The Dahlgren Raid

[SSlater]

(06-03-2015 09:23 AM)Jim Garrett Wrote:  John, your extensive knowledge of covert operations is remarkable. In "Come Retribution" Col. Thomas H. Williamson is mentioned. He is an interesting character and I have not found much of an official record on him. I am interested in your opinion of what he was doing on the Northern Neck in April 1865. He was my great grandfather's cousin.

I hope there is enough room to answer you.
Most of what I- have is based on facts, mixed with my opinion.
Thomas Hoomes Williamson b Richmond Aug. 30 1813 died Mar. 31, 1888 buried Stonewall Jackson Cem. Lexington, VA. Wife Louisa Garnett. He wrote a book "My Service with Stonewall Jackson" (available on-line at VMI Site.) He attended West Point but did not Graduate. I've come to the conclusion that he came to King George to "Diplomatically" organize an "Escape Committee". He had that West point time, and Officially made Colonel (some references to him as General). King George, as many other places too, was in a turmoil. "Left over Security Forces", Deserters trying to cross the River, Parolees, some waiting Parole, etc. but what made KG different - Capt. Thomas Nelson Conrad and Lt. Charles H Cawood and their crews, were still on active duty. Yeah! on into April. (Hmmm. they knew there would be an abduction, but did they know there would be an assassination?) {PS. They had been called to Richmond in early April to be briefed on the Abduction - that's why Cawood was not here when Thomas Jones was yelling for help.} Back to Williamson. He had tact, and training, and prestige. So he became the Official Rep for the non-existent Confederacy. Which raises many many questions. There were other people milling around here like Ruggles, Jett, Mason, Crismond, Harbin etc. etc. They needed leadership. I think that was Williamson. BUT - he was not in uniform.
I have to believe that elements of the Security Guard were hiding in the weeds nearby. {PS. General Charles W. Fields was here, at that time- he had married Enoch Mason's sister} He would have been too "Army" to organize a Civilian Escapee Committee, and would have tied the effort to Davis. This arrangement was more subdued.
Want more? (JOHN) " Sarah " (LOL)