Text of Message Assigning Joseph E. Johnston to Command of Harpers Ferry

May 15, 1861

On May 15, 1861, the Confederate War Department informed newly-appointed Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston that he was assigned to command the troops near Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

Portrait of Joseph Johnston.

On May 15, 1861, the Confederate War Department informed newly-appointed Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston that he was assigned to command the troops near Harpers Ferry, Virginia. [Wikimedia Commons]

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Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office
Montgomery, May
 15, 1861

Brig. Gen. Jos. E. Johnston, C.S.A., Montgomery, Ala.:

Sir: Having been appointed a brigadier-general in the Army of the Confederate States, you have been assigned by the War Department to the command of the troops near Harper’s Ferry. In proceeding to that point the Secretary of War directs that you take Lynchburg in your route, and make arrangements there for sending forward to Harper’s Ferry such force as you deem necessary to strengthen your command.

Very Respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. COOPER
Adjutant and Inspector General.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Article Title Text of Message Assigning Joseph E. Johnston to Command of Harpers Ferry
  • Date May 15, 1861
  • Author
  • Keywords Joseph E. Johnston
  • Website Name American History Central
  • Access Date June 8, 2023
  • Publisher R.Squared Communications, LLC
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update April 19, 2022

Text of Message Assigning Joseph E. Johnston to Command of Harpers Ferry is Part of the Following on AHC