| Martinsburg |
| Decbr 12, 1861 |
| |
| Maj Genl Jackson |
| Comding Army Valley |
| |
| In answer to your order, I have to
submit the following report of property still in Harper's Ferry
(which would be useful to the service) and to practicability of its
removal. |
| Enclosed find Capt Sharp's (Qr Master's
Dep'mt) report of property already removed comprising mat. sent to
Richmond as well as that on store in Winchester. |
| The Engine & Cars spoken of in the
communication of Col Gorgas, and all the property likely to be
useful in Richmond, that was in or about the Gov'mt Works, known as
Hall's R. Factory, The Foundry at Shenandoah City and the Block
House on London Heights have been removed. |
| The property remaining consists in
Rolling Mill & its attachments in the ruins of the Musket
Factory on the Potomac. |
| To remove this property would require a
force of 100 men & as many horses for 2 or 3 days & the
location is in full range of small arms & cannon situated upon
the Maryland side of the Potomac. The knowledge of this fact has
thus far prevented me from having said machinery removed. |
| If my information is correct in regard
to the time & number of men necessary to effect this object I am
satisfied no attempt would entail great sacrifice of life, unless a
sufficient force of troops was thrown across the Potomac to hold the
Maryland Heights until the work was accomplished. |
| Such a step I would not advise as it
would ??ay and a general engagement upon unfavorable ground as Gen'l
Banks is now in Frederick City, distant about 18 miles from H Ferry
by turnpike, & about 22 by rail. |
| I have appreciated the importance of
securing property for the Government & have spared no pains in
doing so, but in regard to that in the Musket factory, I did not
consider myself justified in sacrificing the number of lives that
would be necessary to accomplish under present circumstances. |
| Respectfully |
| Turner Ashby |
| LtCol Cavalry |