John G. Nicolay, A Short Life of Abraham Lincoln, condensed from Nicolay and Hayes' Abraham Lincoln: A History

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Chapter 22.

Jackson's valley campaign

-- Lincoln's visit to Scott -- Pope assigned to command -- Lee's attack on McClellan -- retreat to Harrison's Landing -- Seward sent to New York -- Lincoln's letter to Seward -- Lincoln's letter to McClellan-.Lincoln's visit to McClellan -- Halleck made General-in -- chief -- Halleck's visit to Mc -- Clellan -- withdrawal from Harrison's Landing -- Pope assumes command -- second battle of Bull Run -- the cabinet protest -- McClellan ordered to defend Washington-the Maryland campaign -- battle of Antietam -- Lincoln visits Antietam -- Lincoln's letter to Mc -- Clellan -- McClellan removed from command

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During the month of May, while General McClellan was slowly working his way across the Chickahominy by bridge-building and intrenching, there occurred the episode of Stonewall Jackson's valley campaign, in which that eccentric and daring Confederate commander made a rapid and victorious march up the Shenandoah valley nearly to Harper's Ferry. Its principal effect upon the Richmond campaign was to turn back McDowell, who had been started on a land march to unite with the right wing of McClellan's army, under instructions, however, always to be in readiness to interpose his force against any attempt of the enemy to march upon Washington. This campaign of Stonewall Jackson's has been much lauded by military writers; but its temporary success resulted from good luck rather than military ability.