… And we know who won!  General N. P Banks was no match for the brilliant strategy of Jackson.  To his credit, Banks’ force did defeat Stonewall Jackson at the battle of Kernstown (Jackson’s only defeat) in March of 1862.  In this letter, Banks is offering General John P. Hatch a chance for glory: 

“The President assures him this morning that if this is accomplished

which you can do if you move quickly your promotion will be made.”

This letter is highly important and the best letter that we have ever owned on the fight for the Shenandoah Valley... It just doesn’t get any better than this!  The letter is one page, written in nice dark ink, all in the hand of Banks, and is in fine condition.  It is dated July 16th, 10 A.M. (1862). 

·         “Genl. Pope sends word that no time should be lost in your movement to destroy the Virginia
Central east and west of Gordonsville.”

·          “If you meet no considerable force at Charlottesville rush a cavalry force down to James River
and destroy the canal.  The President assures him this morning that if this is accomplished which
you can do if you move quickly your promotion will be made.”

·         “Let me urge you forward.  If you are successful the valley of Shenandoah is closed to the enemy
Bayard goes at once with all McDowell’s Cavalry to Culpeper.  You will use him as you please but
always to the front.  This is a splendid opportunity.  Let me insist that you do not lose it.”

#S91 - Price $995

                                        Transcription:

 
                                                                                                                                           Near Warrenton, 16 July (62) 10 A.M.

                                                           
                                                            General Hatch,

                                                                                    Both your dispatches received today the last this evening at 9 P.M.  
                                                            Genl. Pope sends word that no time should be lost in your movement to destroy 
                                                            the Virginia Central east and west of Gordonsville.  If you meet no considerable 
                                                            force at Charlottesville rush a cavalry force down to James River and destroy the 
                                                            canal.  The President assures him this morning that if this is accomplished which
                                                            you can do if you move quickly your promotion will be made.  Let me urge you 
                                                            forward.  If you are successful the valley of Shenandoah is closed to the enemy 
                                                            Bayard goes at once with all McDowell’s Cavalry to Culpeper.  You will use him 
                                                            as you please but always to the front.  This is a splendid opportunity.  Let me 
                                                            insist that you do not lose it.  There is no news of importance.  All look to you I 
                                                            send papers herewith.  Your letter was forwarded by mail yesterday.  There has
                                                            been no enemy near Sperryville.

                                                                                                             Very truly yours,

                                                                                                    N. P. Banks.

                                                                                                        M. G.