northern forces that had advanced along the
eastern rim of the Appalachians quickly withdrew. The enemy, like
the mountain snowstorm, had come and gone - but Lee knew "those
people" would return and he again would be called to defend
the Southern capital.
1250
Limited Edition Numbered and Signed
125
Artist Proofs Numbered and Signed
Image Size: 19" x 25"
Overall Size: 23 1/2" x 29"
This print may still be available on
the secondary market. Please call 817-560-2143 or
contact us through our website for
more information.
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