172 Southern Historical Society Papers
ance of any duty ; on the contrary, I feel complimented that you deemed me capable to command this post. I feel, however, I can do more good in the command of my regiment than at this post. There is an officer in your command better adapted for this position than I am. I allude to Major [A. C] Jones, of the 44th Virginia regiment. He is from Northwest Virginia, a graduate of the Institute, a good disciplinarian, of good address and very ambitious, and is somewhat dissatisfied with his subordinate position in his regiment. I respect- fully suggest that you give the command of this post to Major Jones. His command will be firm, conciliatory, and will give satisfaction. Major Jones knows nothing of this suggestion, and the conviction of his fitness alone has induced me to make it. Whatever your de- termination may be will be agreeable to me.
In the conversation with Taylor he expressed strong suspicion of a Mr. Kerr living near your camp. I feel it my duty to call your attention to Mr. Kerr. Taylor thinks he and Slaten are too intimate.
With the force now here and on the way, if the enemy advance, I will have • to give them the main fight at the pass two miles beyond this. With a force at the bridge, there are several points at which stands can be made. If you send Major Jones here I would advise that you reinforce him by two companies from the 44th Virginia regi- ment.
This letter appears long, because the only paper here is on half sheets, and I put but a few words on a line. I would advise the establishment of an express line between here and Monterey. Respectfully, &c.,
William L. Jackson, Colonel Commanding.
[8] The Prisoner's Guard Reversed.
extract from a letter of capt. edward willis to his mother
Camp near Port Republic, June 14, 1862,
On Saturday, the 7th inst., I was seized with a chill followed by high fever, when, about dusk, a courier arrived with a note saying :
- The enemy are advancing in force on our left ! '*
General Jackson immediately ordered his horse, and each of his« staff did hkewise, and I with the rest, contrary to the advice of Dr. McGuire, medical director, and of all of the staff.
