( I Class _.JL^iL^ G)pyiiglit]^^________ eQEKRIGHT DEPOSm ■ ] M ■■pF/. mM% i-\ STONEWALL JACKSON LIFE OF Thomas J. Jackson BY MARY L. WILLIAMSON AUTHOR OF LIFE OF WASHINGTON, LIFE OF LEE, AND LIFE OF STUART. B. F. JOHNSON PUBLISHING COMPANY ATLANTA RICHMOND DALLAS v*7 j^«ri,ArrL-L',-jJ Fit Tiird' RFADFRS a esns. Life ffi Las ga^s, cloth- P:3=i For Fmrdi Life af Jackam. aaz^ :^xn±- ?r^ca. Life af FoESC jQ 3sges. icti ?=£=. a CSTTTS. Fnr F:=ft Gtme Life of wi^nigtnn. in 32aes. il-r=. ?-ca. a ■TTTTT^ Life af Staart — jas^s. zLczh. p-c^ J_ :^tnT3. QE: 21 I5f5 inritikr l. wrrrrMtscai: ©d-.S* -'35'« PREFACE In writing this book, the author has endeavored to portray the unchanging rectitude of Jackson's conduct, the stem will-power by which he conquered all difficul- ties, his firm belief in an overruling Providence, and his entire submission to the Divine Will, as well as to give a picture of his military genius. His greatness was reared upon the cornerstone of a strong and pure character, and the young people of our day cannot do better than to study the life of the hero and model themselves on it. Teachers may use this book as a supplementary reader in the fourth grade, as care has been taken to introduce as few words as possible outside of the vocabulary of that grade. In preparing the work. E. L. Dabney's Lif^^ of Lieutenant-Gene red Thomas J. Jachson has been used to a large extent. Acknowledgment is also due Colonel James H. Morrison for valuable assistance: Mrs. Thomas J. Jackson, the widow of the general, and ^Ir. M. Miley. of Lexington, who furnished valuable illustrative matter. The author is also indebted to Messrs. Paxton and Henkel. the editors, respectively, of the Rocl'hridge Countr/ Xews and the Shenaneloah VaUey, for the use of the files of their valuable news- papers. In making the revised edition. Lieutenant-Colonel G. F. R, Henderson's great work. Stonewall Ja(^'son, has been consulted with benefit. ^NIaey Lyxx TVn.T. TA ^isox. Xew Market. Va. CONTENTS CHAPTER. PAGE. I. Okphan Boy 9 11. Cadet 22 III. Major of Artillery 29 IV. Professor 37 V. Colonel C3 VI. General T9 VII. The Valley Campaign 96 VIII. The Great Campaigns of 18G2 143 IX. The Last Battles 168 X. On the Roll of Fame 196 War Poems 207 JACKSON MONUMENT, RICHMOND, VA, [8] Life of Jackson CHAPTER I Orphan Boy Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born on January 21, 1824, at Clarksburg. West Virginia, which State was then a part of old Virginia. He sprang from Scotch-Irish stock. His great-grandfather, John Jackson, was born in Ireland, but his parents moved to the cit}^ of London when John was only two years old. John Jackson grew up to be a trader. In 1748 he came to the New World to make his fortune, landing in Maryland. Xot long after this he married Elizabeth Cummins, a young woman noted for good looks, great height, and strength of mind. John Jackson at last settled in what is now Fpshur county. West Virginia. As land was very cheap, he soon owned . a large estate. 10 LIFE OF JACKSON Aided by his sturdy wife, he prospered and be- came well-to-do. In those days the Indians still made war on the white people, who would flee for safety into the forts and blockhouses. It is said that in more than one Indian raid Elizabeth Jackson helped to drive off the sav- age foe. When the great K evolutionary War began, John Jackson and several of his sons marched off to join the American army. At the close of the struggle the}^ all came back, safe and sound, to their mountain home. In these fer- tile and lovely valleys, John Jackson and his wife passed long and active lives. The hus- band lived to be eight3^-six years old, while Elizabeth Jackson reached the great age of one hundred and five years. Her strength of body and mind well fitted her to rear a race of mighty men. Thomas Jonathan was the great-grandson of these wortl^y people. His father, Jonathan Jackson, w^as a lawyer. He is said to have been a man of grood mind and kind heart. Thomas's ORPHAN BOY 11 mother was Julia Neale, the daughter of a mer- chant in the village of Parkershurg on the Ohio river. She was a good and heautiful woman, loved bv all who knew her. Thomas had one BIRTHPLACE OF STONEWALL JACKSON brother, Warren, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Laura. Not long after the birth of Laura, Ehzabeth was taken ill with fever and died. The father, worn out with nursing, also took the fever; two weeks after the child's death he was laid in a grave bv her side. 12 LIFE OF JACKSON On settling Jonathan Jackson's affairs, it was found that he had left no property for his widow and habes. They would have been with- out a home but for the Masonic Order, which JACKSON'S FATHER gave the widow a one-i'oom house. Here she sewed and taught school, caring as well as she could for her little fatherless children. In the year 1830, Julia Jackson married a lawyer named Woodson, who was pleased with her youth and beauty. Her sons, Warren and ORPHAN BOY 13 Thomas, were now claimed by their father's family, which did not like this second mar- riage ; and as her husband was not a rich man, she was at last forced to give them up. Little Thomas, then only seven years old, was placed behind good old "Uncle Eobinson," the last of his father's slaves, and sent away to his aunt, Mrs. Brake, who lived about four miles from Clarksburg. A year later Thomas was sent for to see his dying mother. Death for her had no sting; and the son, many years afterwards, said that her last words and prayers had never left his memory. She was laid to rest near the famous Hawk's Nest on New river. Thomas was a pretty child, with rosy cheeks, wavy brown hair, and deep blue eyes. He is said to have been a strangely quiet and manly boy; the sadness of his yomig hfe made him grave and thoughtful beyond his age. When he was but eight years old, he went one da}^ to the home of his father's cousin, Judge John G. Jackson, in Clarksburg. At 14 LIFE OF JACKSON dinner Thomas quietly said to Mrs. Jackson, "Uncle and I don't agree. I have quit him and will not go back am^ more." His cousin tried to show him that he was at fault and that he should return to his Uncle Brake. The boy only shook his head and said more firmly than before, "No, Uncle and I don't agree. I have quit him and I am not going back." It seems that his uncle had tried to govern him by force rather than through his sense of right and wrong. So this strange child calmly made up his mind not to stay where there would be con- stant dispute. From Judge Jackson's home, Thomas went that evening to the house of another cousin, who also tried to persuade him to return to his Uncle Brake. But the boy repeated his refusal. The next day he walked eighteen miles to the home of Cummins Jackson, his father's half-brother. Here Thomas found his brother Warren and soon felt at home with his uncle and aunts. Cummins Jackson was a bachelor, the owner of a fine farm and one of the laro^est slave- ORPHAN BOY 15 holders in Lewis count3^ This micle grew to he quite fond of his little nephew, taking pains to teach him all the arts of countr}^ life. He treated Thomas more as an equal than as a child, for he saw that the boy had good sense and a sturdy nature. He sent Thomas and Warren to the nearest country school; but Warren, now a bold lad of fourteen years, did not like the restraint of school life. He per- suaded Thomas to go with him to seek their fortune in the West. After stopping for a while at the home of their uncle, Alfred Xeale, on the Ohio river, the two bo3^s went down the stream and were not heard from for some months. In the fall tlie}^ returned to their friends, ragged and ill with chills and fever. Their story was that they had made a raft and floated down to one of the lonely islands in the Mississippi river near the Kentucky shore, where they cut wood for steamboats. They spent the smiimer alone in the forest, with little food, surrounded by the turbid, rushing 16 LIFE OF JACKSON waters of the great river. At last illness forced tliem to make their way homeward. Thomas went back to his Uncle Cummins, whom he liked, but Warren stopped at the Brake home. He was never well again. Dis- ease had laid such a hold on him that he died a few years later, aged about nineteen. Thomas and Laura lived together for several months at Cummins Jackson's, a happy time for both of them. Across the brook from the house was a large grove of sugar-maples where the two children would go to play "making sugar." It was a pleasure for Thomas to build bridges on which his little sister crossed the brook ; many were the hours they spent together in the cool and fragrant forest. In a sliort time, however, Laura was sent to live with some of her mother's friends in Wood county, and Thomas was left alone. He was very fond of liis sister, and the first money he earned was spent for a silk dress for her. The lad was now sent to a school taught by Eobert P. Eay. He showed no quickness at L WARREN AND THOMAS JACKSON ON THE OHIO RIVER 18 LIFE OF JACKSON any study but arithmetic. When called on to say a lesson, he would often reply that he did not understand it and, therefore, was not ready ; nor would he go on to the next lesson until he had learned the first thorough^. Thus he was usually behind his class. Out of school hours he was a leader at play. When there were games of "bat and ball," or "prisoner's base," he was sure to be chosen the captain of a side, and that side generally won. •As long as he was treated fairly by his play- mates, Thomas was gentle and yielding, but if he thought himself wronged he did not hesi- tate to fight. It is said that he would never admit he was beaten and was always ready to start fighting over again. In the summer, Thomas worked on the farm and was of use to his uncle in many ways. One of his tasks was to haul logs of oak and pine from the forest to the sawmill. He thus became a famous driver of oxen and was known all through the countryside as a youth of great strength and courage. ORPHAN BOY 19 In this way, between the school and the farm, his Hfe passed from the age of nine to sixteen. In early bo^^hood, Thomas was low of stature, like his father, but he afterwards grew tall like the men of his mother's race. While still a boy, Thomas Jackson was made constable of one half of Lewis county. It was a hard place to fill. He rode over the hills and mountains, with his bag of bills and account books, trying to collect debts. Sometimej^ his duties as constable were dif- ficult to carr}^ out. A story is told which shows his nerve and skill in performing an unpleasant task. A man who owed a debt of ten dollars promised Thomas to pay it at a given time. When tlie day came, the debtor failed to keep his word. Young Jackson paid the amount from his own purse and then waited for the man. The very next morning he came riding up the street on a good horse. Jackson at once accused him of falsehood and tried to seize the Iiorse for the debt. A fierce fight took place on the street, in the midst of which the debtor 20 LIFE OF JACKSON mounted the horse and started to ride away. Jackson sprang forward and took hold of the bridle, but the rider refused to dismount. The boy constable then began to pull the horse to the low door of a nearby stable. The man cuffed him right and left, but Jackson dragged the horse into the stable. The rider was thus forced to slide down to keep from being knocked off, and Jackson had the horse. Though this life in the open air was good for the boy's health, it was not so helpful to him in other ways He was kept much from home and was thrown with the worst class of people in the county. As his aunts were now all mar- ried, his Uncle Cummins kept ''bachelor's hall." He had a stable full of race horses, and Thomas always rode for him when a race was expected to be close. It was said all through the county that a horse which had a chance to win would win with yomig Tom Jackson riding him. It is sad to think of this young man thrown on the world, without mother, sister, or any ORPHAN BOY 21 Other influence to keep him in the right way. Yet in this rough, wild hfe it was always the desire of his heart to reach that position from which he had been thrust when left a poor orphan. And even then, the great God, who has said that he is a father to the fatherless, was opening for him the way to a noble career. Constable (kun' sta ble) : an officer of the law. In' flu ence : an unseen power for good or evil, Ca reer' : a course of life. No' ta ble : out of the ordinary, remarkable. What was — The name of Thomas Jackson's father? The place of his birth? The story told of him when a constable? The wish of his heart in the midst of his rough, wild life? At what age did he lose his father and mother? Wliat kind of life did he lead at his Uncle Cum- mins ' ? CHAPTER II Cadet In 1842, the place of a cadet in the United States Mihtaiy Academy at West Point became vacant. In this school the young men of the country are trained to become soldiers. Thomas Jackson, seeing his chance to rise in life, at once sought and obtained the place. Soon after he set out on horseback for Clarksburg, where he could take the stagecoach for Washington. He was clad in homespun clothes and his whole wardrobe was packed in a pair of saddlebags. When Jackson reached Clarksburg, he found that the coach had gone by. He followed until he overtook it and rode in it the rest of the way to Washington city. Here he was met by his friend, Mr. Hays, the member of Congress from his district, wlio took him to see the Secre- tary of War. The latter was so much pleased w^ith Jackson's manly bearing and frank speech CADET 23 that he ordered that his entrance papers to West Point he made out at once. Congressman Ha3^s wished the lad to stay in Washington a few days to see the sights, but Jackson liad no time to waste. He chmbed to the top of the capitol, from which he coukl view the whole city at once, and was then ready to leave for West Point. The thought of the entrance examination troubled him greath^, for he feared that he did not know enough to pass. But Mr. Hays wrote to his friends at the Academy, asking them to be easy with the mountain boy who wished to be a soldier, and it is said that they gave him no very hard questions. So Thomas presently found himself a cadet at West Point. He was eigliteen years old, tall and strong, with a fresh, ruddy face. The ne\^', or fourth-class, men at this school are called "plebs" by their schoolmates, and in former days they received rather hard treat- ment. They were made to sweep and scrub the barracks, while the third-class men were in 24 LIFE OF JACKSON the habit of playing all sorts of pranks on them, some of which were hard to bear. When the third-class men saw Jackson in liis homespun clothes, they thought the}^ would have rare sport with him ; but such were his courage and good temper that tlic}^ soon let him alone. Jackson went to woi'k in earnest. He was behind his class and liad to stud}^ ver}^ hard to keep up. When a bo}- at school he would never pass over a lesson he did not understand ; he in- sisted on learning each lesson as he went along. The same thing liappened at West Point. Often, when called on to recite, he would answer that he was still studjdng his last lesson. This, of course, caused liim to get low marks at first ; but, little by little, he rose in his class standing until he came to liavc the name of a good student. His teacliers judged his mind to be strong and sound but not quick. What he lacked in quickness, however, he made uj) in hard work and perseverance. In his second year at West Point, Jackson grew, as it were, by a leap to the height of six H f*^^ 26 LIFE OF JACKSON feet ; and in his cadet uniform he was yeiry fine- looking. He was neat in his dress and kept liis gun clean and bright. In the same year an event occurred which showed Jackson's stern regard for truth, and his hatred of falseness in any shape. One day his bright musket was taken from the rack, and a foul and rust}^ one put in its place; Jackson told the captain of his loss and gare a mark by which the gun might be known. That evening it was found in the hands of a fellow cadet, who had taken it and then told a he to shield himself from pmiishment. Jackson was even more vexed over the false- hood than he had been at the loss of the musket. He asked that the cadet be sent away as unfit to be a student in the Academy and an officer in the army. The boy's friends at last per- suaded Jackson to drop the charge, and the cadet was not dismissed. Soon after, however, he again broke the Academy rules and was sent awav in disgrace. While at West Point, Jackson wrote a num- CADET 27 ber of rules for his own guidance. They touched on morals, manners, dress, the clioice of friends, and tlie aims of life. One of them should be known to every bo}^ It reads, **You may be whatever you resolve to be." We shall see that this was indeed the guiding star of Jackson's life. He did what he aimed to do b}^ force of will, and by that will power he raised himself from a jioor country boy to be one of the most famous men of his age. At this time of his life, it is plain that it was Jackson's purpose to place his name high on the roll of eartlily honor. Beneath his shy and modest manner, there burned within him the desire to be great. His life was not yet ruled by religion, but it showed many high and noble aims. He was twenty-two vesiYS old when he left West Point, on June 30, 1846. He at once took the rank of second lieutenant of artillery in the United States service. The artilleiy is that branch of the army which fights with can- non, or hicr o^uns. At this time a war was beinoj 28 LIFE OF JACKSON waged between Mexico and the United States. General Winfield Scott was about to go to the seat of war as the commander-in-chief of the United States army. Jackson, the young heu- tenant, was sent to join hun in the south of Mexico. Ca det' (ka det') : a student in a military school. Mor' als : conduct. Per se ver' ance: the act of pursuing steadily any course or undertaking. What was Jackson's life at West Point? What incident there showed his hatred of false- hood? What was Jackson's chief rul-e of life? What were his age and rank when he left West Point? Where did he go on leaving the Academy ? CHAPTEE III Major of Artillery On March 9, 1847, thirteen thousand five hundred troops landed from the American fleet on the seashore near Vera Cruz (va' ra kroos) . This fine army, with its bright guns and waving flags, made a scene of splendor which Lieutenant Jackson never forgot. General Scott's plan was to capture Vera Cruz by storm and then march over the lofty mountains and the deep valleys to the City of Mexico. This was a hard task and cost many lives, as you will soon learn. Scott placed his troops around Vera Cruz and opened fire with his cannon. On March 29, after the city had been much injured by shells, it was given up to the Americans. This was the first time that Jackson was under fire, and he is said to have fought his cannon bravely. 30 LIFE OF JACKSON From Vera Cruz, the army moved onward until it came to a high momitain, on the crest of which stood the strong fort of Cerro Gordo (ser'ro gor'do) . A part of the force was led around the Mexican army by Captain Eobert E. Lee. As the Americans were now both in front and rear of the Mexicans, the latter fled, leaving many men and guns on the field. After the battle, Jackson was changed to the light artillerv^, which used small cannon and moved swiftly from place to place. This was just what the young officer wished, for though the light artillery service was more danger- ous, it gave him a better chance to win the honor for which his soul thirsted. Santa Anna, the Mexican general, held the steep mountain top of Churubusco (chooru boos' co) with a large army. Here a fierce struggle took place, in which the Mexicans were again driven back. As a reward for his conduct in this battle, Jackson was given the rank of brevet captain MAJOE OF ARTILLERY 31 of artillery. He soon had another chance to show his skill and courage. The army crossed the mountains to the strong castle of Chapul- tepec (cha pool' ta pek) , which was built on a high hill overlooking the plain leading to the City of Mexico. The level fields at the foot of the mountain were covered with crops of grain and groves of trees. Here and there were deep ditches that the farmers had dug for drains. These ditches, which the artillery and horse- men could not cross, were so hidden by the growing crops and bushes that they could not be seen by the soldiers until the guns had reached them. The castle of Chapultepec was held by large numbers of ^lexican troops, while cannon were placed to sweep ever}^ road leading up to it. On September 13, the American troops made an assault on Chapultepec from three sides at once. Jackson, with liis guns, took part in the at- tack on the northwest side. Two regiments of footmen, or infantry, went with him. The Hght 32 LIFE OF JACKSON artillery pressed forv/ard, j^'^^^^'i^^o shot and shell into the foe, until it eame close to the Mex- ican guns. At this short range Jackson soon had many of his men and horses struck down b}^ the storm of grape-shot. General Worth, seeing that Jackson was hard pressed, sent him word to fall back. But the young officer replied that he would take the guns which were doing such deadly work if General Worth would onh' give him fifty more men. While he was waiting for this force, 'Jackson lifted a gun across a deep ditch with the help of one man and opened fire on the Mexicans. The other soldiers of his command were killed, wounded, or seeking shelter in the ditch. Another cannon was moved across the ditch, and in a few minutes the Mexicans gave way before the fire of the two guns. Bv this time, the troops attacking the castle on the other sides had succeeded in figliting their way in, and the Mexicans began to fall back on the City of Mexico. JACKSON AT CHAPULTEPEC 34 LIFE OF JACKSON Orders had been given that when the enemy retreated, the artillery should move forward rapidh^ and keep firing on them. In an instant Jackson's mns were thunderino^ after the Mex- leans as the}^ fled through the gates into the city. The next morning, September 14, the gates w^ere forced and the American troops entered Mexico. For his braver}^ in the battle of Cha- pultepec, Jackson was raised to the rank of major. Once, years later, when he was modestly telling of this battle, a young man cried out, "Major, wh}^ didn't you run when so many of your men had been killed?" Jackson replied with a quiet smile, ''I was not ordered to run. Had I been so ordered, I would have run." When asked by a friend if he felt no fear as men fell all around him, he rephed that his only thought was to do something which might win lasting fame for himself. At that time his mind was still bent on gaining earthly gloiy; he had not yet found his final aim in life. The American army rested for some months MAJOK OF ARTILLERY 35 in the beautiful City of Mexico. As Jackson's duties were light, he took up the study of Spanish, which he soon spoke well. He en- joyed the fine climate of Mexico and admired the beauty and grace of the Mexican women. On May 28, 1848, a treaty of peace was made between jMexico and the United States, and the American troops were ordered home. Jackson's command was sent to Fort Hamil- ton, about seven miles from i^ew York city. In Mexico, for the first time in his life, Jack- son had thought deeply of religion and had begun to study the Bible in search of the truth. Later, at Fort Hamilton, he was baptized and became a member of the Episcopal Church. After two years at Fort Hamilton, Jackson went to Fort Meade, on the west coast of Florida, near Tampa. While m service at that place, he was elected, on March 28, 1851, pro- fessor of natural philosophy and artillery tac- tics in the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington. 36 LIFE OF JACKSON Bre vet': an honorary rank without increase of pay. As sault' : an attack. Cli' mate: the usual weather in any place; the conditions of heat and cold. What were General Scott's plans? How was the castle of Chapultepec taken? What did Jackson do at the taking of the castle? How was Mexico City captured? What rank was Jackson given? Tell about his life in Mexico. What happened to him at Fort Hamilton? What position did he accept in 1851 ? CHAPTEE IV Professor It will be inteivsting to you to know how it was that Jackson was elected a professor in a noted military school — the Virginia Military Institute. Keared in poverty and kept in early youth from obtainino; a i^^ood common-school educa- tion, he had, by his own efforts, fitted himself to enter the Military Academy at West Point. His first year's course might have discouraged him, had he not known that there was that within him which, if properly nurtured, would lead him to final success. The close of each ses- sion brought him nearer to the head of his class ; during his four years of study, he stood succes- siveh^ fiftj^-one, thirty, twenty, and seventeen. His progress was so evident to all that one of his classmates said, "Had Jackson stayed at West Point on a course of four years' longer 38 LIFE OF JACKSON stud}^, he would have reached the head of his class." Jackson's rise in the Mexican War from second lieutenant to major was in keeping with his progress at the x\cademy. His gallant and able service had been made known to the world ENTRANCE TO VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE GROUNDS through the reports of his superior officers. General Francis H. Smith, long superintend- ent of the Virginia Military Institute, wrote thus of Jackson's election as professor: "It is not surprising that when the Board of Visitors of the Institute were looking about for a suitable person to fill the chair of natural phil- PEOFESSOE 39 osophy and artillery tactics, the friends of the brave young major should have pointed him out as one worthy of the honor. Other names were laid before the Board of Visitors by the faculty of West Point, all of them of men noted for scholarship and gallant services in Mexico. McClellan, Eeno, Eosecrans, afterwards gen- erals in the Northern army, and G. W. Smith, who became a Confederate general, were thus named. But the fitness of young Jackson, the high testimonials to his character, and the fact that he was a native Virginian satisfied the Board that they might safely choose him for the chair without seeking candidates from other States. He was therefore elected on March 28, 1851, and took up his duties in September. ''Major Jackson's work was marked by great faithfulness and an earnest spirit. With high mental gifts, teaching was a new calling to him, and it demanded an amount of labor which, from the state of his health and espe- cially the weakness of his eyes, he performed at great sacrifice. 40 LIFE OF JACKSON "Strict, and at tioies stern, in his discipline, though poKte and kind, he was not always pop- ular ; 3Tt no professor ever held in a higher de- gree the confidence and respect of the cadets for honesty and fearless discharge of duty. ^'Punctual to a minute, I have known him to walk in front of the superintendent's quar- ters in a hard rain, because the time had not yet quite come to present his weekly class reports. 'Tor ten years he kept up his unwearied labors as a professor, making such an impres- sion on those who from time to time were under his command that, when the war broke out, it was the desire of all cadets and graduates to have him as their leader." In 1861, when Virginia was on the point of invasion and officers were needed to take com- mand at various points, the governor of Vir- ginia wished to make Jackson a colonel of volunteers. His name was sent to the State convention at Eichmond, which elected officers. Some one asked, ''Who is this Thomas J. Jack- son?" A member of the convention from VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE BARRACKS 42 LIFE OF JACKSON Eockbi-idge county, S. McDowell Moore, re- plied, "I can tell you who lie is. If you put Jackson in command at I^orfolk, he will never leave it alive, unless you order him to do so." Such was the impression the quiet professor had made on his neighbors and friends. In becoming a professor, Jackson took an- other upward step. In active warfare an officer advances rapidty, but in times of peace he often rusts out at a militar}^ post. Ill health had much to do with Jackson's leaving the army, but in any case he would probably have sought other work. He felt that by close study he could reach a far higlier stage of mental power, and the position of professor gave him a chance to do this, for he knew that the best way to learn is to teach. The weakness of his e3^cs, which he could not use at night, forced Jackson to exert his will power to the utmost. In order to do his classes justice, each morning he would read over the lessons for the next day, and at night, after his simple supper, would quietly sit with his face PROFESSOR 43 to the wall and go over them in his mind. In this way he strengthened his memory and trained himself for his later career as a general. His power of thought was such that he could plan his movements while riding at the head of his army with as much care and skill as if sitting quietly in his study at home. The wish of the cadets to serve under him in war shows that they had a knowledge of his great worth before his deeds had made him famous, Jackson was generally liked by the students, and his nickname of "Old Jack/' given him by them, was not used in derision. Pranks were played in his classroom, but more for the amusement of the cadets than for any other reason. They well knew the punishment waiting for them if caught, but they were will- ing to risk it for the sake of fun. A cadet, Davidson Penn, once asked Jack- son with a solemn face and apparently in earn- est, "Major, can a cannon be made to shoot around a corner?'' The major showed not the slightest sign of impatience or merriment, and, ' 44 LIFE OF JACKSON after a moment of seemingly serious thought, answered, "Mr. Penn, I reckon hardly." Cadet Thomas B. Amiss, who was after- w^ards a surgeon in one of Jackson's regiments, tried a prank for which he was punished se- verely. While the squad-marcher of his section was making his report to Jackson, Amiss noise- lessly climhed to the top of a colmnn which stood in the center of the room. After hearing the report, Jackson hegan to call the names of those he wished to recite at the hoard, including Amiss. Not hearing him respond, Jackson asked, "Mr. Amiss absent f "N'o, sir," the squad-marcher answered. The major looked along the line of faces, seemed puzzled for a moment, and then cast his eyes upward. He gazed sternly at the clinging figiu-e on the column and said, "You stay there." Amiss liad to remain where he w^as until the class was over. He was given the largest possible number of demerits and many hours of extra guard duty, during the walking • of wliicli lie had time to repent his folly. PROFESSOR 45 When the class which graduated in 1860 began its recitations under Jackson, a sudden end was made to the pki3dng of jokes in his room. A cadet came into ckiss one day with a small music-box hidden under his coatee. During the recitation he touched a spring, filling the room with the sweet, muffled strains of music. Major Jackson did not hear, or at least did not take an}- notice of it. The cadet, finding his music not appreciated, began to bark in low tones like a puppy. As this effort met with the same fate as the music, he became bold enough to bark loudly. Jackson, without changing his face, turning his head, or raising his voice above an ordinary tone, said, "Mr. C, when you march the section in again, leave that puppy outside." The laugh was on the cadet, and the class was not again disturbed. An incident of his life at Lexin2:ton shows how little Jackson regarded pubUc opinion or personal feeling when in conflict with duty. A cadet, sent away from the Institute because of something that had happened in Jackson's 46 LIFE OF JACKSON classroom, became so angry that he challenged the major to fight a duel. He sent word that if Jackson would not fight he would kill him on sight. Jackson refused to fight the duel; but he let the youth know, through his friends, that if he were attacked he would defend himself. The attack w^as not made, in spite of the fact that Jackson passed back and forth through the streets as usual. The cadet wlio had challenged him was un- der Jackson's command in the War between the States, and rose to be the leader of the famous Stonewall Brigade. In later 3^ears when asked his o23inion of the great general, he said that Jackson was the only man who had never been beaten. It will be seen that Jackson's life at the Vir- ginia ^lilitary Institute was a very busy one. Of all his duties, the one be enjoj^ed most was drilling the artiller}^ battery. He had won fame as an artillery officer and he loved this branch of the service. Xear the close of every session of the Institute, he was asked to drill 48 LIFE OF JACKSON the battery before the Board of Visitors. Tn order to make this drill more interesting to tlie publie, always present in large nmnbers, blank cartridges were fired, and there was the sem- blance of a batter}^ in actual battle. The drill held in 1 800 was very imj)ressive. It took place at 5 P. M. Jackson put the bat- tery through its various movements and became more and more intei-ested in tlie work as the time for the firing drew near. The professor of engineering at West Point, Dennis Mahan, and the commandant of cadets there, Colonel Hardee, were among the people present. Shortly aftei- the opening of the drill, a dark cloud gathered and thunder began to rumble. The firing commenced and all was excitement. Closer and closer came the cloud, and the artil- ler}' of heaven seemed to reply to the discharges of the battery. Jackson had been slowl}^ retreating before an imaginary foe; half the battery was firing at a time. The cloud came nearer and nearer, unheeded bv Jackson, Suddenlv his voice rano; PROFESSOR 49 out clear and sharp, 'Tire, advancing by half battery." Xew positions were taken and the firing was at its height. Then the storm broke in all its fury. Up to that moment the major had given no thought to anything but the drill. The bursting storm brought him to himself and he dismissed the cadets, who at once sought shelter. Jackson remained where he was. folded his arms and stood like a statue in the driving storm. An umbrella was sent him from a liouse close by, witli an invitation to come inside. But he declined and continued to stand tliere until the storm was over, careless of his own comf oi*t. Jackson's life at the Virginia Military Insti- tute was marked hy a deep and growing interest in religion. In November, 1851, he became a member of the Presbyterian church at Lexing- ington, of which Dr. W. S. White was pastor. He was soon made a deacon and given a class of young men in tlie Sunda}^ school. Jackson also gathered the negro slaves of the town on eveiy Sabbath evening for tlie purpose of 50 LIFE OF JACKSON teaching them the Bible; tliere were between eighty und a hundred pupils and twelve teach- ers. He kept up this school from 1855 to 1861, when he left Lexington to enter tlie Southern army. Up to the day of his death it was a great pleasure to him to liear from his negro Sunday school. As the years passed quietly at Lexington, duty more and more became the rule of his life — duty to God and to man. So great was his care to observe the Sabbath that he would not read a letter on Smiday or mail one which would be carried on that day. Once a friend who knew he had received a letter from his lady-love late Saturday night asked him if he had read it. Jackson replied that he had not. *'Wliat obstinac}^!" exclaimed the friend. ''Don't you think that your desire to know the contents of the letter will take your mind from divine worship far more than if you had read it?" ''No/' Jackson quietly said; "I will make the most faithful effort to control my thoughts ; PROFESSOR 51 and as I do this from a sense of duty, I expect the Divme blessing on it." Jackson's social life was marked by courtesy and kindness. When a single man, he made it a rule to accept all invitations, if possible. He thought that if a friend took the trouble to invite him, it was his duty to accept. Major Gittings, a relative, says of him: * 'Speaking from a social standpoint, no man ever had a more delicate regard for the feelings of others than he had. Nothing would embar- rass him more than any occurrence which might cause pain or distress to others. Hence, he was truly a polite man; and while his manner was often reserved, and even awkward, yet he usually made a good impression through his de- sire to please." When Jackson came to Lexington he was in ill health, and many seemingly odd things which he did were only a part of his medical treatment. He had been at a water-cure hos- pital in the North, where he was told to live on stale bread and buttermilk and wear a wet shirt 52 LIFE OF JACKSON next to his body. He was also ordered to go to bed at nine o'clock; and if that hour found him at a party or lecture, or any other place, he would leave in obedience to his physician. The nervous indigestion from which he suf- fered often made him drows}^ and he would sometimes go to sleep while talking to a friend or sitting in his pew at church. Greneral Hill says, ^'I have seen his head bowed down to liis very knees during a great part of the sermon. He always heard the pastor's text, and the first part of the sermon, but after that all was lost." Later, Jackson seems to have gained control over his muscles, even while asleep, for no one in the last few years before his departure from Lexington ever saw ''his head and knees in con- tact." He would go to sleep, however, while sitting bolt upright. Before ^narriage, Jackson had his room in barracks but took his meals at a hotel in Lex- ington. It is said that liis odd behavior here caused much talk — indeed that he was insulted by rude persons. These stories seem untrue. PROFESSOR 53 If insults had been offered ''Old Jack," the students would have learned of them and re- sented them, even if he had done nothing him- self. People residing in Lexington when Jack- son lived there never heard of these insults. Surely if they had been given, they would have been spoken of in a place where Jackson's name was on ever}^ tongue and the events of his life were a constant subject of talk. Jackson's great will power, which had car- ried him througli West Point, enabled him further to improve himself at Lexington. When he took up the study of Latin, a friend told him that one who had not studied that language in youth could not hope to learn it thoroughly in later years. Jackson replied, "If I attemj)t it, I shall become master of the lan- guage. I can do what I will to do." He joined a literary club, called the Frank- lin Society, in order to learn to speak in public. He was always present at the meetings, and spoke in his turn, but at first his efforts were painful both to himself and his hearers. His 54 LIFE OF JACKSON health was poor, his nerves were unstrung and sometimes he wouhl become confused and break down in the midst of his speech. As often as this happened, he wouhl quietly take his seat and wait until his turn in the debate came again, when he would rise and make another attempt. Thus, before the close of the debate, he would succeed in telling what was in his mind. By tr^nng time after time, he ended in becoming a good speaker. Boon after Jackson joined the Presbyterian church. Dr. White, the minister, called on him to pra}^ in public. The major prayed in such a halting fashion that he was told he would not be again asked to perform so trying a task. Jackson replied that it was veiy hard for him to pray in public, but that he had made up his mind to do it and did not wish to be excused. He kept on trying until at last he became a leader in prayer. General Hill, in speaking of this incident, says: "I think his conduct in this case was due to his determination to conquer every weak- PKOFESSOR 65 ness of his nature. He once told me that when he was a small boy, being sick, a mustard plas- ter was put on his chest and he was sent to a neighbor's to divert his mind from the plaster. He said the pain was so dreadful that he fainted. I asked him if he kept the plaster on in order to obey his guardian. He answered, 'No, it was owing to a feeling that I have had from childhood not to yield to trials and difficulties.' " Hill also writes: ''Dr. Dabney thinks that Jackson was timid and that nothing but his iron will made him brave. I think this is a mistake. The muscles of his face would twitch when a battle was about to open and his hand would tremble so that he could hardly write. His men, seeing the working of his muscles, would say, 'Old Jack is making faces at the Yankees.' But all this only showed weak nerves. I think he loved danger for its own sake." Like St. Paul, Jackson "kept his body un- der." He did not use tobacco, alcohol or cof- fee, and he would go all winter in the Virginia 66 LIFE OF JACKSON mountains without an overcoat, saying that he "(lid not wish to give way to cold." It is told of him that once during the War between the States, when he had become greatly chilled and was too near the enemy's outposts to have a fire, his surgeon advised him to take a drink of brandy. Jackson at length agreed to take some. He made such a wry face in swallowing, however, that some one asked him if it choked him. ''Xo," he replied, ''I like it. That is the reason I never use it." Another time when he w^as asked to take a drink, he said, "'No, I thank you ; I am more afraid of it than of all the Federal bullets." The immortal Jackson afraid of strong drink ! What a lesson to people who think they need not fear it ! Jackson was married, on August 4, 1853, to Eleanor Junkin, the daughter of the presi- dent of Washington College at Lexington. This lovel}^ woman lived only fourteen months after her marriage. Jackson's grief for her was so great as to alarm his friends. His health, never PKOFESSOR 57 good, suffered greatly, and his friends per- suaded him in the summer of 1856 to take a trip to Europe. It was hoped that ''the spell might he hroken which hound him to sadness." Jackson's European trip henefited him in health and spirits, and he was ready to take up his duties again with a new zeal. He started home in ample time to reach the Institute for its opening day, hut storms delayed him and he was late. He had promised to be hack by September 1 ; and one of his woman friends, knowing how careful be w^as to keep his w ord in all matters, asked him if the delay had not made him unhappy. The answer was in keep- ing with the man. He had done his part, he said, and the delay w^as due to Providence. Therefore he had not worried in the least. Xo one ever trusted God more completely than Jackson. Dr. E. L. Dabne}^ tells us that a friend one day said to Jackson that he was not able to un- derstand how one could "pra}^ without ceas- ing," as the Bible advises. Jackson replied 58 LIFE OF JACKSON that for some time lie had been in the habit of praying all through the day. "When we take our meals," he said, "there is grace, and when I take a drink of water, I always pause to lift up my heart to God in thanks for 'the water of life' ; when I go to my classroom and await the coming of the cadets, that is my time to pray for them. And so with eveiy other act of the day." Jackson's pastor. Dr. White, said that he was the happiest man he had ever known. This happiness came from his perfect faith in the care of God. He rested in that faith and did not let himself be worried by the small troubles of hfe. The most important event in the latter part of Jackson's hfe at Lexington was his second marriage, which took place on July 15, 1857. His wife was Mary Ann Morrison, the daugh- ter of a Presbyterian minister of North Caro- lina. In later years Mrs. Jackson wrote a life of her husband, in which she gives glimpses of their home and quotes from his wartime letters. PROFESSOE 59 Shortly after his marriage, Jackson bought a house and a few acres of land. Much of his spare time was spent in tilling his garden and JACKSON'S HOME IN LEXINGTON fields. The little farm of rocky hill-land was soon well fenced and cultivated. He used to say that the bread grown there by his own labor and that of his slaves tasted sweeter than bought bread. 60 LIFE OF JACKSON Jackson also had business interests of some size, which brought him in a good income. It was a prosperous and happy life he lived in the last } ears at Lexington. He was a home-loving, tender-hearted man, with a great love for children. Once a friend stayed at his house over night with a four-year- old daughter. At bedtime Mrs. Jackson of- fered to take the little girl with her, but the father said that the child would give less trouble if she slept with him. In the watches of the night lie heard a soft step and felt a hand laid on the bed. It was Jackson, who feared that the child would toss off the covers and had come to make sure that all w^as well. This good and peaceful life did not last much longer. The black cloud of war was hovering over the land and tlie storm soon burst in full fury, sweeping Jackson from his quiet duties and his home into the midst of strife and blood- shed. It was also to carry him to deeds which have made liis fame world-wide and immortal. Jackson's last service as an officer of the Yir- PROFESSOR 61 ginia Militaiy Institute was now at hand. He had heen left in charge of the body of cadets when his superior officers were called to Eich- mond at the beginning of the War between the States. Early in the morning of April 21, 1861, a message was received from Governor Letcher ordering him to leave with his com- mand for Eichmond at 12 :30 o'clock that day. Jackson asked his pastor. Dr. White, to hold a farewell service at the Institute. It was held in front of the barracks. The cadets were drawn up in line of battle, with Jackson at the head and Dr. White in the middle. xVll listened reverently to the minister's prayer. The clock in the Institute tower struck the hour for de- parture, and, without a moment's hesitation, Jackson took up the line of march, leaving the minister still praying. The keynote of his success in war was in prompt obedience to orders and in requiring the same obedience of others. 62 LIFE OF JACKSON Fac' ul ty: the body of teachers in a school or college. Coat ee' : a short jacket worn by cadets or sol- diers. Tes' ti mo' ni al : witness, evidence, Dis' cip line : rule of conduct. Im pres' sion : effect on some one. De ris' ion : contempt. Ap pre' ci at ed : liked ; enjoyed. Chal' lenged : dared to a trial or combat. Im ag' i na ry : not real. In' di ges' tion : a disorder of the stomach. Im mor' tal : everlasting. Ob' sti na cy : stubbornness. How did Major Jackson come to be a professor in the Virginia Military Institute! What were his reasons for leaving the army? What was his life at the Institute ? What was his method of preparing for his classes? How did he observe the Sabbath? What religious work did he do ? What was Jackson's last service as an officer of the Virginia Military Institute ? CHAPTER V Colonel Before going on with the story of Jackson's life, I will tell you, in a few plain words, the causes of the war which broke out in 1861 be- tween the Northern and the Southern States. After the Eevolutionaiy War, the thirteen American States agreed to fomi a firmer union, and made a new body of laws called the Con- stitution of the United States. From the very first, however, the States did not agree. Law^s which suited a part of them did not please the rest, and there was always some cause for quarreling. The question of slavery gave the most trou- ble. You perhaps know^ that African slaves were first brought into Virginia in 1G19 by the Dutch. They were found so useful that English and Northern traders soon began to bring in 64 LIFE OF JACKSON more blacks, until finally all the colonies held slaves. The cold climate of the North did not suit the negroes, who had been used to the hot sun of Africa. So by degrees the Northern people sold their slaves and did not buy more. Mau}^ leaders, both in the North and South, wished to free the negroes. But as the number of blacks had greatly increased in the South, it was seen that their sudden freeing might be harmful to the country. They were not ^Tt ready for freedom. In the North, where slavery was fast dying out, the people failed to realize this. They did not have great numbers of negroes to deal witli, and thought that it was very wrong to keep them in slavery. Besides, the North did not like the idea of having slaves in the South do the kind of work that was done by free wdiite men elsewhere. The Northern people, therefore, tried to keep slaves out of new States as these came into tlie Union, and also out of a large part of the terri- COLONEL 65 ton^ belonging to the Union which had not yet been made into States. The South, on the other hand, claimed that slave-owners had a right to carr}^ their slaves into all the territory of tli^ Union. The Southern people also believed that the negroes were happv and well-cared for, and that the Xorth, in attacking slavery, was tramp- ling on Southern rights. So the quan-el went on until October, 1859, when an event occurred in Yirghiia which greatly increased the angry feeling of both North and South. A man named John Brown, wdio had fought slavery in the West, formed a plot to free the negroes in Virginia and the whole South. For two years he sent men through the South with the purpose of stirring up the negroes secreth^ and of urging them to attack the whites. He bought long pikes for the slaves to use, as man}^ of them knew noth- ing of firearms. When at last Brown thought that all was ready, he entered Hai-per's Ferry by night with only eighteen followers and seized the United 66 LIFE OF JACKSON States arsenal there. Sending out men into the counti'}^ aroimd to capture the large slave- holders, he called on the slaves to join him. The next morning every white man in the town wlio HARPER'S FERRY left his home was seized and shut up in an engine-house near the arsenal. Only a few negroes joined Brown and they were too scared to be of much aid. As soon as the news of the raid spread over the countr}^, anned men came into town from COLONEL 67 all sides ; before night Brown and his followers were penned in the engine-house. A little later a band of marines arrived from Vrashington under the command of Colonel Eobert E. Lee. When Brown refused to surrender, the sol- diers stormed the engine-house. Ten of Brown's party were killed in the attack and all the rest wounded, including Brown. Six of the soldiers were killed and nine wounded. John Brown and seven of his followers were tried at Charlestown, Virginia, found guilty of trea- son and murder, and sentenced to death. The cadets of the Virginia Military Institute were ordered to Charlestown to protect the offi- cers of the law. Major Jackson commanded a section of light artillery which went along with the cadet battalion. He was present at Brown's hanging and afterwards gave an ac- count of the scene. John Brown's raid, as it was called, cast great gloom over the whole country. Many persons in the North thought that Brown died a martyr to the cause of freedom, while the 68 LIFE OF JACKSON Southern people saw that they could no longer hope to enjoy in peace and safety the rights granted them by the Constitution of the United States. Jackson was strongly Southern in feeling. He believed that the South should make a stand for her rights and resist all efforts to oppress her. He dreaded the idea of war, however, and declared that it was the dut}^ of Christians throughout the land to pray for peace. A month before the secession of South Carolina, he said to his pastor, Dr. White : "It is painful to see how carelessly they speak of w^ar. If the government insists on the meas- ures threatened, there must be war. They seem not to know what its horrors are. Let us have meetings and pray for peace." Dr. White agreed to this request, and Jack- son pra3'ed that the land might be spared war. After the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, in November, 1860, the Southern States saw no hope of get- ting their rights and decided to secede, or with- COLONEL 69 draw, from the Union. South CaroHna took the lead, seceding on Decemher 20, 18G0. She was quickly followed hy Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. On JEFFERSON DAVIS January 9, 1861, these States united to form a government at Montgomery, Alabama, which was called the ^X^onfederate States of Amer- ica." Jefferson Davis was made President. Virginia was slow to withdraw from the 70 LIFE OF JACKSON Union of States. However, when President Lincoln called for seventy-live thousand sol- diers to invade the Confederate States, she w^aited no lonoer. The Old Dominion seceded on April 17, 1861, and at once began to pre- pare for war. ''In one week," says Dabne}^ "the whole State was changed into a camp." Soon Richmond was filled with companies of mihtia drilling and being trained to fight. At daybreak on April 21, 18()1, a message came, as we have seen, from Governor Letcher, ordering the cadets of the Virginia Militar}^ Li- stitute to Richmond. Major Jackson, in com- mand, made ready to lead the battalion. At eleven o'clock he went home to tell his wife good-by. In the quiet of their chamber, Jack- son read the fifth chapter of Second Corin- thians, which begins with these beautiful words, "For we know, if our earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." lie then knelt and prayed for his household and for the countrv. COLONEL n After a last farewell to his wife, lie left his home, never again to enter it. A few days later Mrs. Jackson went to hve with a friend, and the house was closed. Jackson and the cadets marched to Staun- ton, whence they traveled hy train to Richmond and went into camp at the Fair Grounds. From Eichmond Jackson wrote his wife: "Colonel Lee, of the army, is here and has heen made Major-General of the Virginia troops. I regard him a better officer than General Scott." A few days later Jackson was appointed a colonel in the Virginia ami}' and ordered to take connnand at Harper's Ferry, the town on the Potomac made famous by John Bi'own's raid. Here were an arsenal and a nuniher of government workshops. This important place had already fallen into the hands of the Vir- ginia troops, and it was na^essary to hold it until the arms and machinery could be moved away. It may be well to give a word-picture of Jackson as he appeared on the eve of a career 72 LIFE OF JACKSON which was to fill the world with his fame. He was tall and erect, with large hands and feet. His hrow was fair and hroad; his eyes were blue — placid and clear when their owner was calm, but dark and flashing when he was aroused. The nose w^as Eoman, the cheeks rudd3% the mouth firm, and the chin square and covered with a brown beard. Jackson's step was long and rapid, and if he was not a graceful rider he was a fearless one. In battle or as he rode along his columns, hat in hand, bowing right and left in response to the cheers of his soldiers, he made a noble figure. Few even of his close friends were aware of his military genius, so that lie burst on the world as a meteor darts across the sky. On his way to Harper's Eerry, he wa'ote thus to liis wife: ''Winchester, April 29, 1861. "I expect to leave here about two P. M. to-day for Harper's Ferry. I am thankful to say that an ever-kind Providence, who causes 'all things to work together for good to them that love him,' has given me the post which I prefer above all others. 74 LIFE OF JACKSON . . . You must not expect to hear from me very often, as I shall have more work than I have ever had in the same time before, and don't be troubled about me, as an ever-kind Heavenly Father will give us all needful aid." Jackson had been ordered b}^ Major-General Lee to organize and drill the men who had gathered at Harper's Ferry and to hold the place as long as possible against the foe. He went to work with great zeal, arranging the men into companies and regiments. The name he had made for himself in the Mexican War led the soldiers to obe}^ him readily, and he soon had a little army of forty-five hundred men. The separate State army, however, was pres- ently a thing of the past. Virginia joined the Southern Confederacy in May, 1861, and handed over the State forces to the Confederate government, which boimd itself to pay her sol- diers and defend her soil. General Joseph E. Johnston was sent to Harper's Ferry to take command and Colonel Jackson at once gave up his charge. COLONEL 75 The Virginia regiments in the town — the Second, the Fourth, the Fifth, the Twenty- seventh, and the Thirty-third, with Pendleton's artillery — were formed into a brigade under Jackson. This was the command which after- wards became famous as the Stonewall Bri- gade, and which, as we shall see, did much hard service and fought man}^ battles. General Johnston found that he could not hold Harper's Ferr}^ against the Federals, who were coming up under General Patterson. He therefore burned the great railroad bridge over the Potomac river at that place and moved away the guns and stores. On Jmie 16, he withdrew his little arm}^ to Bunker Hill, a ham- let twelve miles north of Winchester. Here he offered battle to Patterson, but the Northern general refused to fight and retreated to the north bank of the Potomac. On June 19, Jackson was ordered to march northward and watch the foe, who were again crossing to the Virginia side of the river. He was also ordered to destro}^ the engines and cars Y6 LIFE OF JACKSON of the Baltimore and Ohio raih'oad at Martins- burg. This he did, although it was an unpleas- ant duty. Jackson remained near Martinsburg until July 2, having Colonel J. E. B. Stuart, with a body of cavalry, in his front to keep him in- formed of the enemy's movements. On that day Pattei'son advanced toward Jackson, who met liim with onl}" one regiment and a handful of cavalry. A sharp skirmish followed. As the Federals now began to come up in large numbers, Jackson fell back to his main body, having taken about fifty prisoners and killed and wounded a number of the enenw. His own loss was two men killed and ten wounded. In this first fight, which is known as the battle of Falling Waters, Jackson showed such boldness and, at the same time, such care for his soldiers' lives, that he at once gained a hold on their esteem. They knew that they had a brave and able leader. General Patterson now entered Martinsburir, where he remained some time. Johnston, hav- COLONEL 77 ing come up with his army, offered battle day after day, but Patterson had other plans and soon moved away. On the day after the fight at Falling Waters, Jackson received this note : ''Richmond, July 3rd, '61. '*My deak General: "I have the pleasure of sending you a commis- sion of Brigadier-General in the Provisional Army, and to feel that you merit it. May your advancement increase your usefulness to the State. "Very truly, "R. E. Lee." General Jackson, as Ave must now call him, was pleased at this reward. He wrote his wife : "Tlu'ough the blessing of God, I have now all that I ought to wish in the line of promotion. May His blessing rest on you is my fervent praj^er." Ter' ri to ry : a great tract of land. Mar' tyr : one who dies for a great cause. Con' sti tu' tion : the chief law of a country. 78 LIFE OF JACKSON Ar' se nal : a storehouse for arms and military supplies. Ma rines' : soldiers wlio serve on sea and land. Vol un teer' : one who enters any service of his own free will. Me' te or : a fiery body falling from the sky. What happened in October, 1859? Wlien did South Carolina secede ! Virginia? Tell about Jackson's departure with the cadets. Where was Jackson first in command? What was Jackson's first battle in 1861? What promotion did Jackson receive in July, 1861? CHAPTER VI General In the spring of 1861, the States of North Carohna, Tennessee, and Arkansas also joined the new Confederacy, the capital of which was Eichmond, Virginia. The main object of the l\OYth was to capture this city. For the pur- pose four armies were raised. The first was to move up the James river; the second by way of Manassas ; the third up the Shenandoah Valley, and the fom'th across the mountains from the northwest. Turn to the map of Virginia on the next page and find the places spoken of; then you will understand the plan at once. The Confederate army was much smaller than the Federal, because the Southern States were more tliinl}^ settled than those in the North. Besides, the North drew men as well as supplies from the whole world. The North 80 LIFE OF JACKSOIT was rich; the South was poor and lacked guns and everything else needed in waging war. The outside world was soon closed to her b}^ the Federal navy, wliich guarded the seacoast WAR MAP OF VIRGINIA closely and kept ships from coming into the Southern harbors. Witli all these things against the South, her generals would have to show great skill in meeting large armies with fewer men. You will remember that General Joseph E. GENERAL 81 Johnston was at Winchester with a small force, watching General Patterson. Just across the Blue Eidge mountains at Manassas, sixty miles southeast of Winchester, Beauregard (bo' re gard) , another Southern general, was facing a Northern army under General McDowell. This army was thirty-five thousand strong, while Beauregard had only about twenty-eight thou- sand men. McDowell's troops had the best of uniforms, artiller}^ and rifles — in fact, all that money could buy to aid them in doing good service in tlie field. On tlie other hand, the Confederates were poorly clad and were armed with old mus- kets and old cannon ; many of them had but the shotguns they had used for hunting in their bojdiood days. The North fully believed that its fine army would crush the Confederates at one blow, and when McDowell was a little slow in giving battle, the cry was raised, ''On to Richmond!" Crowds of reporters, members of Congress, government clerks, and even ladies, went from 82 LIFE OF JACKSON Washington in tlie rear of tlie Federal army to witness the overthrow of the Confederates. McDowell at last made ready to attack. When he did so, Beauregard asked Johnston to leave Patterson at Winchester and come across the momitains to his aid. Johnston at once sent Colonel J. E. B. Stuait with his cavalry to face Patterson and keep him from learning that the Confederates wei-e slipping away from Win- chester to join Beauregard. Stuart obeyed his orders so well that Johnston was at Manassas, sixty miles away, before Patterson learned that he had gone. The little Southern army left Winchester in the morning of July 18. The first Virginia brigade, led by Jackson, headed the line of march. As the troops passed through the streets of Winchester, the people sadh^ asked whether they were going to leave the town to the enemy. The soldiers answered that they did not know why they were marching south. About three miles from Winchester, John- ston ordered a halt and had an order read ex- GENERAL 83 plaining that the army was on its way to help Beauregard, now on the eve of a battle with McDowell. The men rent the air with their shouts when they learned tliat they were not retreating, and marched on at a double-quick. They waded the Shenandoah river, which was waist deep, crossed the Blue Eidge mountains at Ashby's Gap and stopped for the night at the village of Paris on the eastern slope. Dr. Dabney tells us that while the soldiers rested, Jackson himself kept watch, saying, "Let the poor fellows sleep; I will guard the camp myself." For two hours he walked up and down under the trees, or sat on a fence. At last, an hour before daybreak, he lay down on the grass in a fence corner and was soon fast asleep. At peep of day the brigade was up and a^say. It made such good time that at dusk on July 19 the troops, hungry and footsore, marched into a field near Manassas, where they spent the next day in resting for the coming battle. The Confederate line stretched for eidit 84 LIFE OF JACKSON miles along the soutlieiii btiiik of Bull Run, which could be forded at several places. Beau- regard had placed strong forces at these fords to keep tlie enemy from crossing. Before Johnston's army had come up, McDowell had tried the fords but had been driven back. Finding the fords too strongly held, lie planned to send a part of his forces around tlie left wing of the Confederates to a stone bridge, by which it might cross the stream and get in the rear of the Boutliern army. The Confed- erates, thus caught between two fires, front and back, would be crushed. McDowell started to carry out his plan in the morning of July 21, 18(31. He sent for- ward a heav}^ force to take the stone bridge, which was guarded by Colonel Evans with only eleven hundred men. After Evans had fought desperately for several hours and just as he was on the point of being driven away. Generals Bee and Bartow came to his aid, and for a while turned the tide of battle. The Federals, however, crossed the stream and slowly pressed JACKSON GUARDING THE CAMP 86 LIFE OF JACKSON the Southerners back by weight of numbers. As the latter were retreating, Jackson reached the spot with his brigade, twenty-six hundred strong. He phxced his men on the crest of a hill in the edge of a pine thicket. Bee came u}) to Jackson, who was coolly en- gaged in making his preparations. ''General," he said, 'Hliey are beating us back." Jackson rej^lied firndy, "Then, sir, we will give them the bayonet." Bee, catching his spirit, galloped back to his troops, crying out, "There is Jack- son standing like a stone wall ! Rally behind the Virginians!" In this wa}^ the general gained the famous name, "Stonewall." The historian Dra}x?r sa3^s, "This name, received in a-baptism of fire, displaced that which he had received in a baptism of water." The retreat- ing Confederates rallied. From eleven in the morning until three in the afternoon the battle hung in doubt. The strong Fedei-al artillery swept tlie Southern lines and tlie Federal infantry made charge after charo^e. All the wliile Jackson's men were GENERAL 87 lying along the crest, waiting for the moment to advance. Shells burst among them, killing and wounding a number and trying the patience of the rest. Jackson in the meantime rode back JACKSON AT MANASSAS and forth behind his line, saying, ''Steady, men ! Steady! All's well!" Finally the fire of the Northern cannon and the masses of Northern infantry began to tell. The commands on both sides of Jackson's brigade were once more falling back, and Jack- son saw that the moment had come to attack. 88 LIFE OF JACKSON He gave the signal to his men to rise, crying out to the Second A^irginia llegiment, ''Eeserve your fire un^il the}' come ^Yithin fifty yards. Then fire and give them the ha3^onet ; and when you charge, yell like furies." The men sprang to their feet, fired one deadly volley in the faces of the nearing foe and dashed down the hill upon them. The Fed- erals, unable to stand the onset, turned and fled. A C*onfederate battery which had been cap- tured was retaken and Jackson's men broke the center of the Xorthern line. At this moment a fresh bod}^ of troops under General Kirby Smith reached the field. They bore do^^ii on the flank of the Federal armv, while at the same time Ileauregard ordered the whole Confederate line to advance. The cliarge proved too nmch for the tired and broken Federals. They began to give way on ever}^ side, and presently the whole army fled from the field in utter rout. The men, cast- ing away their guns, made for the nearest fords of Bull Eun. The Confederate cavalry pur- GENERAL 89 sued them, and Kemper's field artillery shelled them from every hill. The road to Washington soon hecame a struggling mass of men and horses, rushing pell-mell toward the north. Jackson's 'troops took no part in the pursuit except to fire then- cannon at the fleeing foe, most of whom did not stop their flight until they were safe in Washington. Though the Confederates were the victors, they had lost many hrave men. Generals Bee and Bartow were killed and Kirby Smith w^as badh^ wounded. Jackson himself was slightly wounded in the left hand early in the day, but he took no notice of the hurt. At the close of the battle he felt the pain keenly and went to his field hospital. Dr. McGuire, tlie head surgeon, said, "Gen- eral, are you much hurt?" "Xo," Jackson replied. "I believe it is a trifle.'' "How goes the day?" asked the doctor. "Oh!" exclaimed eTackson; "we have beaten them ; w^e have gained a glorious victory." 90 LIFE OF JACKSON Dabney sixys that this was the only time that Jackson was ever heard to express joy at having won the day. When the surgeon came to dress his hand, Jackson said, ''No, I can wait. My wound is but a trifle; attend first to those poor fellows." He then sat down on the grass and waited until the injuries of the badly wounded had been bandaged. At first it was thought that his middle finger would have to be cut off, but Dr. McGuire saved it by skilful treatment. While Jackson was having his hand dressed, he is said to have declai'ed that with ten thou- sand fi-esh troops he would be in Washington city next day. As he was not in command of the army, however, there was nothing for him to do but to await orders. On the da}^ following the battle, Jackson wrote his wife : "Yesterday we fought a great battle and gained a great victory, for which all the gloiy is due God alone. Though under fire for sev- eral liours, I received onlv one wound, the 92 LIFE OF JACKSON breaking of the longest finger of the left hand, but the doctor says it can be saved. My horse was wounded but not killed. My coat got an ugly wound near the hip. . . . Whilst great credit is due to other parts of our gallant army, God made my brigade more instrumental than any other in repulsing the main attack. "This is for you alone. Say nothing about it. Let others speak praise, not m3^self." But the praise of the Stonewall Brigade was not sung by Jackson alone. Both friend and foe unite in saying that if it had not held the hill which was the key to the position until help came, tlie battle of Manassas would have been a defeat for the South and not a victory. Jack- son's keen eje saw the place in which to make a stand, and he held his ground for hours against all odds. At one time, when the men were lying on the ground with the shells burst- ing over tliem, some of the officers begged to be allowed to charge. "Xo," said Jackson, "wait for the signal. This place must be held." GENEEAL 93 We do not seek to take gioiy from any of the gallant soldiers who fought in this hattle. Some of them, as Bee and Bartow, gave up their hves, and others, as Kirby Smith, made forced marches to come up in time; hut there can be little doubt that Jackson was the hero of the day. The road to Washington was now open and the Confederates might have taken the city if they had pushed on without dela}^ But the commanding generals were afraid to risk the attempt with an army which had been drilled only a few weeks, and thus the golden oppor- tunity was allowed to pass. In a few days the North had chosen a new^ commander. General George B. McClellan, who set to work to raise new forces to defend Washington. The Southern lines were later pushed within sight of Washington, but no battle took place, as McClellan would not risk a fight so soon after the rout at Manassas. Jackson spent this time in drilling his troops and making them fit for harder battles in the future. 94 LIFE OF JACKSON In October lie was promoted to the rank of major-general and sent to the Shenandoah Val- ley to take command of the army which had been serving in West Virginia. The Stonewall Brigade was left behind with General John- ston. This parting was a great trial both to Jackson and the brigade. When the time came for him to go, he ordered the Stonewall Brigade to march out under arms, and rode to the front with his staff. No cheer arose; every face was sad* After speaking a few words of praise and apprecia- tion, Jackson threw his bridle reins aside and, stretching out his arms, said: '*In the Army of the Shenandoah, you were the first brigade. In the Army of the Potomac, you were the first brigade. You are the first brigade in the affections of your general ; and I hope that by 3^our future deeds and bearing you will be handed down to posterity as the first brigade in this, our second War of Inde- pendence. Farewell!" With a final wave of his liand, he left the GENERAL 95 field amidst the cheers of his men. The separa- tion, however, was but for a short time. In November following, the first Virginia bri- gade was ordered to join Jackson at AVinchester and it remained with him until the fatal hour at Chancehorsville, when it lost him forever. Des' per ate ly: fiercely; with great determi- nation. Fu' ries : fierce and terrible beings. Pell-mell : in disorder. In' stru ment' al : the means of doing something. Op' por tu' ni ty : chance to do something. Pos ter' i ty : those who come after. Sep' a ra' tion : parting. Wlio commanded the Confederate army at Win- chester ? At Manassas ! Who commanded the Federal army at Ma- nassas ! What did Beauregard ask Johnston to do? How did Johnston succeed in carrying out the plan? What was McDowell's plan? Wliat did Jackson do in the first battle of Ma- nassas? How did he get the name of Stonewall? CHAPTER VII The Valley Campaign At the close of the year 18G1, Jackson was at Winchester with ahout ten thousand men. Generals Loring and Henry Jackson had brought their troops from western Virginia to join him. The commander of the cavahy was Lieu- tenant-Cok:>nel Turner Ashby, a gallant, watch- ful, and able officer. At the sound of his well- known shout and the cry of "Ashby" from his men, the Federal horsemen would often turn and flee. Ever guarding the outposts of the army, he was Jackson's ''eyes and ears." At this time three armies threatened Jack- son. He knew that they would crush him if he did not beat them singly before they could unite. His defeat would endanger the Southern cause; for his little army in the Shenandoah THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 97 Valley was the guard to Johnston's flank. That general with forty thousand men was still at Manassas, facing McClellan, who was at the head of a great host which he was fast drilling into a trained army. If Jackson were defeated in the Yalle}^, Johnston would be forced to re- treat, and perhaps the whole State would fall into the enemy's hands. The main armies were in winterquarters, and there was not much danger of a move before spring. Jackson, therefore, made up his mind to attack a Federal force holding the towns of Bath and llomney in northwestern Virginia. It was the last of December before he could collect the supplies needed for the expedition. On the first day of the year 1862, the little army of nine thousand men set out without knowing in the least where it was going ; Jack- son had kept his plans to himself. In spite of the winter season, the da}^ was bright and the air warm. Indeed the weather was so mild that the soldiers left their overcoats and blankets to be broudit in the wagons. That 98 LIFE OF JACKSON afternoon, however, a biting wind began to blow, followed by rain and sleet. The men marched all next day, and at night the wagons were still far behind. The troops rested without rations or blankets, having only campiires to keep them w^arm. On the third day they were so weakened by cold and hunger that it was difficult for them to go forward. Jackson, riding grimly along the road, found his old brigade standing still, and asked General Garnett the reason of the delay. *'I have halted," said Garnett, ''to let the men cook rations." ''There is no time for it," Jackson curtly replied. "But it is impossible for the men to go farther without them," said Garnett. "I have never found anything impossible for this brigade," Jackson answered, riding on. He was restive and eager to press forward, as his plans to surprise the eneni}^ called for swift movement. N^ear the town of Bath the toiling column THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 99 was siuldeiilv attacked by Federals from behind trees and fences ; the hitter were driven off with some loss. That night the Southern troops went into camp just outside the town in the midst of ON THE ROAD TO ROMNEY a raging snowstorm. They were without food and blankets, and the wonder is that they lived through the night. But Jackson made no change in his plans, though there was great complaint among the men, a number of whom staggered back to 100 LIFE OF JACKSON Winchester in a half-starved condition. The next morning the general was able to furnish his soldiers a good breakfast, after which the order was given to advance. The Confederates charged the breastworks in front of Bath, and the Federals hastily fled to the Potomac river. On entering the town, the Southern soldiers found quantities of sup- plies, fine clothes, china, and even dinners, al- ready cooked, waiting for the hungry victors. Jackson next hurried to a place called Han- cock, three miles distant and on the north bank of the Potomac. Placing his cannon on the southern bank, he opened fire on the town and called for its surrender. The enemy refused, and as fresh troops were coming to their aid, Jackson decided to pass on to Eomney. Gen- eral Loring burned the railroad bridge over the Cacapon river and cut the telegraph wires, so that the Federal commander at Komney could not send for help. The weather had become terrible. Eain, snow, and sleet beat down on the men, who were THE VALLEY Cx\jViPAlGN 101 ill-clad and often without food, for it was im- possible for the wagons to keep up. The moun- tain roads were covered with ice, on wdiich botli men and horses fell. Many soldiers were hurt, while wagon after wagon was overturned and left on the roadside. Jackson was everywhere along the line, cheering the troops and even helping them in person. Once he came on a cannon which had stalled in the mud. A crowd of soldiers stood nearb}^ looking on without offering to lend a hand. Jackson got off his horse without a word to the idle soldiers and put his shoulder to the wheel. At this the men came forward, shamed, and the piece moved on. After great hardships the little army finally reached Ronmey, on January 14, to find the Federals gone. They had fled, leaving miUtary stores of great value, which fell into the hands of the Confederates. Even at this early time tlie name of Jackson was a terror, and the enem} , with a force larger than his, retreated before him. 102 LIFE OF JACKSON In two weeks' time Jackson had driven the Federals from a large district, had made the Baltimore and Ohio railroad useless to them for a long distance, and had captm-ed great stores of arms and supplies. This he had done with the loss of four men killed and twenty- eight wounded. , Leaving Loring at Romney with a portion of the arm} , Jackson luirried hack to Winchester. From this place lie could watch the movements of the Federal General Banks, who was near Harper's Ferr}^ ^^'ith a large force. On reaching Winchester, he found the whole State in an uproar over the expedition to Eom- ne}^ through the sleet and snow. Many people declared that he was cruel and unfit to com- mand an army. Some claimed that he was a madman; others that he was without common sense. Another charge brought against him was that of being partial to the Stonewall Bri- gade, wdiich he had brought back to Winchester with him while leaving Boring's troops in the mountains. The sokliers of this brigade were THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 103 called ''Jackson's Pet Lambs" and similar names. The truth was tliat Loring's men were far more comfortable than the Stonewall Brigade ; the fomier lived in huts and the latter in mere tents outside of Winchester. A further complaint against Jackson was that he would tell his plans to no one. "It was his maxim," says Dabney, ''that in war mys- tery is the key to success." He thought that an}^ news given out might come to the knowl- edge of the enemy, and that it was the part of wisdom to conceal everything. This secrecy angered his officers, some of whom so far forgot themselves as to treat their general with dis- respect. Jackson took no notice of tliese charges. He was busily at work putting up a telegraph line between Romne^' and Wincliester when, on January 31, 1862, he received this order from Richmond: "Order Loring back to Winches- ter at once." The cause of this action on the part of the 104 LIFE OF JACKSON government was a petition which some of the officers left at Eomney had sent to Eichmond. They asked to be ordered back to Winchester, as Eomney was, in their opinion, entirely too open to attack. Jackson recalled the troops from Eomney but at once offered his resignation to the gov- ernment. This caused great excitement in the State. The people were unwilling to give up an officer who had shown courage and skill, and he was begged to withdraw his resignation. He refused. He said that the government had shown, by its order, that it did not trust liim, and that he could do nothing if he was meddled with. At last the government made a sort of aj^ology, and Jackson took up his duties again. Soon after Loring left Eomney, the Federals entered the town. Thus all of Jackson's efforts and the sufferings of his soldiers came to naught. It was a great blow to Jackson, as Winchester was once more open to attack from the northwest. The Federal plan of invasion in 1862 was THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 105 much the same as that of the previous year. Fremont was coming from the northwest; Banks, from Harper's Ferry ; McDowell, from Fredericksburg; McClellan faced Johnston at Manassas; and another army had gathered at Fortress ^lonroe, ready to march up the James river to Eichmond. The Northern host was much larger than in 1861, while the Southern army was smaller, as the time of service of many men had ended and others had gone home on leave of absence. Several brigades were taken from Jackson to strengthen other points, and he was left with onl}' five thousand men to guard the flank of Johnston's army and protect the Shenandoah Valley. On February 26, General Banks, with thirty-five thousand men, and General Kelly, with eleven thousand, advanced against Jack- son. The latter was still at Winchester, hoping to hold that place until help came from John- ston. But learning from Ashby that he was almost surromided by the enemy, he fell back 106 LIFE OF JACKSON slowly up the Valley turnpike to Mount Jack- son, a village f ort}^ miles south of Winchester. Here he had sent his stores and sick soldiers some weeks before. When the Federals en- tered Winchester, they found not a prisoner or musket ^'to enrich theii* conijuest." It was a great trial to Jackson to give up Winchester to the eneni} , but he promised his friends to come again. We shall see how well he kept his word. On March 19, Johnston wrote to Jackson at Mount Jackson, asking him to move north and prevent Banks, if possible, from sending troops from his army across the mountains to McClel- lan. Word was brouglit at the same time that fifteen thousand men were leaving Banks's amiy to aid in turning Johnston's flank as he fell back from Manassas to lines nearer Pacli- mond. Jackson at once started down the Valley again with his little army, now numbering only twenty-seven hundred men. Ashby's cavalry attacked the Federal outposts at Winchester THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN lOT and drove them in. Banks, thinking that Jack- son would give no more trouble, had gone to Washington, leaving General Shields in com- mand. On the morning of March 23, 1862, Jack- son pushed forward with his whole force to- ward the north. When about five miles from Winchester, at a handet called Kernstown, he found Asliby fighting furiously with the enemy's advance. Jackson at once gave battle, though heavily outnumbered. The struggle went on from noon until night. Eegiment after regiment of Fed- erals was hurled against the thin gray ranks, which fought stubbornly. The Confederates would have won the day if the ammunition of the Stonewall l^rigade had not given out. Hearing his fire die awa}^ for want of cart- ridges. General Garnett ordered a retreat. Jackson was of a different mind. When he saw his old brigade give way, he galloped to the spot, and, telling Garnett to hold his ground, pushed forward to rally the men. He seized a 108 LIFE OF JACKSON drmnmer boy by the arm, dragged him into full view of the soldiers and ordered him to beat a rally. The lad obeyed, and amidst a storm of balls the lines reformed. It was too late. The enemy were now press- ing forward in such nmnbers that nothing was left but to retreat. This the Confederates did in good order, and the Federals held the blood- stained battlefield. In the battle of Kernstown, twenty-seven hundred Southern troops, with eleven cannon, attacked eleven thousand Federals and almost gained a victory. It is said that Shields had given the order to retreat when the Stonewall Brigade fell back. The story is told that as Shields followed Jackson up the Valley, he stopped at a country house for the night. Jackson had also rested there on his retreat and the mistress of the house had learned the number of his men. Shields at breakfast on the morning after liis arrival boasted, in a polite way, of his victory at Kernstown. ♦BEAT THE RALLY' no LIKK OK JACKSON "All! (IciicrMi," (he l;i(ly i-cpllcd, "we can allord (Iclcjils like lli.il, wlicic Iwciitv'-sovcTi Imiidicd iiicii hold hack cIcncii llioiisaiid for Ikhii's niid llicii rclrc.'il .-il Icisiiic. ^riic o'ciid'al, siii|»ris('d l<» Ic.'ini (lie siiinll sl/c of Jackson's loicc, l)('i;!i,('(l llic L'ldy lo (ell liiiii licr inroriiiaiil. "( 'cilaliily," she said, "(iciicral Jackson's adjnlanl, Major Pa.\(on. I also kii()w that Lai-i^c rcinlorccincnis ai'c on (he way and Ihat flackson will soon \)c icady (o meet y(Ui aii^ain." "I ha\(' no doidM (d" thai, my dear madam," Shields smilingly replied. 'rh(> nii^lil a tier K'crnslow n, riackson's <-!i"my i"es(ed a( Ne\\l(>\\n, while Ashhy kepi walch near Ihe halllelicld. "elacksim," says ( 'ooke, "^ol an arnilid ol coiai lor his horse; and, \\rapj)inii' Ids hlankel ahoul him, lay down by a lire in a fence corner and went lo slee])." 'riionil,h defealed foi" lli(> lirsl and only lime ni his life, Jackson had gained his ohjin*!. 'Hie lifle(Mi ihonsand men who had slartiMl across Ihe mounlains lo Mc( 'lellan wvvv i-ecall(Hl lo llie \'alle\ , and Johnslon was able (o move THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 111 safely behind the Rappaliaimock river, liis new line of defense. At four o'clock on the morning of March 24, Jackson began his i-etrcat up the Valley. The enemy puj-sued foi- a time, but at length re- turned to Winchester. The Southern troops were far from being cast down by tlieii- defeat at Kernstown. They felt that they had made a o^ood fi2:ht against four times their number. It began to dawn on them, too, tliat their leader was a great genc^-al; whenever Jackson passeil along the columns, the men would cheer them- selves hoarse. Cooke tells us that one man was heard to ask as he marched along, "Why is Old Jack a bet- ter general than Closes?" ''Don't know," was the reply. "Because it took IMoses forty years to lead the Children of Israel through the Wil- derness, and Old Jack would have double- quicked them through it in three days." Another writer states that the men would laughingly declare that the onlv rest they had was when thev were i-eti-catinff before the 112 LIFE OF JACKSON enemy. Jackson always led them by forced marches when going to attack, but never moved fast enough on a retreat to lose the chance of a fight. The arnw finally readied its old camp at Mount Jackson, where Jackson gathered the wounded and sent them up the Valle}^ On April 1, lie crossed the nortli fork of the Shen- andoah and took position on Eude's Hill, five miles below New Market. Banks was pressing up the Valley belihid liim. Asliby burned the bridge over the Shenandoah near Mount Jack- son after the Southern army had crossed. While Ashby was doing this work lie fought a skirmish with the Federal cavalry, in which his beautiful snowwhite charger was killed. Jackson remained at Eude's Hill until April 17. By this time the water had gone down so that the Federals could cross the river. Jack- son then retreated through N'ew Market to Plarrisonburg, w4iere he turned east. Passing the southern end of Massanutton mountain, he crossed the south branch' of the Shenandoah THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 113 river and posted his troops in the gorge of the Blue Eidge called Swift Eim Gap. The way to Staunton was now open to Banks, if he had had the courage to go on. But TURNER ASHBY (From an old print.) he held back, for Jackson in his rear was worse tlian Jackson in front. For two weeks the Confederates held the Gap, while Banks lin- gered at Harrisonburg, laying w^aste the country. 114 LIFE OF JACKSON At this time Jackson had about eight thou- sand men and thirt}^ cannon. His soldiers had returned from hospitals and leaves of absence, and a number of recruits had come in to swell his force. The general used the time of rest to drill his troops and mend his artillery. In the meantime he made bold plans, which he was soon able to carry out with the help of Robert E. Lee, now guiding tlie movements of the Con- federate armies. In order to understand the genius of our liero and the bravery and endurance of his men, you must study tlie map on the next page. You will see that the Shenandoah Valley is bounded on the east b}^ the Blue Eidge mountains and on the west by the Alleghany. Winchester is in the northern end of the Valley and Staunton is about ninety miles to the south. A fine road, known as the Valley pike, runs between the two places. Near the center of the Valley rises a lovely mountain which the Indians called Massanut- ton and which still retains that name. This THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 115 mountain begins near Strasburg and extends about fifty miles southward, ending not far VALLEY OF VIRGINIA from Harrisonburg. There is only one gap in the Massanutton and that is opposite the towns of Xew Market and Luray. The valley east of the Massanutton is called the Page Valley; 116 LIFE OF JACKSON the entire valley, including the Page Valley, is the Valley of Virginia, or the Shenandoah Valley. Though Jackson and his little army were safe for a time in Swift Eun Gap near the vil- lage of Elkton, the}^ could not remain there, as three armies were marcliing against them. Banks was only fifteen miles distant; Milroy was coming hj wa}^ of Staunton from west- ern Virginia, and Fremont from the northwest. There was great danger that 3,Iilroy would overcome General Edward Johnson, who was opposing him, take Stamiton, and join Banks. The united armies would then crush Jackson. The Confederate general made up his mind that he must prevent his foes from uniting. He also wished to keep Staunton out of their hands, as it was an important to\A'n on tlie railway which carried supplies from the fertile Valley to Eichmond. Moreover, it was necessary to strike a hloAV for the defense of Eichmond. McClcllan had drawn near the Southern capital with an armv THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 117 of more than one hundred thousand men, while another army of forty thousand men under McDowell was at Fredericksburg, sixty miles north of llichmond. If McDowell joined Mc- Clellan, the fate of Richmond would be sealed. Something must be done to keep the two armies from coming togetlier. Eobei't E. Lee at Eiclimond told Jackson to follow his own plans and sent him General Ewell (u' ell) Avith eight thousand men. Ewell's troojis marched to 8wift Paui Gap from the east, taking tlie place of Jackson's own force, which was withdrawn. Jackson had made up his mind to unite with Johnson and attack Milroy near Staunton. But it would not do foj" him to march straight down tlie ^^allc}^ to Staunton, for then Banks would be sure to follow him. So Jackson planned to deceive the enemy. He marched southward along the Blue Eidge to another pass, called Brown's Gap. Here he turned east and hurried across the mountains to Mechum's River station on tlie railroad running east and 118 LIFE OF JACKSON west. The troops were put on trains waiting for them and carried due west to Staunton, to the great jo}^ of the people of that place, who thought that they had heen deserted. Jackson was now joined by the forces under Edward Johnson. On May 7, he moved to- ward General Milroy, who was posted on Shen- andoah mountain twenty miles west of Staun- ton. As the Confederates drew near, the Fed- erals fell back to the village of McDowell. On May 8, the Southern soldiers climbed the sides of the mountain overlooking the little vil- lage. Jackson was about to attack the Fed- erals, when Milroy's troops were seen ad- vancing in line of battle from the cover of the woods. The long blue line came toiling up the slope of the mountain toward the Confederate position. Jackson quickly made his preparations for battle. The heights held by the Confederates were of no great advantage to them, because the slopes were so steep that the men had to stand on the verv crest to fire on the climbing: THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 119 enemy. This made them good targets for the Northern sokUers below. The Twelfth Georgia Regiment held the cen- ter of the line with great bravery. Though ordered to retil'e from the crest to escape the enemy's fire, the gallant men disobeyed and kept their position. The next day when one of the Georgians was asked why his regiment had hot fallen back, he rephed, "We didn't come all the way to Virginia to run from Yankees." The battle of McDowell lasted from lialf- past four in the afternoon until eight o'clock, when the shades of night ended it. The Fed- erals, repulsed in all their efforts to carry the ridge, retreated to the village. It was one o'clock in the morning before Jackson reached bis tent, having waited to see the last wounded man brought off the field and tlie last picket posted. He had eaten nothing for many hours ; yet when his faithful servant Jim brouglit him food, he said, "I want none — nothing but sleep." And in a moment he was fast asleep. 120 LIFE OF JACKSON He was in the saddle at peep of day, but on climbing the mountain, he saw tliat the enemy had left in the night. Jackson at once sent word to Eichmond, 'Tlod blessed om* arms with victory at McDowell yesterday." Then he set out in pursuit of the fleeing foe. lie followed them as far as Franklin in the heart of the mountains, where the Federals set fire to the woods in order to hide their move- ments and hold back the Southerners. The smoke hung like a })all over the mountain roads and the heat from the blazing forest on every side was terrible. Jackson pressed on until he was sure that the enemy had made their escape, when he decided to return to the Valley. Banks, on hearing of Milro3^'s defeat, had fallen back from IIarrisonl)urg to Strasburg. There was now no longer an}' danger that he would soon unite ^^•ith Fremont, because the distance between the two armies had greatl}^ in- creased. The Confederates, therefore, had a good o])])ortunity to attack I^anks before he could receive aid. TWELFTH GEORGIA REGIMENT AT McDOWELL 122 LIFE OF JACKSON On May 20, Jackson was again at Xew Market, where be was joined by Ewell from Swift Eun Gap. Banks bad tbrown up strong earthworks at Strasburg in tbe bebef tbat Jack- son would attack bini in front. But tbe South- ern general planned to strike liini from another direction. As 3^ou remember, just east of ^ew Market there is a pass or gap through tbe Massanutton mountain. Sending a small force of cavalry down the turnpike toward Strasburg, Jackson gave the impression that he was coming that way. Then he quickty led his army through the pass of the Massanutton into the Page Val- le}^ on the other side. Hidden by the mountain, his troops marched unseen to the town of Front Eo3^al, which lies at the northern end of the Massanutton. Banks had })osted a force here to protect his Hank. So silenth^ and swiftly had Jackson's troops marched that they were nearly in sight of Front Eo3\al before any one knew of their presence. A mile from tlie town the Federal pickets THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 123 were fired on, and the Confederates rushed for- ward to the attack. The Federals, who thought that Jackson was a hundred miles away, were taken by surprise. After a brave but hopeless fight, tlie}^ hurried across the Shenandoah river towards Strasburg. The Southern cavalry followed fast, and, in a great charge near Cedarville, scattered the retreating troops to the winds. A great part of tlie Federal force was captured, as well as a quantity of stores at Front Royal. Banks at Strasburg did not at once take alarm, because he thought that Jackson's attack was only a cavalry raid. When he learned, however, that Jackson in person was tr3ang to reach the turnpike leading from Strasburg to Winchester and cut off his retreat, he awoke to his danger. He hurried his army northward toward Winchester. The next morning. May 24, Jackson began to move at daj^break. Many things delayed his march. His troops had to pass througli dense woods in order to get to the turnpike, and the 124: LIFE OF JACKSON Northern cavalry stoutty opposed their ad- vance. It thus happened that when Jackson at last reached the great liighwa}^ he saw only the hnes of blue horsemen, m the rear of Banks's arnw, and the long wagon train. The Federal infantry and artillery had escaped to the north. The Confederates rushed cannon into posi- tion as soon as they came to the turnpike and the infantry ran to tlie fences and poured a volley into the crowded road. The Federal column at once broke in wild flight, and soon the pike was a mass of struggling men and horses. The rear guard, some distance behind, fled back to Strasburg and escaped over the mountains to the Potomac. On the turnpike, Ashby's cavalry pursued the flying foe, firing into them from every hill- top. Cooke thus describes the scene: ''Either a shell or a round shot would strike one of the wagons and overturn it, and before those behind could stop their headwa}^, they would thunder down on the remains of tlie first. 126 LIFE OF JACKSON Others would tumble in so as to block up the road, and in the midst of it all, Ashby's troopers would swoop down, taking prisoners or cutting down such as resisted." Ashby's men soon began to plunder the cap- tured wagons, thus giving the enemy time to recover from the panic. Near Newtown the Federals turned and fired on their pursuers. A part of the cavalr}^ and the wagon train* made good their escape to Winchester, to which place the infantry had fled. The main body of Jackson's army pressed o?iward without halting for food or rest. The "foot cavahy" of the Valley marched all night along the pike, wliich was ht up by "burning wagons, pontoon bridges, and stores." Every now and then they would come on men am- bushed along the side of the road, when fierce fights would ensue. At sunrise on i\Iay 25, Jackson's advance force climbed the steep hill southwest of Win- chester. This height was held b}^ the Federals, who gave way before the advancing Southern- THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 12T ers . With a shout the latter gained the crest of the hill and planted their cannon. Though the Confederates had marched all nidit and had had no food, thev at once be^an RICHARD S. EWELL the battle of Winchester. Ewell was on the right, Ta3dor on the left. ''Jackson/' says a writer, ''had his war-look on, and rode about the field, regardless of shot and shell, seemingly as calm as if nothing were happening." 128 LIFE OF JACKSON After a fierce iigiit the Federals retreated, and Jackson entered Winchester on the heels of the panic-stricken foe. The people of the town were beside themselves with delight at seeing their beloved general and his gray- jackets once more, and they cro^ ded the streets to welcome the victors. For the first time Jackson was excited. He waved his faded cap ai-ound his head and cheered with right good will. The troops liurried forward with Jackson leading them. When one of his officers said, ''General, don't you think you are going into much danger?" his reply was, ''Tell tlie ti'oops to press riglit on to the Potomac." They kept up the pursuit until the enemy crossed the river with the loss of many prisoners and quantities of stores. Jackson had done his work well. The ^N'orthern people were so alarmed for the safety of Washington that troops were called there for its defense. McDowell at Fredericksburg, instead of being allowed to join McClcllan, was ordered to send half of his army to the Valley. THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 129 Tlie Federal plan of attack on Eichmond had been upset by Jackson's movements, and Mc- Clellan was left to fight his battles alone. After a short I'est at Winchester, Jackson advanced toward Harper's Ferry with the view of attacking the Federal troops there. He was halted by the news that two armies, one under General Shields coming from the east, and the other under General Fremont moving from the west, were headed for Strasburg; it was their purpose to cut Jackson off from Eichmond and capture him. Jackson at once hastened back to Winches- ter, where he gathered the supplies and stores taken from Banks. Sending these up the Val- ley, he follo\^'ed rapidly with his whole army. It was a race between the Confederates and the two Federal columns as to which would reach Strasburg first. A part of the Southern army marched from the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry to Strasburg, nearly fifty miles, in little more tlian twenty-four liours. Well might they be called "foot cavalry." 130 LIFE OF JACKSON When Jackson entered Strasburg, Fremont's advance was almost in sight. He sent Eweh to hold Fremont in check, for the Stonewall Bri- gade had not yet come up. There was a fierce fight, but Ewell succeeded in driving the enemy hack. TJiat evening the Stonewall Brigade ar- rived, and the whole army continued its retreat up the Valley. Jackson had won the race and was safe for tlie present. He liad passed between the two Fedei'al columns movino- on Strasburo^ without losing any of the stores captured at Winchester. Flis spoils were twenty-five hundred prisoners, a hundred cattle, two cannon, and many thou- sand pounds of provisions. All this had been gained with the loss of about four hundred men. But Jackson was not yet out of danger. As he slowly fell back u}) the main Valley, Shields turned into the Page Valley with the intention of crossing the Massanutton mountain at Xew Market and attacking him in the rear just as he had attacked Banks. If Shields could not do this, he might seize tlie bridges over the Shenan- THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 131 cloali and thus cut Jackson oli' from the Blue liidge mountains and Ivichmond. Eremont pressed up the Yallc}^ turnpike in Jackson's rear, ^^•hile Shiekis was marching up the Page Valley. The Federal cavalry at- tacked on ever}^ opportunity^, keeping Asliby bus}^ to check them. On June 6, as he was leading a charge, he fell pierced to the heart by a bullet. His last words were, ''Charge Vir- ginians !" Ashby's loss was deeply felt by his commander, who owed much of his success to the cavalry chief. Jackson now took his stand at Port Eepublic, a little town at the upper forks of the Slienan- doah river, Eremont was at Harrisonburg, fif- teen miles to the northwest and on the western side of the river ; Shields was in the Page Valle}^ on the eastern side of the Shenandoah. Jack- son was between them. In liis rear was Brown's Gap in the Blue Pidge, througli which he could pass to join Lee at Eichmond. The Southern general had no idea of leaving the Vallev without striking' another blow. The 132 LIFE OF JACKSON Shenandoah was very liigh, so that Shields and Tremont could not unite their forces. Jackson made up his mind to attack Shields first and then turn against Fremont. His army lay be- tween the north and south branches of the Shen- andoah, which flow together at Port Eepublic. There was a bridge at the town over the north branch, but the south branch, between Jackson and Shields, was crossed b}^ a ford. The north bank w^as high, but the south side stretched away in low meadows to the Blue Eidge near b}^ Leaving Ewell at Cross Keys to watch Fre- mont, now advancing from Harrisonburg, Jackson posted the rest of his army on the height overlooking the bridge at Port Eepublic. A small bod}^ of cavalry was sent across the south branch to find out Shields's position, while Jackson himself remained in the village. Early in the morning of June 8, the cavalry came galloping back with the news that the enem}^ was near at hand. Jackson in Port Eepublic at once gave THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 13?> orders for the batteries on the north side of the stream to open fire. Before the order could be carried out, a body of Federal cavalry dashed across the ford at the south branch into the town, followed by artillery. A gun was put into position at the southern end of the bridge. Jackson was now cut off from his army, which was on the other side of the river. But his presence of mind did not desert him. Eising in his stirrups, he called sternly to the Federal officer in command of the cannon, "Wlio told you to put that gun there? Bring it over here." The officer, thinking that Jackson was a Federal general, "limbered up" the piece and made read}^ to move. In the meantime Jackson and liis staff galloped across the bridge to safety. No time was lost by the Confederates in at- tacking. The artillery opened fire on the Fed- eral cavalry in the town and Jackson in person led the Thirty-seventh Virginia Regiment to the charge. The foe was driven from the bridge and the gun captured. Meanwhile Jack- 134 LIFE OF JACKSON son's long wagon train, wliicli carried his sup- plies and ainnmnition, had been bravely de- fended by a handful of pickets and wagoi. drivers. The fire of the Confederate artillery from the heights made it impossible for the Fed- erals to hold the viUagc. They hastily retreated across the south river the way they had come. Hardly had tlie guns ceased at Port Eepublic before firing was heard in the direction of Cross Kej^s, five miles away, wliere Ewell was fight- ino- Fremont. The latter had twentv thousand men against Ewell's six thousand. The Con- federate force, liowevcr, was posted with great skill on a high ridge, which the enemy could not take. EwelFs men lay on their arms that niglit, ready to renevr the struggle next morning. Jackson liad otlicr plans. He had decided to strike Shields next. Leaving a guard to watch Fremont, lie ordered Ewell to march to Port Eepublic. At midnight a foot-bridge was tlirown over south river for the infantry to cross. This bridire was made bv niacins: JACKSON AT PORT REPUBLIC BRIDGE 136 LIFE OF JACKSON wagons lengthwise across the swollen stream; the floor was formed of long boards laid from wagon to wagon. Over this rude, frail struc- ture the infantry passed, though not so quickly as the general wished. About midway of the stream a wagon stood two feet higher than the next, and all the boards but one liad pulled loose from the higher wagon. When the column began to move over, several men were thrown into the water by these loose planks. The others, refusing to trust any but the one firm plank, went over in single file. The crossing was Yery slow, and the army, instead of being in line to attack Shields at sunrise, was not en- tirely over until ten o'clock. By this time, the Federals were ready for the attack. Thus a few loose boards forced the Confederates to fight a bloody battle, for the chance of a surprise had been lost by the delay. This incident shows us that every care should be taken in doing the simplest dut}^ because the outcome of great events often turns on small matters. It is said that Jackson hoped to rout THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 137 Shields and then return to attack Fremont. His plan was now upset. The battle of Port Eepublic, June 9, 1862, was a hard-fought contest. The Federals held a strong position between tlie mountain and the river and had many cannon. At first they re- pulsed the Confederates, but General Dick Taylor, with his famous Louisiana brigade, turned their flank along the mountain side. They tlien broke and lied from the field. The victors followed them ten miles down the river and captured a number of cannon and other spoils. As the Confederate soldiers passed the battle- field on tlieir return from the pursuit, they saw the hills on the north side of the river crowded with Fremont's troops, which had arrived in time to witness the rout of Shields' s army but could not cross to his aid. Fremont opened a cannonade on the surgeons on the south bank, who were caring for the wounded. A few da3^s later Fremont retreated down the Valley, followed by the Southern cavalry^ 138 LIFE OF JACKSON now under Colonel Munford, which entered Harrisonburg on June 1 2 . The Federal armies had lost twenty-five hundred men at Cross Keys and Port Eepublic, besides cannon and stores ; the}' were in no condition to do any ser- vice for some time. Though Jackson's plan had not been entireh^ carried out, he had driven back two armies of fortj^ thousand men which had threatened to combine and crush him. More than this, Mc- Clcllan's plan for the capture of Eichmond had been upset. The government at Washuigton gave no heed to his requests for further troops, but moved its armies fi'om place to place in the effort to capture Jackson or guard the capital from his attacks. On June 12, Jackson led his army to ]^ Fount Meridian near Port liepublic. Here the wearied men had a brief rest while Colonel Munford guarded the turnpike below Harrison- burg. This is the dispatch Jackson sent to Eichmond: THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 139 "Near Port Republic, June 9, 1862. ''Tlirougli God's blessing, the enemy near Port Republic was this day routed, with tlie loss of, six pieces of artillery. "T. J. Jackson, "Major-Geyieral, commanding.'' Tlie Saturday after the battle was set aside by Jackson as a day of thanksgiving and prayer, and the next day the Lord's Supper was celebrated by the CHu-istian soldiers of the army. Jackson was present at this service and par- took of the sacred feast in company with his men. On June IG, he ordered Colonel Munford to press down the pike as far as Xew Market, in order to make the enemy believe that his whole army was advancing. This Munford did. The Federals, thinking that Jackson was again on the march, fell back to Strasburg and forti- fied it. In the meantime, on June 17, Jackson had started on a marcli, but not toward Strasburg. The mightv army of McClellan had drawn so 140 LIFE OF JACKSON near to Eiclimond that the Hght of its camp- fires could be seen in the city. General Lee had decided to attack it and asked Jackson to come to his aid. Great care was taken to make tlie Federals believe that troops were being sent from Rich- mond to Jackson and that he w^as about to at- tack Fremont and Shields at Strasburg. A division was carried to Staunton and then hur- ried back to Eichmond. Jackson himself was hastening with his army toward Eichmond, where the next battle was to be fought. Munford made a great show on the Valley turnpike by way of hiding Jackson's real move- ments. Ever3^thing was done to keep the march a secret. The men were told to answer, ^'I don't know" to all questions which might be asked them along tlie way. Cooke tells the fol- lowing amusing story: One of Hood's men had strayed from the ranks to a cherry-tree, when Jackson rode up and saw liim. ''Where are you going?" asked the general. ''I don't know," replied the sol- THE VALLEY CAMPAIGN 141 dier. "To what comiuaiid do you belong?" ''I don't know." "Well, what State are you from r "1 don't know." "What is the mean- ing of all this?" Jackson demanded angrily. "Well," was the reply, "Old Stonewall and General Hood issued orders 3^esterday that we were not to know anything until after the next fight." Jackson laughed and rode on. On June 25, the connnand reached Ashland, sixteen miles from Eiehmond. Jackson had gone on ahead to the headquarters of General Lee, where his part in tlie coming battle was pointed out to him. Campaign': a connected series of miUtary movements. Flank : side of an army. Re' in force' ments : fresh soldiers sent to an army. Mys' te ry : a great secret. Pe ti' tion (pe tish' un) : a request. Gen' ins (jen yus) : wonderful skill. Ad' ju tant : a military officer helping a general. Res' ig na' tion : the giving up of a place. A pol' o gy : making amends ; begging pardon. Am' mil ni' tion: powder and balls. 142 LIFE OF JACKSON Ee cruit' : a new soldier. Pick' et : a soldier on guard. Pon toon' : a boat used in making a hasty bridge. Why did Jackson fight the battle of Kernstown ? What was the result of the battle! What was Jackson's object in attacking Milroy at McDowell? Describe tlie battle of McDowell. How did Jackson go about attacking Banks at Strasburg ! What two generals attempted to unite and crush Jackson? Wliat was Jackson's plan to defeat them I Describe the battle of Port Republic. Why did Jackson go to Richmond? CHAPTEE VIII The Great- Campaigns of 1862 General McClellan was on the banks of the Chickahonihiy river, at one point only six miles from Richmond. He had the largest and best- equipped army that had ever been seen on American soil. His position was a strong one. He had tlie Pamunkey river on one side and the James on the other, with the marshes of the Chicka- hominy in front as natural protections against the Confederates. Besides, he had thrown up earthworks all along his line, which swept in a curve from Meadow Bridge road on the right to the Williamsburg road on the left, a distance of fifteen miles. There was one weak point, however, in Mc- Clellan's position; a part of his army w^as on the north side of the Chickahomin}^ river, while [143] 144 LIFE OF JACKSON tlio ivst was on the south side near Richmond. Lee decided to attack the Federal wing north of the Chickahominy; if he struck it a quick blow, he might be able to destroy it before help arrived fi*om the other wing. The Southern commander planned to liave Jackson come from Ashland and attack tlie Federal right wing from Ix'liind, while A. P. Hill and Long- street assailed it in front. June 20 was the da}' agreed on for tlie attack. In the afternoon of this day, Hill advanced on Mechanicsville without waiting for Jackson, who had not vet reached the field. The Fed- erals fell back to their works on Beaver Dam creek. Hill's troops charged these eartliworks again and again with tlie utmost bravery, but the terrible artillery fire drove them back wdth heavy loss. That night the Federals, learning that Jack- son was close at hand, retired behind Powhite creek, where they made ready for battle. The next morning, June 27, Hill again attacked but could not capture their position, fortified as ROBERT E. LEE 146 - LIFE OF JACKSON it was with breastworks of trees and rows of cannon. Lee waited anxiously for Jackson, who was to assail the extreme right of the Federal line. Longstreet's troops, whicli had been held back. ^^ ere now sent against the Federal works at Gaines's Mill in order to save the day. Jack- son's march had been greatly delayed by the Federal cavalry, but he at last reached Old Cold Ilarbcr and formed his line of battle. The position Jackson's troops were called on to take was a very strong one. The Northern arni}^ held a higii liill, at the bottom of which ran a sluggish stream bordered b}^ marshes, Jackson's men advanced through the stream and swamp undei' a heavy fire and moved up the slope. They gained the crest, but here they were checked and driven back. At this moment, however, the rear line came up, and the Southern infantry in every quarter of the battlefield swept forward from the woods. With the cry of ''Stonewall Jackson," the Valley troops rushed again across the THE GEEAT CAMPAIGNS OF 18C2 147 swampy ravine and up tlic liillside. Hill and Longstreet advanced at the same time, and as the sun was setting, blood-red in the smoky air, ^f^:^: A. p. HILL tlie Southern flags were planted on the enemy's breastworks. The Federals soon gave way in disorder all along their line. The victory of Gaines's Mill, or Cold Harbor, had been won by the Confed- erates, and McClellan's right wing was crushed. 148 LIFE OF JACKSON The Federal general withdrew what was left of it to the south side of the Chiekahomiiiv, and the next day, June 28, began his retreat to the James. McClellan was now in great peril. If he could not reach the James river below the Con- federate defenses, where his gunboats and supply ships could meet him, his army would fall a pre}^ to the Confederates. It was Lee's aim, therefore, to cut off his force from the river and surround it. The two commanders w^ere running a race, the result of which meant the safety or ruin of the Federal army. The fleeing Federals had one difficult obsta- cle to cross on their wav to the James, and that was the White Oak swamp. If the Southern army gained possession of the fords and bridges of the streams in this swamp, McClellan's men would be caught in the marshes and destroyed. Lee bent all his efforts to this end. The por- tion of the Confederate army south of the Chickahominy, under General Magruder, was ordered to attack the retreating enemy and THE GREAT CAMPAIGNS OF 18G2 U9 clela}' him, until Hill, Longstreet, and Jackson could cross from the north bank of the Chicka- homin^' and attack him in the flank. MAP OF THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLE In the afternoon of June 29, Magruder as- saulted the Federal rear-guard at Savage's Sta- tion, but was repulsed. Jackson, who was to 150 LIFE OF JACKSON have marched straight on Savage's Station, v>as delayed hy having to huikl a bridge across the Chickahoniiny. The resuU of this fight was that McClehan's army safely crossed the dan- gerous White Oak swamp and continued its retreat. There was still a chance, however, that Lee would cut of! McClellan from the James. On the morning of June 30, Hill and Longstreet attacked the retreating Federals at Glendale, or Frayser's Farm. Here McClellan was able to hold his ground until nightfall. Then he escaped under cover of darkness, leaving many prisoners in the hands of the Confederates. Glendale was the crisis of the Seven Days' Battle. Had McClellan suffered a decisive defeat here, his armv must have been lost; as it was, he had saved it. Jackson did not reach the field of Glendale. When night closed the conflict, he was still north of White Oak swamp, ^^'hich he had not been able to cross be- cause of the burning of the bridges and the fire of the enemv's artillery. THE GREAT CAMPAIGNS OF 1862 151 In tlie night of June 30, tlie whole Federal arni}^ continued its reti'eat to Malvern Hill, a very strong position not far from the James. As this was Lee's last chance to strike Mc- Clellan before he reached the river, he decided to attack, in spite of the long lines of frowning guns on the steep hillsides. Jackson had finalh^ crossed the White Oak swamp and the Southern arm}^ was united. The assault was made the follov. ing day, Jul}' 1, 1862. Owing to the timber and marshes, the Confederates could make little use of their artillery, while the Federals had three hmidrcd cannon in action. The Southern troops charged through the marshes and up tho hill with a bravery never surpassed. Hundreds fell, dead or wounded; the Confederates were driven back. Again and again they cliarged, but the Fed- eral cannon, loaded ^^'ith grape-shot, tore their lines to pieces. As darkness came on, they made a 'final effort to storm the crest, but this attack likewise failed. The firing ceased a])out 152 LIFE OF JACKSON ten o'clock, when the weary troops lay down on the battlefield and fell asleep. At the close of the battle, Jackson rode slowh^ to the rear, where his faithful servant Jim was waiting for him with food and a pallet placed on the ground. Jackson ate a few mouthfuls and then went to sleep. About one o'clock he was awakened by Generals Hill, Ewell, and Early, who came to tell him that their commands had been cut to pieces and that if McClellan attacked the next morning they would not be able to continue the fight. Jackson list^^iied in silence to their report, and said. "Xo, McClellan will clear out by morning." The generals thought him mad, but daybreak showed that he was right. Malvern Hill lay before them deserted. McClellan had retreated in the night to Hai'i-ison's Landing under tlie shelter of his gunboats. Malvern Hill was a bloody battle for thr Confederates; their losses were very heavy. Jackson alone lost more than two thousand men. THE GREAT CAMPAIGNS OF 18G2 153 As soon as possible after the battle, the Southern generals, pressing on to the James, found MeClellan strongly entrenched and the river full of gunboats. They then fell back to- ward Richmond without another battle. So ended McClellan's great plan to take Rich- mond. The Federal general had been fortunate to save his army from destruction. The worn-out Southern soldiers enjoyed a well-earned rest. But Jackson knew that there could be no long rest. MeClellan had been beaten, but the Xorth was gathering new hosts, and these must be met. Lee, therefore, decided to send Jackson north to threaten Washington once more. This move might force the Federal government to recall MeClellan from the James for the defense of its own capital. The various Federal forces in northei'n and western Virginia liad been gathered together under the command of General Pope. He was a boastful man who liked to tell of the great victories he was going to win. Pope was neai* Gordons ville, threatening the railroad which 154 LIFE OF JACKSON brought sup23lies to Iliclimond from the Valle}^ Jackson moved northward a2,'ainst hmi. On di'awing near Gordons ville, Jackson fomid that his force was too small to fight Pope's army. Lee sent A. P. Hill to johi him, with Stuart's cavalry. About the last of July, Pope advanced south- ward. Jackson fell back before him, to draw him forward. When Pope's forces had become somewhat scattered, Jackson turned suddenly upon him. A battle was fought at Cedar Moun- tain, not far from. Culpeper. Jackson attacked before all his troops had come up, and the Fed- erals drove back some of his regiments. Eor a bi-ief time it looked as if he were about to suffer defeat. The Stonewall Brigade came up at this moment, however, and steadied the Southern line. Jackson rode into the midst of his broken regiments, calling, ''Eally, men, and follow me!" The troops rallied and advanced again. The Federals, outflanked on both sides, were driven from the field as darkness began to fall. Jack- THE GKEAT CAMPAIGNS OF 18G2 155 soil did not pursue the flying foe very far. Pope's main army was near and it was too large for him to attack. So he withdrew to Gordons- vifle, where he awaited Lee. Just hefore the battle of Cedar Mountain, some officers asked Jim, General Jackson's servant, if there were any signs of a coining light. ''Yes, sir," replied the servant. ''The general is a great man for praying, night and morning — all times. But when I see him get up in the middle of tlic night and pray, then I know that there is o-oino' to be somethino^ to pay. I go straight and pack his haversack, for he'll call for it in tlie morning." Lee now arrived at Gordonsville with tlie greater part of the army, leaving only a small body to watch McClcllan. His plan was to defeat Pope and march north to Washington, thus forcing McClellan to leave his camp on tlie James river. Pope suddenlv learned that Lee had come up and lost no time in escaping behind the upper waters of tlie Rappahannock river. Lee moved 156 LIFE OF JACKSON to the southern haiik; the two armies watched each other across the stream. Pope's position was too strong to be attacked in front, so Lee decided to flank it. While the commander him- self remained on the Rappahannock with Long- street, he sent Jackson off to the northwest. Marching rapidly behind the Bull Eun mountains, wdiich hid his movement from the enem}^ Jackson passed through Thoroughfare Gap, and on the evening of August 26, 1862, stood between Pope and Washington cit}^ He had circled the whole Federal army. His troops captured Manassas Junction, where im- mense stores liad been piled up for the enemv's use. The half-starved Southern soldiers en- joyed a feast of every kind of food, and then what could not be eaten or carried away was burned. As soon as Pope learned that Jackson was in his rear, he moved against him. But Jack- son did not wait at Manassas Junction to be attacked. He fell back toward the west, where he would be nearer Lee and Lonsfstreet, who JACKSON PREPARING FOR BATTLE 158 LIFE OF JACKSON ^^'ere now coming by way of Thoroughfare Gap to join him. Pope, not knowing Jackson's whereabouts, ordered his army to march on Centreville. As one of his divisions passed Jackson's position on the way to Centreville, on the evening of August 28, the Southern general attacked it. The brief but fierce and blood}^ battle of Grove- ton resulted in a C^onfederate victor}^ All this time Pope had been groping in the dark. Xow that he knew where to find Jack- son, he turned to crush him before Lee could come to his aid. Jackson's force had moved to the old Manassas battlefield, where tlie embank- ment of an unfinished railroad gave some pro- tection against artillery fire. The Confederates numbered twenty thousand men against the sixt}' thousand of Pope's army. Although heavih' outnumbered, Jackson held his position against all of Pope's assaults on August 29, 1862. At one time wlien ammmiition irave out, the Southern soldiers repulsed a charge with stones and bavonets. 100 LIFE OF JACKSON In the afternoon of the same day, Lee and Longs treet reached the field ^Yith the rest of the Confederate arni}^, though Pope did not know this. The next afternoon, August 30, 18()2, the Federal general, massing his troops, made a last effort* to crush Jackson. But his men reeled hack from the Confederate fire, and before they could recover Lee ordered Long- street to advance. At the same time, Jackson's troops charged from their blood-soaked posi- tion. The long line of gray infantry, with bayonets glittering and flags gleaming in the light of the setting sun, fell on Pope's sur- prised army. Tlie Federals, giving wa}^ on eveiy side, left the field in the hands of the Confederates. As night came on, the whole Northern army fled toward Washington. Only the strong forts on the Potomac, behind wliich the beaten troops found shelter, saved Pope from ruin. On the retreat from Manassas the Federal rear-guard fought a severe combat with the ad- vancing Confederates. A heavy storm came THE GREAT CAMPAIGNS OF 18G-2 IGl up while the fighting was going on. A. P. Hill sent an aid to Jackson to tell him that the am- munition was wet and to ask leave to retire. ''Give my comphments to General Ilill," ' said Jackson, "and tell him that the Yankee ammunition is as wet as his — to stay where he is." Jackson refused to let difficulties stop him in war, just as he had refused to let them clieck him in his earlier life. Genei-al Lee now decided to cross the Poto- mac and threaten Washington. Jackson led the advance. He remained in Frederick, Mary- land, for several days, resting his men. Lee, on reaching Frederick, at once sent him to cap- ture Harper's Ferr}^ wliich was strongly held by Federal troops. Jackson marched to Harper's Ferry, planted his cannon on the heights overlooking the little town and made ready to storm it with his in- fantry. The garrison of thirteen thousand men then surrendered. Vast quantities of arms and military stores were taken. 162 LIFE OF JACKSON Shortly after the surrender, Jackson began his return march to join Lee. The Confederate commander had taken up a position at Sharps- burg near the northern bank of the Potomac river. With his forces divided, he was in great danger. jMcClehan, commanding the Xorthern army, had found a lost order of Lee's setting forth his line of march and thus knew the Con- federate plans. He at once advanced against Lee. Jackson reached Sharpsburg on September 16. Even with his troops in the battle line, the Southern army was less than half as large as McClellan's. Lee had decided, however, not to recross the river into Virginia without a fight. Jackson held the left wing of the Southern line, reaching almost to the Potomac river. Early in the morning of September 17, 1862, the Federal columns advanced against him. They were driven back by his brave men. But new troops came up to help the Federals, and a fierce and bloodv combat followed. So heavy was the fire that acres of corn were cut down THE GREAT CAMPAIGNS OF 1862 163 by bullets as cleanly as if reaped by scythes, and the dead lay in regiilar ranks along the Confederate front. At lengtli the Northern soldiers were driven back, only to return again In stronger force. They were repulsed once more, and Jackson's men advanced in turn. The terrible Eederal artillery fire, however, soon drove the South- erners back to their old position. McClellan then attacked Lee's right and cen- ter on Antietam (ante' tarn) creek, where another fierce struggle took place. Lee held his ground until night ended the battle. The next morning Lee and Jackson wished to attack McClellan but found that his position was too strong. The day was spent by both armies in burying the dead and caring for the wounded. In the evening, Lee, learning that new troops were coming to McClellan's help, decided to recross the Potomac. The army passed over the river that night. 'Tor hours," saA's Dr. Dabney, "Jackson was seen seated on his horse, motionless as a 164 LIFE OF JACKSON statue, watching the passage until the last man and the last carriage had touched the southern shore." Sharpsburg, or Antietam, as it is often called, was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Lee fought it with an army worn out by constant marching and weak from hunger. Nearly half his men had been left behind on the Virginia roads, unable to keep in the ranks. In spite of this, he had held his position at Sharpsburg against all attacks and had withdrawn into Vir- ginia at his pleasure. The Federals crossed the Potomac in the morning of September 19, but were met at Boteler's ford by A. P. Hill and repulsed with great loss. Hundreds were shot while they were trvino: to cross the river. AYhile the fighting was going on, an aid sent by Lee found Jackson calmly watching the combat. His only remark was, "^Yith the blessing of Providence, they will soon be driven back." McClellan made no further effort to follow Lee. THE GREAT CAMPAIGNS OF 1862 165 For some weeks the Southern army rested in the lower Yallev. Jackson busied himself in getting clothes and shoes for his men and in filling up the ranks, which had been sadly JAMES A. LONGSTREET thinned by the fighting and hard marching of the summer. The sick and foot-sore returned in large numbers, so tliat the regiments were once more full and ready for the battles that were soon to be fought. 166 LIFE OF JACKSON By this time Jackson had become the idol of his men. Their pet name for him was ''Okl Jack," and whenever he rode by they would cheer themselves hoarse. This story is told by an ej^e-witness : *'When Jackson's men were on their famous march to Manassas, at the close of the first day they came upon Jackson, who had ridden for- ward and dismounted and was standing on a great stone by the roadside. His sun-burned cap was lifted from his brow and his blue e3^es gleamed. The men burst forth into cheers, but he at once sent an officer to ask that there be no cheering, as it might betray their presence to the enemy. Instantly the shouting stopped, but as the men passed the general, their eyes told him what their lips could not utter — their love for him. Jackson turned to his staff, his face beaming with delight, and said, 'Who could not conquer with such men as these?' " Well might he be proud of soldiers who had been marching and fighting for days, many of them without rations and forced to live on THE GEEAT CAMPAIGNS OF 1862 167 irreen corn found on the wavside, and who were yet full of courage and devotion! Sv^amp : soft, low ground. Ob' sta cle : something in tlie way. Oris' is : that on which some great event turns. For' tu nate : lucky. Ear ly : to stop retreating. Hav' er sack : a satchel carried by soldiers. Em bank' ment : a raised bank. De vo' tion : love, affection. How did Lee plan to attack McClellan? What was Jackson's part in the battle of Gaines's Mill? How did McClellan hope to escape? Where did McClellan make a last stand on July 1, 1862? What was the result of the Seven Days' Battle? How did Jackson march around Pope I Wlio came to Jackson's aid at the second battle of Manassas? Describe Jackson's part in the battle of Sharps- burg? What feeling did Jackson's men have for him? CHAPTEE IX The Last Battles While Jackson was in the lower Shenandoah Valley, the Confederate government, on Octo- ber 11, 18G2, gave him the rank of lieutenant- -general, next to the hidiest in the service. Lee's army was divided into two corps, one of which w^as conm landed by Jackson and the other by Longstreet. These generals have been called the ''two hands" of Lee. Jackson's modesty and simple kindness of heart were not lessened by his promotion and his growing fame. One morning, riding out with his staff near Front Royal, he was stopped l)y a country woman, who anxiously inquired for her son Johnnie, serving, as she said, "in Captain Jackson's compam^" The general kindh^ asked to what regiment her son be- longed. The woman w^as astonished that ''Captain Jackson" did not know her Johnnie JACKSON, JOHNSTON, AND LEE 170 LIFE OF JACKSON and repeated her questions, almost in tears. The young staH officers at length began to smile. Jackson, hearing a titter, turned on them, re- buked them for their want of mamiers, and sent them off in different directions to hunt for Johnnie. He did not rest mitil mother and son were brought together. At the end of October, McClellan crossed the Potomac with an army of one hundred and forty thousand men. But he moved so slowly that President Lincoln lost patience with him and put General Burnside in his place. The latter general decided to try a new road to Eicli- mond. He marched toward Eredericksbm-g on the Eappahannock river, with the view of crossing that stream and coming down on Eich- mond from the north. Lee, seeing Burnside's plan, moved his own army to the Eappahannock. Jackson w^as called from the Vallej^, reaching Lee's camp on December 1. The Southern army numbered about sixty-five thousand men, of whom twenty-five thousand were in Jackson's corps. THE LAST BATTLES 171 Lee held the hills south of Fredericksburg with his two corps, while Burnside was on Stafford Heights north of the river. The town of Fred- ericksburg lay between the two armies. Tiie troops on both sides suffered in the cold weather, especiall}^ the Confederates, who had no tents or overcoats and who were often with- out shoes and lived on scanty rations of fat meat and corn bread. These trials did not lessen their courage. They threw up breast- works and waited for the enemy. Burnside had much trouble in crossing the Eappahannock at Fredericksburg. Southern sharpshooters in the town fired on the men building the pontoon bridges, making the work slow and dangerous. In order to drive out the sharpshooters, Burnside opened fire on the town with one hundred and fifty cannon. Many houses were set on fire by the shells, and the people were driven from tlieir homes. At last the Federal columns crossed the bridges and entered Fredericksburg. By the morning of December 13, ninety thousand men were over 172 LIFE OF JACKSON the river. The greater part were massed on the plain four miles south of Fredericksburg; the rest were in the town itself. To meet the enem.y, Lee had stretched out his line for five miles; Lon2:street held the Con- ^,r^v.4^/u^ 4u'''?w^ ii^^t^„^^*^4^ federate left behind Fredericksburg, Jackson the right wing four miles away. The battle began by a fierce attack on Jack- son's position. The Federals charged with great bi'aver}^, but were repulsed with heavy loss. The other wing of the Northern army at- tacked Marye's Heights near the town, held by Lon2:street's men. The Boutherri infantry ■■^^^supf'^'^ MAJOR GENERAL T. J. JACKSON 174 LIFE OF JACKSON stood behind a stone wall and fired with careful aim into the blue masses pushing toward them. In spite of their splendid courage, the Federals were driven back in defeat. When night came thirteen thousand of them lay dead or wounded on the frozen earth, while Lee had lost five thousand men. Jackson wished to make a night attack on Burnside's beaten armv, huddled in the town, but gave up the plan. Thus he lost the chance to win' a decisive victory. Burnside did not attack again on the morning of December 14, and two nights later, in the midst of a storm of wind and rain, withdrew liis forces to the north- ern side of the river. Both armies now went into winterquarters. Jackson's corps built huts in the forest and made itself as comfortable as possible. The general lodged in a cottage at Moss Xeck be- longing to a Mr. Corbin. Here he set to work to w^ite out his reports to the government of the battles lie had fought. He did this with great clearness and regard for the truth. THE LAST BATTLES 175 What a wonderful record it was! From the hist days of March, his men had fought the l^attles of Kernstown, McDowell, Winchester, Cross Keys, Port Eepuhllc, Gaines's Mill, Malvern Hill, Cedar Mountain, Groveton, the second Manassas, Harper's Ferr}', Sbarpshurg, and Fredericksburg. Never had the}' failed in battle. When their ammu- nition had given out, they had fought with stones; and when there were no rations, they had lived on green corn and berries. So swiftly did Ihe}^ march from place to place that they were called the ''foot cavalry," and the knowl- edge that Jackson was ''lost" carried terror to the foe. Jackson's fame was now world-wide. Not onh' his own people but strangers from Europe made visits to the camp to see the general. In these months of rest, Jackson greatly en- joyed the visits of Stuart, the cavalry leader, who made the mess merry with his jokes and laughter. He was also very fond of little six- year-old Jane Corbin, who Uved in a big house 17G LIFE OF JACKSON near by. Eveiy evening when the day's work was over, she would run in to see the general, and he always had some present for her. One evening, wdien he found nothing else to give her, he ripped off a band of gold lace from his new cap and put it on her brow. The lovely child lived only a few months longer. Early in the spring she was taken ill and died. Jackson mourned greatty for his little friend. The general had never enjoyed a leave of absence since that da}^ in 1861 when he marched away from Lexington. Now in April, 1863, his famil}^ came to see him in camp since he could not go to them. He found great pleasure in caring for his infant daughter Julia, whom he named after her mother. This pleasant family life did not last long. The spring of 1863 was advancing and the Confederate army made ready for new battles. Jackson wislied to attack the enemy, for he saw that the small Southern forces must strike quickly if they would save themselves from being overwhelmed by the Northern masses. THE LxVST BATTLES 177 The federals also prepared to attack. Burn- side had been removed from command of the Northern army, which ^Yas now led by ''Fight- ing Joe" Hooker, as he was called. His army numbered about one hundred and fifty thou- sand men and it still lay on the northern side of the Eappahannock river at Fredericksburg. Lee at this time had onh' fifty thousand men. Long-street's corps was away at Suffolk, a town near Norfolk. Thus the Southern commander had about one- third as many troops as the enemy. Hooker divided his army. The smaller part was to cross the Eappahannock at Fredericks- burg and hold Lee, while the main body was to cross the river far above tlie town and get between Lee and Richmond. The Southern army would then have to give battle away from its defenses and might be beaten. At the same time, Hooker sent liis cavalry off on a great raid to destroy tlie railroads which brought food from Eichmond to Lee's army. The first part of the plan was carried out 178 LIFE OF JACKSON ^^ itli skill and success. The main Federal army crossed the llappahannock without trouble and plunged into the great forest known as *'The Wilderness." AVlien Hooker reached Chan- cellors vihe, where several roads met, he dug trenches and planted cannon. He then moved slowly eastward toward Fredericksburg. The left wing of the Northern army, under General Sedgwdck, crossed the river below Fi-edericksburg and was at once met by Jack- son, who was ever watchful. Sedgwick did not intend to fight, however, but mereh^ wished to delay Lee at Fredericksburg until Hooker could come up behind him. Lee pi"omptly guessed tlie plan. He ordered Jackson to leave a single division in front of Sedgwick and to go at once in search of Hooker. This order reached Jackson at eight o'clock in the evening ei April 30, and by midnight his troops were on the march. Early the next morning tlie}^ came up with General Anderson, who was holding the enenw back with a small force. J. E. B. STUART 180 LIFE OF JACKSON Jackson drew up his men in line of battle on a ridge about four miles east of Chancellors- ville and awaited attack. But Hooker now changed his mind. Instead of driving Jackson back on Fredericksburg, he slowly retreated tc( his strong earthworks at Chancellorsville. In tlie meantime Lee had come up with the rest of the army, and the Southerners pressed west- ward after the retiring enemy. When Lee and Jackson met that night they were joined by Stuart, \vho had studied the Federal position at Chancellorsville and found out its weak point. The Federals had built strong works on the east and south of C^han- cellorsville but not on the north and west. Jackson's quick mind at once planned to attack Hooker in the rear, just as Hooker had planned to attack Lee. If Jackson could come down on Hooker from the northwest, where there were no earthworks, he felt sure that he would win a victor}^ This was a difficult thing to do, how- ever, for the Southern forces were east of the Federals and must pass across their whole front % " ^^- "' '^ "^i^i^^^H ^^^^^ ^H^^^vi ,^/« •i.fsAy^^ f ■" ^^J ir^mm^UB^-^'^M 1^' jjm^ ^K' ^^EIm '>' ^1 1 n IBM .^ r/i^^^^^yfi' mill 'w^ ^m- li 1 • i^' ^^. I^ksI '^xjia S^Si f y^Sr if rJ !• '■ ■ ■mA v'-^I^MImy 11 m. V ^;i?^^..- <^ ~<|i)ll^'^>:^^ m--'-' "■^•i^^-\i^\ ▼,. i m ' ; '^^^ mi ■ - LAST MEETING OF LEE AND JACKSON 182 LIFE OF JACKSON in order to get to the other side where the attack was to be made. Lee hsteiied to the phin and finally gave con- sent for Ills great lieutenant to make the trial. Lee's own part in the battle was to engage Hooker's left wing, while Jackson was march- ing aromid to attack his right wing. Jackson's chaplain, Mr. Lacy, told him of a road that would lead across the front of the Federal arm}^ to its right flank; as this road passed through the Wilderness, the trees would hide the move- ment from the enemy. At sunrise Jackson was in the saddle at the head of his column. After a last brief talk with Lee on the roadside, he plunged into the woods. Stuart's cavalry covered the line of march, and the infantiy, knowing that they were making one of their famous flanlv movements, went ahead at a rapid pace. Morning passed and the day wore on ; Jack- son was drawing near the right wing of the Federal ai-my. General Fitz Lee came to tell him that he would show him the Northern host THE LAST BATTLES 183 from the top of a nearby liill. They rode up the liill together, and Jackson, through liis glasses, carefully viewed the Federal position. Then he made his preparations for battle. At three P. M., after a mai'ch of fifteen miles, he ^Yas exactl}^ on the opposite side of the enemy from General Lee. Jackson now sent his last message to Lee: 'The enemy has made a stand at Chancellors- ville. I hope as soon as practicable to attack. I trust that an ever kind Providence will bless us with success." Leaving the Stonewall Brigade under Gen- eral Paxton on the plank road, with orders te block the wa}^ to Germanna Ford, Jackson formed the rest of his men in three lines under cover of the woods. Eodes's division was in front, Colston's next, and A. P. Hill's in the rear. Between five and six o'clock tlie word was given and the bugles sounded the signal to advance. The gray line sprang forward as one man towai'd tlie enemy. The thickets were so dense that many of the 184 LIFE OF JACKSON soldiers had the clothes torn from their backs, but on they went, sometimes creeping along on all fours to get through the dense under- growth. After an advance of two miles they came suddenly on the right wing of Hooker's army. The Federals were scattered about, cooking and eating their supper, never dream- ing that the dreaded Jackson was at hand. With a wild yell, the Confederates dashed for- ward and drove the enemy pell-mell through the forest for three miles. Jackson's only order was, "Press forward," and onward hurried his brave men toward the Federal center. At eight o'clock the Confederate advance was within a mile of Chancellorsville and still in the woods. Jackson ordered the fresh troops of A. P. Hill to relieve Kodes's men, who were worn out with marching and fighting. As he rode among the troops, Jackson kept saying, "Men, get into line! Get into fine!" Turning to Colonel Cobb, he sent him to tell Rodes to charge a barricade a shoi-t distance in front. He then rode into the turnpike to reconnoitre. THE LAST BATTLES 185 Before the broken ranks of Eodes could gain the barricade, a fresh body of Federals came out from Chancellorsville, and the fight was renewed. It was ten o'clock and the moon sent her soft rays down into the heart of the Wilder- ness, usualh^ so quiet but now awake to the sound of tramping feet, the rattle of musketry, and the cries of the womided and d3^ing. Through moonliglit and shadow, with tliese sounds ringing in liis ears, Jackson went for- ward to his death. After riding up the turnpike a brief distance, he found that tlie enemy was advancing. He thereupon turned and came rapidly back to- ward his own troops. The Southern line of battle, lying in the thickets, thought that Jack- son and his staff were Federal cavahy and opened a sudden fire on tliem. So deadly was the aim that nearly every horse in the party was struck. Two officers were killed, others hurt. Jackson himself was wounded three times; his left arm was broken just below the shoulder joint and also lower down ; a third ball, 186 LIFE OF JACKSON entering the palm of his right hand, shattered two bones. His left arm, so cruelly hurt, dropped help- lessly by his side, and the horse, no longer held bv the rehis, ran toward the enemy. As it gal- WHERE JACKSON FELL loped beneath a tree, a bough struck the rider in the face, tore off his cap, and threw him vio- lently back in tlie saddle. He did not fall but grasped the I'eins with his bleeding right hand and managed to turn iW horse back into the road. Here e^er^'thing was in wild confusion. Horses mad witli pain and fright were running THE LAST BATTLES 187 about, while the \\'oiin(led and dying lay on every side. Captain AYilbourne, one of Jackson's aids, seizing the bridle, stopped the horse. The gen- eral was lifted from the saddle almost fainting from loss of blood. lie was placed on the side of the road while a messenger was sent to Dr. McGuire, the head surgeon. Presently General Hill came up. He took off Jackson's gauntlets and found that his left arm was broken. A bandage was quickh^ put on, and Jackson made an effort to walk. lUit after a few steps he was placed in a litter, which had been brought for his use. The litter was hardly in motion before the enemy opened fire with their artillery along the road. Many men were struck down, among them Genei'al Hill and one of the litter-bearers. The officers carrying the litter Avere forced to place it on the gi'ound and lie down beside it to escape the storm of grape- shot. When the fire lessened, Jackson rose to his feet and slowdy w^alked along, leaning on two 188 LIFE OF JACKSON members of Ids staS. General Pender came up at lliis moment ; he saw that J ackson was seri- ously hurt. "General," he said, ''I am sorry to see that 3^ou have been wounded. The hues here are so much broken that I fear we shall have to fall back." Tliough nearh^ fainthig, Jackson raised his right hand and said firmly, "You must liold your ground, General Pender! You must hold vour o-round!" This was his last order. As he had become very faint b}- this time, he was a<]:ain borne alono; on the litter toward the hospital at Wilderness Eun. In going througli the undergrowth, one of the bearers caught his foot and stumbled, letting the litter fall to the ground. Jackson's wounded shoulder was hurt and for the first time he groaned aloud. With great difficulty the bearers made their way to a place in the road where an ambulance was waiting. Jackson was placed in it and was soon met by Dr. ]\IcGuire, who found him almost pulseless. 'YOU MUST HOLD YOUR GROUND' 190 LIFE OF JACKSON A draught of spirits revived him. Ere long he was laid in a camp bed at the hospital, where he fell mto a deep sleep. About midnight he was awakened b}^ Dr. McGuire and told that it was thought necessary to amputate his arm. "Do what you think best, Doctor," was Jackson's calm reph . The surgeon cut off the left arm and took the ball out of the right hand. Jackson again fell into a deep sleep, which lasted until nine o'clock Sunda}' morning. General Stuart was now in command of Jackson's corps, for Hill was among the wounded. Xot knowing Jackson's plans, Stuart decided to wait until morning before at- tacking the strong Federal works at Chan- cellorsville. The next morning, May 3, 1863, he attacked on the west, while Lee advanced on the east and south. When the Stonewall Brigade went forward, the men raised the shout of "Eemem- ber Jackson !" "But even as they moved from their ])osition,'' says Dabney, "their general. THE LAST BATTLES 191 Paxton, the friend and former adjutant of Jackson, was killed where he stood. His men rushed forward, and without any other leader than the name which formed their hattle-cr}^ swept everything hefore them." At ten o'clock in the morning, Chancellorsville was stormed and the Federals sought refuge behind new 1>arricades nearer the river. In the meantime. General Sedgwick attacked Early at Fredericksburg and captured his trenches. He next advanced west to the aid of Hooker. Jiut Lee, having driven Hooker to the river, sent help to Early and later came him- self to oppose Sedgwick. Sedgwick was beaten in a sharp fight at Salem Church, four miles from Fredericksburg. He at once fell back to the Rappahannock, which he was fortunate enouo-h to cross. Then Lee turned once more to Hooker, but he, too, had retreated across the river. The battle of Chancellorsville ended in victory for Lee at ever}^ point. When Jackson woke up on Sunday morning, May 3, he asked one of his aids to go to Eicli- 192 LIFE OF JACKSOX mond for his wife, whom lie had sent to that city when Hooker crossed the Eappahannock. His mmd was clear and he stated that if he had had one more hour of daylight he would have cut off the enemy from the fords, so that they would have had to fight their way out or sur- render. It was thought hest to remove the general to a quieter place, and on Monday he was borne to Guinea Station on the railroad, where every care was taken to make him comfortable. He showed great interest on hearing of the battle on May 3, and said of the Stonewall Brigade, "They are a noble body of men. The men who live through this Avar will be proud to say, 'I was one of the Stonewall Brigade.' " Jackson then went on to state that the name Stonewall belonged to this connuand alone, which had earned it by steadfast conduct at the first Manassas. He spoke also of General Eodes, saying that his gallant conduct should be rewarded by the rank of major-general. Paxton's death gave him great distress, but he THE LAST BATTLES 193 grew calm again when told of the glorious deeds of his old bi'igade. He was much pleased at this noble letter from Lee: * ' General : 'M have just received your note, informing me that you were wounded. I cannot express my re- gret at the occurrence. Could I have directed events, I should have chosen, for the good of the country, to have been disabled in your stead. ''I congratulate you on the victory which is due to your skill and energy, ''Most truly yours, "R. E. Lee, General." On Wednesda}^, Jackson's wounds were doing so well that it was thought possible to remove him by railroad to Richmond. That night, however, when Dr. McGuire was absent, he was taken with a severe pain in his side, which was due to pneumonia setting in. From that time he grew steadily weaker, until at last it was seen that he could live but a brief while longer. Mrs. Jackson arrived on Thursday, and to her the general said, "I know you would gladly 194 ' LIFE OF JACKSON give your life for me, but I am perfectly re- signed." When she told him, in tears, that death was near, he whispered, ''Very good ; it is all right." He then sent messages to many friends and asked to be buried in Lexington, in the Valle}^ of Virginia. His little girl was now brought in to receive his farewell. He tried to caress her with his poor maimed liand — she smiling in her delight at seeing him ao^ain. The child remained bv his side on the bed until it was evident that he was gro^^ing very weak. His mind at last began to wander and he thought liimself on the battlefield. "Order A. P. Hill to prepare for action," he said. "Pass the infantry to the front. Tell Major Hawks" — he paused and then said gently, "Tjet us cross over tlie river and rest in the shade of the trees." Fromi this time he continued to sink, and at fifteen minutes past three in the afternoon of Sunday, May 10, 18G3, the spirit of the great captain passed away. THE LAST BATTLES 195 Bar' ri cade : a hastily made defense of logs and earth. Corps (core) : the largest division of an army. Sharp' shoot ers : expert riflemen. Bom bard' ment: firing on a place with cannon. De cis' ive : final, complete. Chap' lain : a clergyman of the army or navy. Gaunt' let: a long glove. Am' bu lance : a wagon used for carrying the sick or wounded. Re' con noi' tre: to scout; to go ahead to gain information, What did Burnside attempt? How did Lee check him? Tell of the battle of Fredericksburg. What was Hooker's i)lan? What did Stuart find out about his position! How did Lee and Jackson plan to defeat Hooker? Describe Jackson's march through the woods. Tell of Jackson's wounding. Tell of the battle of Chancellorsville. CHAPTEK X On the Roll of Fame The news of Jackson's death was received with intense i>Tief throu^^hout the South. The Southern people knew that they had lost a great general, one that could not be replaced. The Avhole countr}^ sought to honor the dead liero. By order of President Davis, a special train brought his remains to Richmond. A beautiful new flag of the Confederac};. a gift of the coun- try, was used as a winding sheet. When the train reached Richmond, it w^as met by a vast throng of w^eeping people. On AVednesday, Ma}^ 13, the coffin, preceded by troops, was borne tln'ough the main streets of the city. The hearse was drawn by four white horses and was followed bv eight generals, who acted as pallbearers. Then came Jackson^s horse, harnessed as for battle and led by his bod}'-servant ; after that came his staff, the ON THE ROLL OF FAME 197 President, the Governor of Virginia, the heads of the city government, and a great number of people. As the procession moved slowly along, can- non were fired and bells tolled. At last the capitol was reached and the body was taken into the building amidst the tears of the multi- tude. It lay in state all day, while thousands of people passed b}^ it, anxious for a last glimpse of the famous soldier. President Davis stood for a long time, gazing at the quiet face, and then left the building in silence. As the shades of evening fell and the liour came for closing the capitol, a one-armed soldier pressed througli the crowd to see Jack- son. The guards told him that he was too late, that the order had been given to clear the hall. He still struggled for^^^ard, refusing to take a denial, until the guards forced him back. Upon this the soldier lifted the stump of his arm, and, with tears running down his face, said, "By this arm, which I lost for m}^ country, I demand the privilege of seeing my general once more." The 198 LIFE OF JACKSON appeal was not to be resisted, and tlie soldier was allowed a last look at the face of his dead leader. The next day the body was taken to Lexing- ton, where it was received by General Smitli. LITTLE SORREL— JACKSON'S WAR HORSE, 30 YEARS OLD the cadet corps, and nian}^ sorrowful citizens. It was placed in Jackson's old classroom. Every half hour the cadet battery pealed out a requiem to the great teacher of artillery tactics. Then the body was borne to the o:rave on a caisson of the cadet battery and laid to rest ON THE EOLL OF FAME 199 beside his first wife in the beautiful Lexington cemetery. Lee's "right hand" liad been taken away in the hour of his greatest victory. There were other generals as brave and true as Jackson, but none that had the same j^ower of discovering the movements of the enemv and the same JULIA JACKSON AT THE AGE OF FOUR ability to strike such hard and unexpected blows — those «>ifts which made him the idol of his soldiers and tlie terror of liis foes. The renown of elackson is not confined to the limits of his own land. It has crossed the ocean, and the plans of his battles in the Valley 300 LIFE OF JACKSON of Virginia, at the second Manassas, and at Chancellorsville are studied b}^ military men in eveiy comitry. Jackson is thought to be one of the greatest generals of all time. A few years after the war, his admirers in England gave a bronze statue of the general to the State of Virginia. It was placed in the Capitol Square in Richmond near the statues of Washington and the other great Virginians of his time. In the spring of 1891, a beautiful and im- posing statue of the hero was erected in Lex- ington, Virginia, Iw his old soldiers and friends and admirers. On Jul}^ 21 of that year, it was unveiled in the presence of a great crowd. The anniversary of the first battle of Manassas, when Jackson gained the name of Stonewall, was thought to be a fitting time for giving to the world this new memorial to the great mili- tary hero. For days and nights the trains bore into the old town thronffs of soldiers and other visitors f i-om all parts of the countr}^ Beautiful arches, ON THE ROLL OF F.UIE 201 with mottoes, graced the huildings and high- ways and flags hung on every side. MRS. JACKSON AND HER DAUGHTER JULIA At noon on July 21, the great parade moved from the Virginia Mihtary Institute. General James A. Walker, who had heen commander of the Stonewall Brigade, was chief marshal of the dav. Band after hand of Confederate vete- 202 LIFE OF JACKSON rails iiiarclied in the procession, some of them clad in their faded uniforms, followed by mili- tary companies from many cities, famous gen- erals of the war, and a long line of carriages bearing the principal guests. Among these last were General Jubal A. Early, General Custis Lee, Mr. E. V. Valentine, the sculptor of the statue, Mrs. Jackson, and her son-in-law% Mr. Christian, with Jackson's two grand- children. The parade halted before a grandstand In the Washington and Lee University grounds. After prayer and the reading of Southern poems. General Early, clad in Confederate gray, gave a simple account of Jackson's life and battles. He was greeted with the cheers and the tears of the veterans as they once more marched and fought in memory with the im- mortal Stonewall. At the close of the address, the procession proceeded to the cemetery, where stood the veiled monument. On the signal, Mrs. Jackson and her two grandchildren mounted the steps 204 LIFE OF JACKSON of the platform. A gun sounded, and the chil- dren, with united hands, pulled the cord, letting the veil fall and revealino: to the throno; the face and form of Jackson. Amidst the thunder of the cheers, the Rockbridge artillery fired a salute from the gmis tlic}^ had used at the first battle of Manassas. But not enough had been done to honor the hero. In 1896, a noble building, called the "Jackson Memorial Hall," was built at the Vir- ginia Military Institute in his memory. In its halls the cadets will be trained for war for many years to come. How fit the place! Xcarby rest Lee and Jackson, noble examples to every 3^outh who wishes to fight successfully the good fight of life. It was still felt, however, that a monument should be erected to Jackson which would rep- resent the love and admiration of the whole South. Within the last few 3^ears a fund has been raised for an equestrian statue. It will be placed in Richmond and will be the most fitting memorial to the world-famous soldier. ON THE ROLL OF FAME Cais' son : an ammunition wagon. 205 Tac' tics : the art of liandling troops in battle. Req' ui em : a hymn sung in honor of tlie dead. Vet' er an : one wlio lias seen long service. An' ni ver' sa ry : the day of the year on which some event has occurred. E ques' tri an : on horseback. Wliat was the feeling in the South at the death of Jackson? How was Jackson honored! Tell of his monument at Lexington. WAR POEMS , THE LONE SENTEY JAMES R. RANDALL 'Twas at the dying of the day, The darkness grew so still, The drowsy pipe of evening birds Was hushed upon the hill. Athwart the shadows of the vale Slumbered the men of might, And one lone sentry paced his rounds To watch the camp that night. A grave and solemn man was he, With deep and sombre brow; The dreamful eyes seemed hoarding up Some unaccomplished vow. The wistful glance peered o'er the plain Beneath the starry light; And, with the murmured name of God, He watched the camp that night. [207] 208 LIFE OP^ JACKSON The future opened unto him Its grand and awful scroll; Manassas and the Valley march Came heaving o'er his soul, Richmond and Sharpsburg thundered by With that tremendous fight Which gave him to the angel host Who watched the camp that night. We mourn for him who died for us, With one resistless moan; While up the Valley of the Lord He marches to the throne. He kept the faith of men and saints Sublime and pure and bright; He sleeps — and all is well with him Who watched the camp that night. "THE BEIGADE MUST NOT KNOW, SIE " AVhoVe ye got there?" — ''Only a dying brother. Hurt in the front just now." Good boy! He'll do. Somebody tell his mother Where he was killed, and how." WAE, POEMS 209 'Whom have you there!" — "A crippled courier. Major; Shot by mistake, we hear. He was with Stonewall." — "Cruel work they've made here ; Quick with him to the rear ! ' ' 'Well, who comes next!" — "Doctor, speak low; speak low, sir; Don't let the men find out. It's Stonewall!" — "God!" — "The brigade must not know, sir. While there's a foe about." Wliom have we liere — shrouded in martial manner. Crowned with a martyr's charm? A grand, dead hero, in a living banner. Born of his heart and arm : The heart whereon his cause hung — see how clingeth That banner to his bier ! The arm wherewith his cause struck — hark ! how ringeth His trumpet in their rear ! » 210 LIFE OF JACKSON What have we left? His glorious inspiration, His prayers in council met. Living, he laid the first stones of a nation; And dead, he builds it yet. THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD THEODORE o'haRA The muffled drum's sad roll has beat The soldier's last tattoo; No more on life's parade shall meet That brave and fallen few. On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread. And glory guards, with solemn round. The bivouac of the dead. No rumor of the foe's advance Now sweeps upon the wind, No troubled thought at midnight haunts Of loved ones left behind; No vision of the morrow's strife The warrior's dream alarms; Nor braying horn, nor screaming fife At dawn shall call to arms. Their shivered swords are red with rust, Their plumed heads are bowed, Their haughty banner, trailed in dust. Is now their martial shroud. WAH POEMS 211 And plenteous funeral-tears have washed The red stains from each brow ; And the proud forms, by battle gashed, Are freed from anguish now. The neighing troop, the flashing blade, The bugle's stirring blast, The charge, the dreadful cannonade, The din and shout are past. Nor war's wild note, nor glory's peal, Shall thrill with fierce delight Those breasts that never more may feel Tl;e rapture of the fight. THE SUXNY SOUTH FROM THE ''land WE LOVE^* The Sunny South! the Sunny South! The land that gave us birth; Where brightest hopes have cheered our youth- The land of generous worth. The Sunny South, though cast in gloom. Still land of beauteous flowers, Exhaling fragrance o'er our doom With sweet, refreshing powers. 212 LIFE OF JACKSON The Sunny South! now ahnost mute, Still land of precious store, Where Nature yields her choicest fruit With sweetness crimsoned o'er. The Sunny South! awake! awake! Rise, like your mountains, rise! The birds sing sweetly for your sake. Beneath bright, genial skies. The Sunny South! be high your aim — Adorn your golden prime; — Unconquered minds you still can claim, And make your lives sublime. The Sunny South! heroic, grand! Where high-souled men did dare To bleed and die! — a noble band — ■ For home, and for the Fair. The Sunny South! let virtues blend In thee, all lands above: When God propitious smiles will lend, And bless the land we love. — c. L. H, AVAR rOEMS 213 STONEWALL JACKSON'S WAY DES RIVIERES Come, stack arms, men ! Pile on the rails ; Stir up the camp-fire bright; No matter if the canteen fails, We'll make a roaring night. Here Shenandoah brawls along, Here burly Blue Ridge echoes strong, To swell the brigade's rousing song, Of "Stonewall Jackson's way." We see him now — the old slouched hat Cocked o'er his eye askew — The shrewd dry smile— the speech sc pat. So calm, so blunt, so true. The "Blue Light Elder" knows 'em well: Says he, "That's Banks; he's fond of shell. Lord save his soul! we'll give him—" well That's "Stonewall Jackson's way." Silence ! Ground arms ! Kneel all ! Caps off ! Old "Blue Light's" going to pray. Strangle the fool that dares to scoff! Attention! it's his way! Appealing from his native sod In forma pauperis to God, "Lay bare thine arm! Stretch forth thy rod! Amen!" That's Stonewall's way. 214 LIFE OF JACKSON He's in the saddle now: Fall in! Steady! The whole brigade! Hill's at the ford, cut off; we'll win His way out, ball and blade. What matter if our shoes are worn? What matter if our feet are torn? Quick stej) ! we 're with him before dawn : That's Stonewall Jackson's way. The sun's bright lances rout the mists Of morning — and, by George! Here's Longstreet, struggling in the list. Hemmed in an ugly gorge. Pope and his Yankees, whipped before: *' Bayonets and grape!" hear Stonewall roar "Charge, Stuart! Pay off Ashby's score," In Stonewall Jackson's way! Ah, maiden! wait, and watch, and yearn, For news of Stonewall's band! Ah, widow! read — with eyes that burn. That ring upon thy hand! Ah, wife! sew on, pray on, hope on: Thy life shall not be all forlorn. The foe had better ne'er been born, That gets in Stonewall's way. WAB, POEMS 216 THE PHANTOM HOST ABRAM F. RYAN My form was wrapped in the slumber Which steals from the heart its cares, For my life was weary With its barren waste of years; But my soul, with rapid pinions, Fled swift to the light which seems From a phantom's sun and planets For the dreamer in his dreams. I stood in a wondrous woodland. Where the sunlight nestled sweet In the cups of snowy lilies Which grew about my feet; And while the Gothic forest arches Stirred gently with the air, The lilies underneath them Swung their censors pale in prayer. I stood amazed and wondering, And a grand memoriam strain Came sweeping through the forest, And died; then rose again. It swelled in solemn measure. Till my soul, with comfort blessed, Sank down among the lilies With folded wings to rest. 216 LIFE OF JACKSON Then to that mystic music Through the forest's twilight aisle Passed a host with muffled foot-steps, In marked rank and file; And I knew those gray-clad figures, Thus slowly passing by, Were the souls of Southern soldiers Who for freedom dared to die. In front rode Sidney Johnston, With a brow no longer wrung By the vile and senseless slanders Of a prurient rabble tongue; And near him mighty Jackson, With a placid front, as one Whose warfare was accomplished, Whose crown of glory won. There Hill, too, pure and noble, Passed in that spirit train, For he joined the martyred army From the South 's last battle plain. The next in order followed The warrior-priest, great Polk, With joy to meet his Master For he had nobly borne the yoke. There Stuart, the bold, the daring, With matchless Pelham rode; WAli POEMS 211 With earnest, chastened faces, They were looking up to God. And Jenkins, glorious Jenkins, AVitli his patient, fearless eyes, And the brave, devoted Garnett, Journeyed on to Paradise. Before a shadowy S(|uadron Rode Morgan, keen and strong, And I knew by his trancpiil foi-ehead He'd forgotten every wrong. There peerless Pegram inarching With a dauntless martial tread. And I breathed a sigh for the hero, The young, the early dead. 'Mid spectral black-horse troopers Passed Ashby's stalwart form, With that proud, defiant bearing AVhicli so spurned the battle storm; But his glance was mild and tender. For in that phantom host He dwelt with lingering fondness On the brother he had lost. Then strode the brave Maloney, Kind, genial adjutant; 218 LIFE OF JACKSON And next him walked the truthful, The lion-hearted Gantt. There to that solemn music Passed a triad of the brave: Lomax, Phelan, Alfred Pinckney — All had found a soldier's grave. They were young and gentle spirits, But they quaffed the bitter cup, For their country's flag was falhng, And they fell to lift it up. And then passed in countless thousands In that mighty phantom host True hearts and noble patriots .Whose names on earth are lost. There ''the missing" found their places — Those vanished from our gaze Like brilliant, flashing meteors, And were lost in glory's blaze. Yes, they passed, that noble army — They passed to meet their Lord; And a voice within me whisxiered: "They but march to their reward." WAR POEMS 219 STOXEWALL JACKSON H. L. FLASH Not midst the lightning of the stormy fight. Nor in the rush upon the Vandal foe, Did kingly death, with his resistless might, Lay the great leader low. His warrior soul its earthly shackles broke In the full sunshine of a peaceful town; When all the storm was hushed, the trusty oak That propped our cause went down. He entered not the nation's jiromised land At the red belching of the cannon's mouth But broke the house of bondage with his hand — The Moses of the South. THE BAND IN THE PINES JOHN ESTEN COOKE Oh, band in the pine-wood, cease! Cease with your splendid call; The living are brave and noble, But the dead were bravest of all. They throng to the martial summons. To the loud, triumphant strain; And the dear bright eyes of long-dead friends Come to the heart again. 220 LIFE OF JACKSON They come with the ringing bugle, And the deep drum's mellow roar, Till the soul is faint with longing For the hands we clasp no more. Oh, hand in the pine-wood, cease ! Or the heart will melt in tears For the gallant eyes and the smiling lips And the voices of old years. STOXEWALL JACKSOX'S GEAVE MRS. M. J. PRESTON A simple, sodded mound of earth, With not a line above it^ With only daily votive flowers To prove that any love it; The token flag that, silently. Each breeze's visit numbers. Alone keeps martial ward above The hero's dreamless slumbers. A twelvemonth only since his sword Went flashing through the battle; A twelvemonth only since his ear Heard war's last deadly rattle. WAR POEMS 221 And yet liave countless jDilgrim feet The pilgrim's guerdon i)aid him; And weeping women come to see The place where they have laid him. They come to own his high emprise Who. fled in frantic masses Before the glittering bayonet That triumphed at Manassas; He witnessed Kernstown's fearful odds As on their ranks he thundered, Defiant as the storied Greek Amid his brave three hundred. They will recall the tiger spring, The wise retreat, the rally; The tireless march, the fierce pursuit Through many a mountain valley. Cross Keys unlocks new paths tc fame. And Port Republic's story Wrests from his ever-vanquisned foes Strange tributes to his glory! Cold Harbor rises to their view. The Cedar gloom is o'er them, Antietam's rough and ragged heights Btretch mockingly before them. 222 LIFE OF JACKSON The lurid flame of Fredericksburg Right grimly they remember, That lit the frozen night's retreat That wintry, wild December. Rare fame! rare name! If chanted praise, With all the world to listen. If pride that swells a nation's soul — If foeman's tears that glisten — If pilgrim's shining love — if grief Which naught can soothe or sever; If these can consecrate, this spot Is sacred ground forever. Supplementary Reading "Tell Me A Story" Price, Postpaid Mrs. LidaB. McMurry. For the First Grade .36 So-Fat and Mew-Mew Georgiana Craik May. For the First Grade .36 Grimm's Fairy Stories M. W. Haliburton and P. P. Claxton. For the First and Second Grades 36 Fifty Famous Fables Lida B. ]\IcMurry. For the Second Grade 36 Around the Lightwood Fire CaroHne M. Brevard. Indian Myths and Legends. For the Third Grade 45 From the Land of Stories P. P. Claxton. A dehghtful little volume of fairy tales adapted from the German. For the Third Grade 30 Wonder Tales Hans Andersen. For the Third Grade 50 Stories of Bird Life T. Gilbert Pearson. For the Grammar Grades .60 The Gold Bug and Other Selections (Poe) R. A, Stewart. For the Grammar Grades 36 (Ask for catalog of other books for supplementary reading) B. F. Johnson Publishing Company RICHMOND, VA. Supplementary Historical Reading Price, Postpaid Life of General Robert E. Lee For Third and Fourth Grades. _.$ .50 Life of General Thomas J. Jackson For Third and Fourth Grades. .50 Life of Washington For Fourth and Fifth Grades 50 Life of General N. B. Forrest For Fifth Grade 50 Life of General J. E. B. Stuart For 'ifth and Sixth Grades 50 Soldier ^ife in the Army of Northern Virginia For Fifth Grade „. .50 Tennessee History Stories For Third and Fourth Grades. 50 North Carolina History Stories For Fourth and Fifth Grades .50 Texas History Stories For Fifth and Sixth Grades .50 Half-Hours in Southern History For Sixth and Seventh Grades 75 The Yemassee {Complete Edition) For Seventh and Eighth Grades 75 (Ask for catalog containing list of other supplementary reading) B. F. JOHNSON PUBLISHING COMPANY RICHMOND, VA. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 700 399 5 •