Spring Campaign
Buffalo Gap, Virginia, 1862 |
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The dogwoods were beginning to blossom on the lower levels of
the Shenandoah Valley when Stonewall Jackson struck. "Old
Jack," as his troops called him, had been issued formidable
orders: block any Federal advance into the Valley and stop the
Yankees from shifting reinforcements eastward against Richmond.
With steel-like determination, Jackson unleashed a spring campaign
that was unlike any other. He struck first at Kernstown, was turned
back, then reappeared at McDowell and overwhelmed the enemy there.
With Federal forces stung and puzzled, Jackson led his fast-marching
"foot cavalry" through Virginia's Buffalo Gap, then
turned northward to make a surprise strike. Moving with startling
speed, he defeated the Federal Garrison at Front Royal, repulsed
the principal Northern army at Winchester, fell back before a
much larger enemy army, then turned and whipped the Federals again
at Cross Keys and Fort Republic. Observed a captured Northern
soldier as Jackson passed: "Boys, he's not much for looks,
but if we'd had him we wouldn't be caught in this trap."
Federal forces were stunned, mystified and distracted. With 17,000
troops, General Jackson had baffled and defeated enemy forces
totaling more than 64,000. Northern plans were thwarted, the life
of the Confederacy was extended, and the great "Stonewall"
was celebrated as a military genius. For Southerners, Jackson's
spectacular campaign produced a springtime of hope.
Third of Four Limited Edition Prints
in the "Jackson Valley Campaign" Series
1500 Numbered and Signed
150 Artist Proofs Numbered and Signed
Image Size: 19" x 24 1/4" Overall
Size: 23 1/2" x 32 1/2"
This print may still be available on
the secondary market. Please call
817-560-2143 or
contact us through our website for
more information. |