May 27, 1862
Troops under Union General Nathaniel Banks continue to flee from Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. President Lincoln’s frustration with General John C. Fremont in the Shenandoah Valley is obvious in this telegram: “I see you are at Moorefield. You were expressly ordered to march to Harrisonburg. What does this mean?” The general replied: “My troops were not in condition to execute your order – otherwise than has been done. They have marched day & night to do it. The men had had so little to eat that many were weak for want of food & so reported by the Chief Surgeon.”
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