October 16, 1862
Page 2
JACKSON AFTER THE MAIN CHANCE—After Jackson took Harper’s Ferry he had a conversation with Colonel Ford (a Federal officer) who details the following incident: “While we were in conversation,” says Colonel F, “an orderly rode rapidly across the bridge, and said to Gen. Jackson: “I am ordered by General McLaws to report to you that General McClellen is within six miles with an immense army.” Jackson took no notice of the orderly, apparently, and continued his conversation; but when the orderly had turned away, Jackson called after him, with the question: “Has McClellen any baggage train or drove of cattle?” The reply was that he had. Jackson remarked that he could whip any army that was followed by a flock of cattle, alluding to the hungry condition of his men.
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]