January 3, 1862

General Jackson wants to attack the Union garrison at Bath on January 3^rd, but his plans go awry.  His troops continue to labor along through the harsh winter conditions, but by mid-afternoon they are still close to three miles from the town.  After a brief skirmish with Federal pickets, Jackson orders General Loring’s lead brigade, under Colonel William Gilham, to advance into Bath.  Loring, furious with “Stonewall” for ordering an attack by cold and exhausted men, countermands Jackson’s order and directs his Army of the Northwest to go into bivouac.  Jackson is furious with Loring for this, leading to a heated exchange between the two officers.  Loring rails at Jackson for not keeping him apprised of his commander’s plans, at one point exclaiming that he “would find myself in command of an army of the object of whose movement I know nothing!”