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OSL J. G. JACKSON TO MEIGS

Clarksburg Febry 7th 1813

Dear Sir.

The disastrous news from the Army under Winchester recd. by last mail has filled me with the most unutterable grief & surprise. Gracious Godl when will our Commanders acquit themselves in a way required by their duty & the national expectation? Nothing [illeg.] place the exceeds of those who suffer [illeg.] a negligence, incompatible with success in any emergency productive of ruin in the recent one -- It seems to me that life would be odious to me had I been the commander of the detachment & had escaped from the general carnage Genl Winchester is saved from these reflections by having fallen also & because it is the dictate of humanity & liberality de mortus not rise [illeg. complete line.] error & blot it out forever -- In an army great or small there must be but one head alike entitled to the obedience of all, & responsible for all their misfortunes against which prudent foresight could have guarded. I very much fear my brother Washington was in the action & if so he too is withered in his bloom & his call as a clod of the valley - I have not received a line from Genl. Harrison & the papers recd by last mail contain the first intimation that he had taken up his line of march. even now I would make the effort to overtake him did I believe he wished me with him, but I doubt it first because of the conduct of Campbell & now because of his silence - If he wrote how could his le tters miscarry? the Post Master at Marietta pro- mised to forward any directed to his office & none I dare presume ever rea- ched it - I can form no conjecture of my destination, many very many press me to run for Congress & are holding meetings for that purpose. whether I am to yield up my reluctance & offer: go into the army, or stay at home & follow my plans of manufacturning &c I know not -- Who is to be your Senator in Congress, & where will you be next season? write me every thing

Affectionately yours

J G Jackson

R J Meigs Esqr.

PS when in Chilicothe I paid for the "Fredonian" for one year yet the Printer never sends will you please write him a note to that effect -