West Virginia and Regional History Center / West Virginia University / 1549 University Avenue / P.O. Box 6069 / Morgantown,
WV 26506-6069 / Phone: 304-293-3536 / Fax: 304-293-3981 / URL: https://wvrhc.lib.wvu.edu/
Language
English
Abstract
An ALS from a Union officer "George" to his wife "Fannie" describing, in the form of a diary, a diversionary campaign into
the Shenandoah Valley, 10, December - 25, December 1863. The purpose of their maneuver, which he calls "the Valley Expedition,"
was "to divert attention from Gen. Averill while he was making a raid up through Staunton, Virginia." The expeditionary force
of about 1,600 was large enough not to fall prey to guerrillas but too small to actively engage the regular Confederate army
locally under the command of Gen. Jubal Early. They successfully preoccupied and eluded the forces of Gen. Early and his diary
gives details of how this was accomplished, the social conditions and attitudes of the Valley's inhabitants and the common
hardships of military camps. He had not written sooner because the expedition had been under strict orders to cut off communication
lines to its headquarters and home base at Harpers Ferry. Also they were not expected to return from what was considered a
suicide mission.
Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. For more information, please see the Permissions and Copyright page on the West Virginia and Regional History Center website.
Conditions Governing Access
No special access restriction applies.
Preferred Citation
[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Civil War Letter Regarding Shenandoah Valley Diversionary Campaign, A&M
1567, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.
![[logo]](https://host.lib.wvu.edu/images/logos/wvrhc.jpg)