Near Glens Falls, New York
October 1863
John Burgoyne sat on a camp stool in his headquarters tent, reading the letter from Jefferson Davis. Major Packenham, still dressed in civilian clothes, stood at ease. Without looking up, Burgoyne said, “Please sit down Major. Once I’ve read this, I’ll want to hear from you. I want to know what I should be reading between these lines. I want to hear all about Mr. Davis.”
Packenham remained standing. “Yes sir.”
Burgoyne understood. It wouldn’t do for a junior officer to sit with the general, like friends in a London gentlemen’s club.
The general read the letter.
Richmond, Virginia
Confederate States of America
October 11, 1863
General Burgoyne:
I am in receipt of yours of the 8th inst. and am anxious that we should coordinate our efforts to maximum effect. To that end, I should like to explain the current strategic situation in the eastern theater and make some recommendations for action.
First, that the Army of Northern Virginia under General Longstreet, currently encamped between this city and the Federal capital, shall commence operations to threaten Washington. These actions will begin no later than the first day of November. Our army’s advance, coming as it does in the wake of our victory at Gettysburg, should force General McClellan, now in command of all Federal armies, to concentrate forces to meet the threat. I believe that the loss of their capital could prove fatal to their cause.
Second, that British forces threaten Albany and New York City, forcing McClellan to send a substantial portion of his army northward to meet that threat. It is our understanding, based on newspaper reports and information gathered from friendly sources, that a small Union force is already on its way north as a vanguard. I would like to suggest that engaging and defeating that force before McClellan can reinforce it would support our efforts in both the military and political realms.
Finally, it is my judgment that the sooner we can divide the enemy’s army and the sooner we can force him to commit on two fronts, the better. For the time being, General Grant and the Western Army are mired in a siege on the Mississippi River and in no condition to come to the support of McClellan. But that situation may change at any time.
I look forward to close cooperation in support of our mutual aims.
I remain & c.,
Jefferson Davis, President
Burgoyne frowned as he absorbed the message. Yes, a party of 6th Dragoons had returned from reconnaissance just an hour ago, reporting that Union forces had arrived by train north of New York City two days ago, and were headed north along the Hudson. Cavalry, it appears. Davis’ suggestion of meeting and defeating that force before McClellan could reinforce it was sound. The newspapers suggest that the officer in charge, a General Custer, is ambitious and aggressive. Good news indeed. Let his ambition and aggression bring him northward and to the field of our choosing. The men were tired of a slow march, seemingly without purpose, and idleness did an army no good. Action was just the thing to boost their morale.
“Major, may I suggest that you get something to eat, burn those ridiculous clothes, get some rest, and prepare yourself for more adventure. I should like that you find me a battlefield.”