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STOXEWALL JACKSON."

LIFE AND MILITARY CAREER

THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON,

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL IN THE CONFEDERATE AKMT.

BT
MARKINFIELD ADDEY.

"W ITU A. I>OKTI-__.IT.

NEW-YORK :
CHARLES T. EVANS.
San Francisco: A. EOMAN & CO. Chicago: J. E. WALKEE.
CiNonmATi: EICKEY & CAEEOLL.
186 3.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by
CHARLES T. EVANS,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern Dis
trict of New- York.

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PREFACE

The following Biographical Sketch is given to the
public in obedience to a general desire for information
relative to the soldier who has during the past two years
occupied so much of the public attention, and has played
so important a part in the stirring scenes of the great
American Eebellion. The work claims to be a narrative
of facts and a detailed description of the leading events
in General Jackson's military career — events exhibiting
such a high order of military skill, such indomitable
energy, and such exalted courage, that they have
caused the story of his deeds to travel far and wide,
and have stamped his name as being that of the most
brilliant commander of the war.
It was on the battle-field that Jackson achieved his
renown, and it is to the history of the battles in which
he fought that we must naturally look for a record of

PREFACE.

the most important incidents of his life. In describing
these, the author has found it necessary to do so with
some degree of completeness, as it was only by follow
ing this plan that the importance of Jackson's opera
tions in some particular part of the field, or the full
force of one of his celebrated flank movements, could
be properly estimated. The main spring or the lever
forms but part of the mechanism of a watch, but it
is impossible to thoroughly appreciate the importance
of either without a study of the whole. The analogy
holds good in the principal battles in which Jackson
fought. It was almost invariably some well-conceived
movement or some sudden dash of his that turned the
tide of battle in the Confederate favor, or enabled him
to ward off some disastrous blow; but this movement
or this dash would be only a part of some prearranged
plan, the effect of which would be felt throughout the
entire battle-field.
So remarkably successful was Jackson in his peculiar
but brilliant style of fighting, that his presence in the
combat invariably inspired confidence on one side and
dismay on the other, causing him to become the pop
ular hero ; and the name of " Stonewall " Jackson to

PREFACE. 7
stand as a symbol of victory. He was truly the right arm
of the Confederate army, and in the first battle that Gen
eral Lee fought after his death — the battle of Gettysburg
— he was fully able to estimate the loss he had sus
tained in the death of so distinguished a general.
Not the least important of Jackson's characteristics were
his religious and devotional habits. With these he was
enabled to imbue those under his command, so that the
hearts of officers and men beat and their arms smote in
unison. This feeling fired them with zeal for their cause,
for to them death had no terrors. Valorous in the high
est degree, and audacious without bounds, they rushed
headlong into the fight. They thought not of to-morrow,
and pined not at the privations which they were often
compelled to experience. The devotion of the men to
their commander was remarkable. They had every con
fidence in their leader, and fearlessly and courageously
obeyed his every bidding. Jackson's religion taught him
to be charitable toward a fallen foe, so that the wounded
Federal who fell into his hands was equally cared for as
the disabled soldier of his own corps.
The people of the North cannot but honor the noble
qualities which existed in one they had so much cause

8 PREFACE.
to fear, and at whose hands they so much suffered.
Whilst they must ever regret that Jackson, at the pe
riod of his doubtings, at the commencement of the
Rebellion,- should have finally decided to espouse the
cause of the South, they cannot decline to pay fitting
homage to the memory of one who was so noble in
heart and so chivalric in action.
New- York, August, 1863.

COITE_TTS.

CHAPTER I.
BEFORE THE REBELLION.
His Military Career an Episode in the History of the Rebellion — Com
pared with the Puritan Leaders of England — Resemblance to Have-
lock — Northern Appreciation of his Gallantry — Birth and Parentage
— Becomes a Student at West-Point — Slow at Study — Futile Attempt
to play the Flute — Specimens of Eccentricities — Graduates — Class-
Mates — Enters the Army — Proceeds to Mexico — Promoted for his
Bravery — Instances of Gallantry — Retires from the Army — Becomes
Professor of Mathematics at Lexington, Va. — Escapes Assassination
— Married — Becomes a Widower — Married a Second Time, . . 13
CHAPTER H.
THE UPPER POTOMAC.
Jackson resigns his Professorship and joins the Confederate Army
— Becomes a Colonel — Joins Johnston's Forces on the Upper Po
tomac — Rebel Evacuation of Harper's Ferry — Scenes of Devastation
— Encounter with Patterson at Falling Waters — Jackson's First
Display of Strategetic Ability — Johnston eludes Patterson and joins
Beauregard — Jackson made a Brigadier-General, . . . .25
CHAPTER m.
THE BATTLE OP BULL RUN.
Jackson's Position at the Opening of the Battle — His Timely Appear
ance upon the Principal Scene — Origin of the Sobriquet "Stone
wall" — Description of the Main Battle-Ground — Desperate Position
of the Confederates — Terrible Conflicts between the Opposing Forces
 Gallantry of Jackson's Brigade — The Federals finally repulsed —
They become Panic-Stricken— Reasons why they were not pursued
by the Rebels — Beauregard's Official Remarks on Jackson's Heroism
— His Appearance on the Field of Battle,  S]

10 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
WINTER CAMPAIGN ON THE UPPER POTOMAC.
Lull in Military Proceedings — Jackson placed in Command on the
Upper Potomac — March to Hancock — Severity of the Weather and
Suffering of the Troops — Skirmish at Bath — Engagement at Han
cock — Results of the Expedition — Jackson's Energy as a Commander
— His Endurance of Fatigue — Illustrations of his Piety, . . .41
CHAPTER V.
THE BATTLE OP WINCHESTER.
Jackson retires, from the Upper Potomac — Skirmish at Blue's Gap —
Encounter at Blooming Gap — Death of General Lander — Harper's
Ferry reoccupied by the Federals — Advance of General Banks to
Winchester — Skirmishes before the Battle — Country around Win
chester — Opening of the Engagement — Terrific Conflict near a
Stone Wall — The Confederates finally repulsed — Numbers and
Losses of the Combatants, . . .... 49
CHAPTER VI.
CAMPAIGN IN THE VALLEY OP THE SHENANDOAH  RETREAT OP GENERAL BANKS.
Retreat of Jackson up the Valley — Federal Plans to capture him —
Battle of McDowell — Compels Banks to retreat — Battle of Front
Royal — Alarm of General Banks at Strasburgh — He commences a
rapid Retreat — Disasters by the Way — Exciting Scenes in Winchester
— Second Battle of Winchester — Safe Arrival of the Federals in Mary
land — Estimate of Losses, .  02
CHAPTER VII.
VALLEY OP THE SHENANDOAH  FEDERAL PURSUIT OP JACKSON.
Excitement in the North — Federal Plan to capture Jackson — Attack on
Harper's Ferry — Front Royal recovered — Fremont and Shields pursue
Jackson — Death of General Ashby — Battle of Cross Keys — Port Re
public — Jackson escapes his Pursuers — Discomforts of Fremont's
March — The Valley left a Scene of Desolation, . . . .80
CHAPTER VIII.
THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES BEFORE RICHMOND.
Jackson created a Major-General — McClellan Lands upon the Peninsula
— Occupation of Yorktown — Williamsburgh — Hanover Court-House

CONTENTS. 11
— Seven Pines — Fair Oaks — Stuart's celebrated Raid — Position and
Number of the Opposing Forces — First Day : Battle of Oak Grove
— Confederate Council of War — Second Day : Battle of Mechanics
ville— Third Day: Battle of Gaines's Mill— The Battle-Ground—
Jackson's Attack on the Federal Rear — The River crossed by the
Federal Right Wing — Council of War — Fourth Day : Battle of Gar
nett's Farm — Fifth Day : Battle of Peach Orchard— Battle of Sav
age's Station — Sixth Day : Battle of White Oak Swamp — Battle of
Glendale — Seventh Day: Battle of Malvern Hill — Losses of the
Combatants — Importance of Jackson's Services during the Week, . 94
CHAPTER IX.
THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE.
Organization of Pope's Army — His Address and Orders to his Troops
— Strength of his Army — Confederate Plan to crush him — Com
mences to advance — He is opposed by Jackson — Battle of Cedar
Mountain — Narrow Escapes — Jackson's Official Report — Losses in
the Battle — The Field of Operations removes to near Washington —
Pope retires behind the Rappahannock — Stuart's Cavalry Raid —
Pope's Papers captured — Jackson's March upon the Federal Right
Flank — Reaches Manassas Junction — Feast of his Famished Soldiers
— Pope's Project to capture him — Critical Position of Jackson —
Battle of Groveton — Jackson reenforced by Lee and Longstreet —
Second Battle of Bull Run— Federal Defeat — Pope retires to Cen
treville— Battle at Chantilly — Jackson's Share in the Campaign, . 129
CHAPTER X.
THE INVASION OP MARYLAND.
The Federals retire within the Line3 of Washington — Resignation of
Pope — Appointment of McClellan — Jackson leads the Way into Mary
land — Enters Frederick — Incidents during its Occupation — Lee's Pro
clamation — Jackson marches upon Harper's Ferry — Maryland Heights
abandoned — Harper's Ferry bombarded — Its Surrender — Jackson's
Report of the Capture — Federal Inquiry into the Cause of Surrender
— Battle of South-Mountain— Battle of Antietam — The Battle-ground
and Positions of the Combatants — Terrific Contest between Jackson
and Hooker — Change in the Scene of Conflict — The Losses— Jackson
demolishes Thirty Miles of Railroad— Affair at Blackford's Ford, . 154

12 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI.
THE BATTLE OP FREDERICKSBURGB.
Jackson's Antagonists — Burnside supersedes McClellan— The Army of
the Potomac marches to the Rappahannock — The Battle-Ground—
The Federals cross the River — Positions of the two Commanders —
Advance of Franklin — Heroism of a Confederate Officer — Opening
of the Battle — Sublimity of the Scene — Attack on the Fortifications
— The Field of Death — The Combat described — Reserves brought
into Action — The Losses — Councils of War — The River recrossed, . 177
CHAPTER XII.
THE BATTLE OP CHANCELLORSVILLE.
Jackson created Lieutenant-General — Burnside's proposed Operations —
Hooker placed in Command of the Army of the Potomac — Winter
Quarters — Movements against Fredericksburgh — The Rappahannock
crossed — Hooker reaches Chancellorsville — Description of the Place
— Lee's and Jackson's Movements — Arrival at Chancellorsville —
Jackson's Celebrated Attack upon the Federal Flank — Receives his
Death- Wound — A Federal Officer's Interview with Jackson — Subse
quent Engagements — Losses in the Battles — Lee's Estimate of Jack
son's Abilities,  198
CHAPTER XUI.
LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES.
Jackson's Daily Condition after being Wounded — He is attended by
Mrs. Jackson — His Last Remarks — His Death — General Lee's Order
to the Army — Jackson's Successor — The Remains reach Richmond 
Received with Public Honors and lie in State — Arrive in Lexington
— The Funeral,  216
ADDENDA.
INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS.
Visit to Jackson in Camp— The General's Experiences on Horseback
—An Inquisitive Friend— Jackson's Admiration of Lee— Abhorrence
of Sectional Hate— Devotional Habits— Religious Condition of Jack-
eon's Army— General Appearance and Habits— Estimates of Jack
son's Character— Jackson viewed from a Northern Stand-point, . 229

THE LIFE AND MILITARY CAREER

LIEUT.-GEN. THOMAS JONATHAN JACKSON.

CHAPTEE I.
BEFOEE THE EEBEIXION.
His Military Career an Episode in the History of the Rebellion — Compared
with the Puritan Leaders of England — Resemblance to Haveloek — North
ern Appreciation of his Gallantry — Birth and Parentage — Becomes a Stu
dent at West-Point — Slow at Study — Futile Attempt to play the Flute —
Specimens of Eccentricities — Graduates — Class-Mates — Enters the Army
— Proceeds to Mexico — Promoted for his Bravery— Instances of Gallantry
— Retires from the Army — Becomes Professor of Mathematics at Lex
ington, Va. — Escapes Assassination — Married — Becomes a Widower —
Married a Second Time.
Of all the names which the surges of the Rebellion have
thrown upon the dry sands of history, there is none stands
more prominent than does that of Thomas Jonathan Jack
son'. His military career has been brief, but it has been
crowded with startling incidents. It was the career of an
enthusiastic, chivalrous, and religious soldier. The story of
that career is an episode in the history of the Rebellion,

14 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
which is worthy of being separated from the general nar
rative of the events with which the last two years have
been so prolific. We therefore now weave together such of
the threads of this hero's life as we are enabled to gather,
and place them before our readers in as perfect a fabric as
possible. There are many points in Jackson's character which
strongly remind us of Cromwell, and Hampden, and Pym,
and other sturdy and god-fearing Puritans of the time of
England's great Rebellion; but we have cause to regret
that the resemblance is not perfect. These patriotic Puri
tans unsheathed the sword to fight the battle of freedom
and of the people against the powerful autocratic element
which in their days ruled the destinies of the British nation ;
whilst on the contrary, Jackson in a misguided moment,
was induced to bare his blade for the purpose' of wielding
it on the side of a Southern slave-ruling oligarchy, and
against the free people of his own country.
There is much, too, in Jackson's character, that resembles
the pictures which have been drawn of Havelock, who, a
few years ago, rendered his name famous by the brilliancy
of his military performances in India. Added to a strong
religious feeling which was predominant in the character of
both these Generals, they alike possessed great activity of
mind and fertility of resource, and each exercised over those
under his command such a parental sway, that his entire force
was ever ready to move almost as one man at the beck of its
commander. This is plainly shown in the celerity of move-

BEFORE THE REBELLION. 15
ments and in the long and rapid marches which so mainly
tended to the greatness of their successes. Each considered
that he had a duty to perform — his duty to his country — a
duty, however, which in one case was directed to a sec
tional part thereof, and against the best interests of the en
tire nation ; and the singleness of purpose of each was so
great, that he removed every obstacle out of the way which
interfered with the proper performance of this duty — never
omitting that greater duty of all men, the duty to his
Maker ; never undertaking any enterprise without first in
voking the Deity to guide his steps and to bless his en
deavors with success.
The death of a brave soldier is ever mourned by friend
and foe, and it is honorable to the loyal people of America
that they did not hear of the death of Thomas Jonathan
Jackson without a thrill of emotion passing through their
hearts. Though they viewed him as one of the most dan
gerous and most resolute of their antagonists, they ever con
sidered him one of the most conscientious and most chival
rous. Though they had reeled under the blows which he
had inflicted upon them, and though they had felt the full
force of the lightnings of battle which he had launched
against them, they knew that the blows had been struck by
a valorous hand, and that it was a noble spirit that had
directed those fearful lightnings.
" War," writes one of our Northern journalists, referring
to Jackson's death, " is never so hateful as when it kills in
men the supremely manlike quality of justice to our ene-

16 LIFE OP GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
mies ; and the spontaneous, irrepressible tribute which rose
to all men's lips when they heard that the bravest of the
rebel brave had died a soldier's death, was a victory won by
the heart ahd temper of the Northern people, on which the
muse of history will linger, perhaps, with something like
relief from her sad chronicle of men arrayed for mutual
slaughter." " The Northern people," also says the same writer, " hon
ored in Jackson qualities which the worst cause can not ob
scure. They respected the sincerity of the man as much as
they admired the daring of the soldier. They believed him
misled, hut they felt that he was no misleader. They la
mented in his victories only this, that feats which reflected
such renown upon American gallantry should have been per
formed in a cause so fatal to American hopes ; and not even
the sense of gain we all must feel in the loss to the rebel
hosts of such a captain, can make us stand otherwise than
with uncovered heads before the early grave of a heroic
chieftain, the example of whose high qualities the truest and
most loyal soldier of the Union and the Right may honor
ably lay to heart."
Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born in Harrison Coun
ty, Virginia, in January, 1824. He was descended from a
mixture of Scotch and Irish blood, and his parents were
neither wealthy nor possessed of that aristocratic position
which was wont to be the boast of the leading families of
the Old Dominion. Still the influence of his family was suifi-

BEFORE THE REBELLION. 17
cient to enable them to secure for him admission to the
Military Academy at West-Point, to gain which, it is stated,
that he travelled on foot from Clarksburgh to Washington.
Jackson entered upon his cadet duties at West-Point in
1842. He was not a remarkably bright pupil; in fact, lie
was so dull and slow at his studies that it took him three
times as long to master his tasks as the average of the other
pupils ; but what he did learn he learned thoroughly. His
disposition was retiring and taciturn, but his face would
brighten up with a pleasant smile whenever he entered into
conversation. In illustration of the difficulty which young
Jackson experienced in learning any thing, we may relate
an anecdote told by General Seymour. During the time
that the latter and Jackson were both young lieutenants,
Seymour amused himself by learning to play the flute, which
instrument Jackson also felt an inclination to learn. To
accomplish this he went to work with his accustomed vigor
and perseverances but he was never enabled to master even
the most simple air, and at last gave up his attentions to the
goddess of music, after having for six months unsuccessfully
courted her in an attempt to master the first bar of " Love
Xot." It is evident that he had " no music in himself," and,
if Shakspeare is to be believed, he was, in this respect at
least, " fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils."
When Jackson was at West-Point he used to fancy that
he suffered from consumption, and that he should die a pain
ful death. In fact, both at this and various other periods of
his life, he was afflicted with different forms of hypochondria.

18 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Among. the various anecdotes related of his eccentricities
during the time of his residence at the Academy, it is stated
that he was possessed with the notion that he was in danger
of having his limbs paralyzed, and he would pump on his arm
for many minutes, counting the strokes, and feeling annoyed
beyond measure whenever his companions interrupted him in
his count. He was also wont to sit upright at his meals, and
had a curious way of holding up his head very straight, whilst
his chin would appear as if it were trying to get up to the
top of his head. Another of his manias was a remarkable
precision as to the time he took his meals, and he was so
particular in this respect that he would lay his watch before
him on the table at the hour of meal, and if the latter was
not ready at the precise moment appointed, he would obsti
nately refuse to partake thereof.
On the thirtieth of June, 1846, Jackson graduated at West-
Point, being the seventeenth in a class of fifty-nine, a class
which was considered the most remarkable of any that ever
graduated from that Academy. By a strange coincidence
there appear in the list of this class the names of many mili
tary officers who already have figured prominently, or at the
present time hold important positions in both the Northern
and Southern armies. Among these names we find those of
McClellan, Stoneman, Foster, Sturges, Couch, Reno, Sey
mour, and many others equally or less distinguished.
Immediately after young Jackson had graduated at West-
Point, he entered the army of the United States as a Brevet

BEFORE THE REBELLION. 19
Second Lieutenant of the First artillery, ahd received his
full commission on the succeeding third of March. Anion g
the officers of the First artillery at this period were the follow
ing military men who either have taken, or at the present time
are taking prominent parts in the present war. On the side
of the North, Justin Dimick, W. H. French, J. Hooker, L
McDowell, J. B. Ricketts, J. M. Brannan, Seth Williams,
Abner Doubleday, E. C. Boynton, T. Seymour, and others ;
and on the side of the South, J. H. Winder, J. B. Magruder,
J. W. Mackall, A. P. Hill, and others.
At the commencement of the campaign in Mexico, Jack
son proceeded to that country, as one of the officers of Ma-
gruder's battery. He took part in all the battles of that
campaign, and was several times rewarded with promotion
for his gallant and meritorious conduct therein. For the
bravery which he displayed in the battles of Contreras and
Cherubusco he was raised to the rank of Lieutenant on
August twentieth, 1847, with the additional brevet rank of
Captain, which bore the same date, but which was not award
ed until August of the following year. He so much further
distinguished himself at the_ battle of Chepultepec on the
thirteenth of September, 1847, that in March, 1849, he re
ceived the brevet rank of Major — the commission for which
was dated from the day on which the action took place.
The Army Register and the actual history and facts of the
Mexican war do not furnish the name of another person
entering that war without position or office who attained

20 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
the high rank of Major in the brief campaign and series of
battles from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico.
Several instances are recorded of the gallantry which was
displayed hy Jackson at the battle of Chepultepec. Magru
der being a man of remarkably intemperate habits, it almost
invariably happened that during the Mexican campaign, the
chief command of his battery devolved on Lieutenant Jack
son. Upon the eve of this battle Jackson, who then had
charge of the battery, was advancing with it toward the
scene of the following day's engagement, when, on turning
a bend of the road, he found his progress arrested by a bat
tery of four guns which the Mexicans had planted behind a
small earth-work. A fight ensued, in which every horse and
man in Jackson's command were killed or wounded, he only
being left unharmed. The Mexicans rushed upon the bat
tery, but the young officer would not leave his guns, when
fortunately his enemies were suddenly outflanked, and com
pelled to retire in great haste, leaving him in indisputable
possession thereof.
It is also related that at the battle of Chepultepec, Jackson
was ordered by Pillow, to whose division Magruder's bat
tery was attached, to withdraw his section, as his superior
officer considered that it was too much exposed. He gave
no heed, however, to the General's order, but rapidly lim
bered up, and moved his guns a hundred yards nearer the
enemy's works, on which he did great execution.
Another anecdote related of Jackson's behavior in this
engagement states that, upon the Fourteenth regular infant-

BEFORE THE REBELLION. 21
ry1 being ordered to charge up a road, the men seemed dis
inclined to advance, in consequence of the heavy fire to
which they were exposed. Jackson, upon perceiving this,
stepped forward amid a shower of missiles and exclaimed,
" You see, my men, there is no danger, follow me !" which
daring act so inspired the troops that they immediately
sprang forward to the charge.
The gallantry displayed by the young soldier throughout
the entire of the battle of Chepultepec was of such a nature
as to gain for him special mention in the official despatches
of the Commander-in-Chief; an honor which was not award
ed to any other officer. In these despatches General Scott
alluded to him as " the brave Lieutenant Jackson."
The career of a soldier in time of peace is so generally un
interesting and so unmarked by important events, that it is
barren of interest to the public. The proceedings of to-day
are almost a repetition of those of yesterday, and with the
exception of the time occupied in the removal from fort to
fort, the story of a day is but an epitome of a soldier's life
at such a time. For the three or four years that succeeded
the Mexican war, Jackson's life was no exception to this
general rule.
On February twenty-ninth, 1852, Jackson retired from the
army of the United States, having served therein nearly six
years. After his retirement he took up his residence in his
native State of Virginia, and became a Professor of Mathe
matics in the Military College of Lexington in that State,

22 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Although he had a very fine class of pupils, his services at
this establishment were not very conspicuous. Colonel Gil-
ham was considered as the military genius of the school, and
Jackson was but little thought of by the small hero-wor
shippers of Lexington. He was devoutly religious in all
his actions, and stern in the performance of his duties ;
and, as is too often the case with such professors, he
was not viewed with much favoritism by his pupils.
During the period of his professorship Jackson had a
narrow escape from assassination, the consummation of
which he averted by his great coolness and fearlessness of
death. The person by whom his life was threatened was a
cadet who had been dismissed from the institution. The
youth actually went to the extremity of lying in wait for
him on the road leading from the Institute to the village.
As Jackson, in his accustomed walk toward the village,
approached the spot where his enemy awaited him, a by
stander called out to him of his danger. " Let the assassin
murder if he will," replied the Professor, as he walked in
the most unconcerned manner toward the young man, who
slunk abashed from his path.
Perhaps none of the acquaintances of Jackson were more
surprised at his brilliant exhibition of genius in this war,
than were those who knew his blank life at the Institute,
and were familiar with the stiff and uninteresting figure
that was to be seen every Sunday in a pew of the Presby
terian church at Lexington. But true genius awaits occa
sion commensurate with its power and aspiration. The

BEFORE THE REBELLION. 23
spirit of Jackson was trained in another school than that of
West-Point or Lexington, and had it been confined there it
never would have illuminated the page of history. How
peculiarly appropriate, in such a case, would these oft-quoted
lines of Gray's Elegy have applied to him :
" Full many a gem, of purest ray serene,
The dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bear ;
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air."
During the time of Jackson's residence in Lexington, he
became connected with the Presbyterian church of that place.
Of this denomination he was an earnest member, and, in
fact, throughout his future life he displayed those eminently
religious qualities which so elevate man in the estimation of
his fellow-beings, but which are so rarely found in the camp
or on the battle-field. He held the position of a deacon in
the church to which he belonged, and participated in the
councils thereof.
Whilst residing hi Lexington, he became acquainted with
the family of the Rev. George Junkin, D.D., whose daughter
he married in the year 1853. But, unfortunately, in the fol
lowing year, the occurrence of an event which usually adds
to the happiness of a married life was to him a source of sor
row, and deprived him not only of his wife, but of the infant
offspring she had borne him.
Jackson was married a second time in the year 1851?
to a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Morrison, a Presbyterian

24 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
minister, and President of Davidson College, North-
Carolina, by whom he had one child, who was about six
months old at the time of its father's death. This second
wife is related to General D. H. Hill of the Confederate
army.

CHAPTER, II.
THE TJPPEU POTOMAC.
Jackson resigns his Professorship and joins the Confederate Army — Be
comes a Colonel — Joins Johnston's Forces on the Upper Potomac —
Rebel Evacuation of Harper's Ferry — Scenes of Devastation — Encounter
with Patterson at Falling Waters — Jackson's First Display of Strategetic
Ability — Johnston eludes Patterson and joins Beauregard — Jackson made
a Brigadier-General.
At the commencement of the Rebellion, Jackson was busi
ly engaged with his professional duties at Lexington, and it
was not until the secession of his State that he resigned his
peaceful occupation for the hazards and excitements of a
soldier's life. Like his celebrated companion in arms,
General Lee, he was a theoretical Unionist up to the very
date of Virginia's secession, struggling long in deciding be
tween his duty to his country and his devotion to his State ;
and, it was only when his own State drew the sword that he
determined to follow her fortunes. This occurred at the
latter end of April, 1861. His first command was a regi
ment of infantry, which he drilled so quickly, and yet so
perfectly, that he was enabled to rely upon it at any mo
ment. He was commissioned Colonel by the Governor of
Virginia, and was with his regiment attached to the forces
of General Johnston on the Upper Potomac.

26 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
It will be remembered that on the nineteenth of April,
shortly after the commencement of the Rebellion, the Fede
rals evacuated Harper's Ferry, after partially destroying the
public works and armory there situated. Around this place —
which is of historic interest from its having been the scene
of that insurrection, small in itself but great in the influ
ences it created, which in 1859 caused the name of John
Brown to become celebrated in song and renowned in story —
nature has lavished a wild beauty. On every side are seen
the lofty ridges of the Blue Mountains, pierced at one bold
point by the Potomac and the Shenandoah, whilst the rail
road which here crosses the former stream, acts as a connect
ing-link between this bold mountain scenery and the great
cities of the East and the West. It was in the neighborhood
of these scenes that Jackson gathered the first leaves of that
laurel-wreath with which his memory is now crowned.
The demonstrations of the Federal army in the Valley of
Virginia were, of such a nature that it was considered ne
cessary to thwart them by the falling back of the Confed
erate army from Harper's Ferry to Winchester. General
Patterson's approach was expected by the great route into
the Valley from Pennsylvania and Maryland, leading through
Winchester; and it was an object of the utmost importance
to the Confederates that they should prevent any junction
between his forces and those of General McClellan, who
was already making his way from Western Virginia to the
upper portions of the Valley. On the morning of the thir
teenth of June, information was received from Winchester

THE UPPER POTOMAC. 27
that Romney was occupied by two thousand Federal troops,
supposed to be the vanguard of McClellan's army. A de
tachment was therefore despatched by railroad to check the
Union advance ; and on the morning of the fifteenth, the
Confederate army left Harper's Ferry for Winchester.
The Rebels found it necessary the next morning to retire
from their possession of the Ferry, and their destruction
of the buildings, which had been left unscathed at the
time of the evacuation of the place by the Federals, brought
one of those wild, fearful scenes which make the desolation
that grows out of war. This devastation is thus described :
" The splendid railroad-bridge across the Potomac ¦ — one of
the most superb structures of its kind on the continent —
was set on fire at its northern end, while about four hundred
feet at its southern extremity was blown up, to prevent the
flames from reacliing other works which it was necessary to
save. Many of the vast buildings were consigned to the
flames. Some of them were not only large but very lofty,
and crowned with tall towers and spires, and we may be
able to fancy the sublimity of the scene, when more than a
dozen of these huge fabrics crowded into a small space
were blazing at once. So great was the heat and smoke,
that many of the troops were forced out of the town, and
tho necessary labors of the removal were performed with
the greatest difficulty."
The Confederates received information on the day after
their evacuation of Harper's Ferry, that General Patterson's
army had crossed the Potomac at Williamsport ; also that

28 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
the Federal force at Romney had fallen back. The Rebels
were therefore ordered to gain the Martinsburgh turnpike
by a flank movement to Bunker's Hill, in order to place
themselves between Winchester and the expected advance
of Patterson. On learning this, the Federals immediately
crossed the river. Resuming his first direction and plan,
General Johnston proceeded to Winchester, so that his army
might be in a position to oppose either General McClellan
from the west, or Patterson from the north-east, and to form
a junction with General Beauregard when necessary.
Intelligence having been received by the Confederates in
dicating a further movement by General Patterson, Colonel
Jackson with a brigade was sent to the neighborhood of
Martinsburgh to support Colonel Stuart, who had been
placed in observation with his cavalry on the line of the
Potomac. On the second of July, General Patterson crossed
the river, and Colonel Jackson, pursuant to instructions, fell
back before him, but in retiring, he engaged the Federal
advance at Falling Waters, with a battalion of the Fifth
Virginia regiment and Pendleton's battery of field-artillery.
Skilfully taking a position where the smallness of his force
was concealed, he engaged the Federals for a considerable
time, inflicted a heavy loss, and retired when about to be
outflanked, scarcely losing a man, but bringing off forty-five
prisoners. In this engagement, which was after all merely
a skirmish, Jackson exhibited his ready-witted strategy,
and concealed from his opponents the knowledge that they
were fighting an insignificant force, skilfully disposed to

THE UPPER POTOMAC. 29
conceal their weakness, while Johnston was making his dis
positions in the rear. The Confederate forces engaged in
this action were four regiments of infantry and one regiment
of cavalry, together with four pieces of artillery, mostly
rifled. The Northern reports inform us that between three and
seven o'clock of the day in question, the Federal troops
which had been concentrating at Hagerstown and Williams-
port, Maryland, for several days previous, crossed the ford
at the latter place. The morning was bright and beautiful,
and the soldiers were in high spirits. The advancing force
approached the enemy within a distance of seventy-five
yards, and a brisk encounter ensued, without much loss on
the Northern side. In anticipation of a retreat by the Fed
eral forces, the Confederates had levelled the fences on both
sides of the turnpike even with the ground, so as to cut
them off in the event of their retiring to the Potomac.
The first stand was made at Parkerfield farm, near Haynes-
ville, where it was necessary to destroy a barn and other out
buildings, so that the Federals could make a charge upon
the enemy. Here the conflict was fierce, the Rebels standing
well up to their work, and finally, slowly retreating, knap
sacks and canteens being hastily thrown aside as incum
brances to a backward march, and blankets and other ar
ticles of value left behind.
Upon receipt of the intelligence that Jackson had found
it necessary to retire before the advancing forces of General
Patterson, the Confederate force at Winchester, strengthened

30 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
by recent arrivals, were ordered forward to his support.
General Johnston took up a position within six miles of
Martinsburgh, which town was now invested by the Feder
als, and for four days waited, with the expectation that he
might be there attacked; but after being convinced that
Patterson would not approach him, he returned to Win
chester. General Johnston having placed Colonel Stuart
to watch the Federal General's proceedings, he became
enabled by the seventeenth of July to penetrate Patterson's
design, and to ascertain that his object was to keep him
in check, while General McDowell could attack the forces
of Beauregard at Manassas. Our readers will readily recol
lect the obloquy which fell upon the name of General Patter
son for his failure in the execution of that part of the military
plan with which he was intrusted. Had he fulfilled his in
structions, and prevented Johnston from uniting his forces
to those of Beauregard, the story of the battle of Bull Run
might perhaps have been told with a termination different
to that which is now appended to it in the pages of
history. The marks of active determination which Colonel Jackson
displayed and the military skill which he exhibited in the
engagement at Falling Waters, and in the short campaign
on the Upper Potomac, obtained for him promotion to the
position of Brigadier-General.

CHAPTER IH.

THE BATTLE OF BULL ETJN.

Jackson's Position at the Opening of the Battle — His Timely Apr earance
upon the Principal Scene — :Origin of the Sobriquet " Stonewall " — De
scription of the Main Battle-Ground — Desperate Position of the Confed
erates — Terrible Conflicts between the Opposing Forces — Gallantry of
Jackson's Brigade — The Federals finally Repulsed — They become Panic-
Stricken — Reasons why they were not Pursued by the Rebels — Beau
regard's Official Remarks on Jackson's Heroism — His Appearance on the
Field of Battle.
The affair at Falling Waters was, after all, but the pro
logue to the great military drama, in which the subject of
our memoir was to play so important a part. The scene of
the first great act was the battle-field of Bull Run, or Man
assas, as it is termed by the people of the South. At this
battle Jackson had the command of the First Virginia bri
gade, which consisted of five regiments, and the manner in
which he handled this force, in several of the critical periods
of the action, is considered by General Beauregard to have
contributed largely to the Confederate success.
Jackson's brigade was amongst the first of the forces of
General Johnston who, after they had eluded Patterson,
hastened to the support of General Beauregard at Manassas.
At the opening of the engagement, shortly after dawn,

32 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
on "July twenty-first, Jackson was placed as a support to
General Bonham, who was detailed to guard Mitchell's
Ford. About half-past seven o'clock a.m., his brigade was
deployed along with Imboden's, and five pieces of Walton's
battery, to take up a position along Bull Run. In the heat
of the forenoon's engagement, when the Confederate forces
were driven back, and the goddess of victory for the time
seemed to smile upon the Union arms, the brigade under
General Jackson got separated from Imboden's and Walton's
commands ; but "being afterward reunited, they took up
another position below the brim of the plateau, nearly east
of the Henry House, and to the left of a ravine and woods
occupied by the mingled remnants of other commands. It
was here that the battle was to rage so long and so furious
ly, and where for some time the Rebels had to fight desper
ately against fearful odds, so that they could hold their own
until their reenforcements could reach them.
Jackson's timely arrival at this point, as we shall hereafter
show, was considered by General Beauregard to have con
tributed greatly to the' change in the fortune of war, which
was shortly to be experienced by the Confederates. It also
gave to his troops an opportunity of winning for themselves
a renown and an imperishable name. Jackson felt every
confidence in the prowess of his force, and the reply which,
upon this field, he made to his Commanding General,
obtained for him that sobriquet which history will ever
connect with his name. Beauregard fancying that his troops
were raw, asked Jackson if he thought that they would be

THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 33
likely to stand. " Yes," replied he, " like a stone wall."
But Jackson, with his usual modesty, ever after insisted
that the name which has now become a type of vak.r be
longed properly to the brigade which he commanded and
not to its commander.
The topographical features of the plateau, now the stage
of the contending armies, is thus described by General
Beauregard, in his Report of the day's proceedings. " A
glance at the map will show that it is inclosed on three sides
by small water-courses, which empty into Bull Run within a
few yards of each other, half a mile to the south of the Stone
Bridge. Rising to an elevation of quite one hundred feet
above the level of Bull Run at the bridge, it falls off on
three sides to the level of the inclosing streams in gentle
slopes, but which are furrowed by ravines of irregular
direction and length, and studded with clumps and patches
of young pines and oaks. The general direction of the crest
of the plateau is oblique to the course of Bull Run in that
quarter, and on the Brentsville and turnpike roads which
intersect each other at right angles. Completely surround
ing the two houses before mentioned, .(as being situated
upon this plateau,) are small open fields of irregular out
line, and exceeding one hundred and fifty acres in extent.
The houses occupied at the time — the one by Widow
Henry, and the other by the free negro Robinson — are
small wooden buildings, densely embowered in trees, and
environed by a double row of fences on two sides. Around
the eastern and southern brim of the plateau, an almost
3*

34 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
unbroken fringe of second growth pines gave excellent
shelter for our marksmen, who availed themselves of it
with the most satisfactory skill. To the west, adjoining
the fields, a broad belt of oaks extends directly across the
crest on both sides of the Sudley Road, in which, during
the battle, regiments of both armies met and contended for
the mastery. From the open ground of this plateau, the
view embraces a wide expanse of woods and gently undulat
ing, open country of broad grass and grain-fields in all
directions." Such are the general features and the surroundings of the
spot for the possession of which, during this eventful day, the
contending forces of the Federals and the Confederates dis
puted with varying success. Though the clangor of arms,
the roll of musketry, and the roar of cannon indicated that
the battle was raging far and wide, yet it was upon this
stage that were enacted the most eventful scenes of the
contest, and as it was principally in these scenes that
General Jackson played his part in the drama of the day,
they naturally form the only ones which come within the
scope of our work.
This plateau was, during the morning, occupied by a divi
sion of the Confederate army under General Bee, but shortly
after mid-day it was dislodged therefrom by the Federals.
Overwhelmed by the surging mass of Northern troops, which
pressed heavily upon the Rebels, the lines of the latter fell
back. As the shattered battalions retired, the slaughter was
terrible. They fell back in the direction of the Robinson

THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 35
House, and were compelled to engage the Federals at seve
ral points in their retreat, losing both officers and men, in
order to keep them from closing in around them. It was at
this period of the battle that the telegraphic wires flashed
the news of victory to the people of the North — news which
was, alas, too soon to be followed by sinister intelligence of
a defeat at once complete and disastrous.
The retreat of the Confederates was finally arrested, just
in rear of the Robinson House, by the energy and resolution
of General Bee, assisted by tlie support of the Hampton Le
gion and the timely arrival of Jackson's brigade of five regi
ments. A moment before, General Bee had been well-nigh
overwhelmed by superior numbers. He approached General
Jackson with the pathetic exclamation, " General, they are
beating us back ;" to which the latter promptly replied :
" Sir, we'll give them the bayonet." General Bee immedi
ately rallied his overtasked troops with the words : " There
is Jackson standing like a stone wall. Let us determine to
die. here, and we will conquer."
The intentions of the Federals now became developed iu
the minds of the Commanding Generals, and they were en
abled to discern that the conflict which was raging in the
vicinity of Mitchell's Ford was merely a feint, and that the
triumph of the day would have to be decided upon or around
the plateau which has been described. Generals John
ston and Beauregard were four miles distant from this
critical scene of action, having placed themselves upon a
commanding hill to observe the movements. There could

36 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
be no mistake now of the Federal intentions, from the
violent firing on the left and the immense clouds of dust
raised by the march of a large body of troops from their
centre. At this important moment General Beauregard received
information that certam instructions, which he had forwarded
relative to an attack upon the Federal flank and rear at
Centreville, had miscarried. It therefore now became neces
sary to depend on new combinations, and to meet the Na
tional forces upon the field on which they had chosen to
give battle. It was plain that nothing but the most rapid
combinations, and the most heroic and devoted courage on
the part of the Rebel troops, could retrieve the field, which,
according to all military conditions, appeared to be positive
ly lost.
About noon, the scene of the battle is described as being
utterly sublime. Not until then could one of the present
generation, who had never witnessed a grand battle, have
imagined such a spectacle. The hill occupied in the morn
ing by Generals Beauregard and Johnston and then- re
spective staffs placed the whole scene before one — a grand,
moving diorama. When the firing was at its height, the
roar of artillery reached the hill like that of protracted thun
der. For one long mile, the whole valley was a boiling
crater of dust and smoke. In the distance rose the Blue
Ridge, to form the dark background of a most magnificent
picture. The condition of the battle-field was now at least desper-

THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 37
ate for the Confederates, and their left flank being now over
powered, it became necessary to bring immediately up to
their support the reserves not already in motion. Dashing
on at headlong gallop, Generals Johnston and Beauregard
reached the field of action not a moment too soon. They
were instantly occupied with the reorganization of the
troops, and the presence of the two commanders upon the
field and under fire, had a most salutary effect upon the
men, and order was soon restored. To reoccupy the pla
teau was now the object of the Confederates, and for this
purpose they planted their artillery upon an open space of
limited extent, behind a low undulation, just at the eastern
verge of the plateau, some five hundred or six hundred
yards from the Henry House, and upon a level with that
held by the batteries of the National army. From the
action of these guns, and from the galling fire of musketry
placed under cover upon the right and left flank, the Fed
eral force suffered so dreadfully that, according to the re
ports of its generals, regiment after regiment, Avhich was
thrown forward to dislodge the Rebels, was broken, never to
recover its entire organization on that field.
In the mean time also two companies of Stuart's Rebel
cavalry made a dashing charge down the Brentsville and
Sudley road upon the New-York Fire Zouaves — then the
Federal right on the plateau — which added to the disorder
which the Confederate musketry wrought on their flank.
However, the Union forces still pressed the Rebels heavily
in that quarter of the field, and threw out fresh troops to
3

38 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
outflank them. Some three guns of a battery belonging to
the former, in an attempt to obtain here a position ap
parently to enfilade the batteries of the latter, were thrown
so close to a regiment of Jackson's brigade that the sol
diers sprang forward and seized them with severe loss, but
they were subsequently driven back by an overpowering
force of Federal musketry.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, General Beauregard gave
orders for the right of his line, except his reserves, to ad
vance to recover the plateau. It was done with uncommon
resolution and vigor. At the same time Jackson's bri
gade pierced the Federal centre with the determination of
veterans, but it suffered seriously. With equal spirit the
other parts of the Rebel line made the onset, and the Fed
eral lines were broken and swept back at all points from
the open ground of the plateau. The latter, however, soon
strongly reenforced by fresh regiments, re-commenced the
conflict, pressed the Confederate lines back, recovered their
ground, and renewed the offensive.
Between half-past two and three o'clock p.m., the Con
federates were also strongly reenforced by troops pushed
forward from the rear by General Johnston, who had about
noon repaired thither for the purpose of despatching the
reserves to those positions on the field of battle where they
were most required. General Beauregard received these
reenforcements just as he had ordered forward to a second
effort, for the recovery of the disputed plateau, the whole
line, including his reserves. At this crisis of the battle,

THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 39
he felt called upon to lead in person. The attack was
general, and was shared in by every Rebel regiment then
on the field. The Confederates again swept the whole
ground clear of the Union forces, and the plateau around *
the Henry and Robinson houses remained finally in their
possession. But this victory was purchased with the lives
of General Bee, Colonel Bartow, and many oflicers of dis
tinction in the Confederate army.
The Rebels now, rapidly receiving the reenforcements
which had been despatched from the rear under the direc
tion of General Johnston, and which included troops that
had only arrived at noon by railroad from the Valley of
the Shenandoah, commenced to dislodge the Federals from
the adjoining woods, in which they swarmed. Having ac
complished this task, they commenced the pursuit of the
Union army, which had become panic-stricken, and was in
retreat. Being encumbered with prisoners which they had
captured, a portion of the Confederate forces were com
pelled to desist from the pursuit, whilst the brigades of
Generals Bonham and Longstreet followed the flying army
nearly as far as Centreville, until night and darkness came
on, when they retired from farther pursuit and returned
to Bull Run. •
General Beauregard admits that his troops were so ex
hausted from the laborious operations of the day — operations
which had to be performed under cover of a burning July sun,
and without water and without food, except a meal hastily
snatched at dawn — that a general pursuit upon that even-

40 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
ing was physically impossible ; whilst on the following day
an unusually heavy and unintermitting fall of rain intervened
to obstruct his advance with reasonable prospect of fruitful
results. Added to this, he states that the want of a cavalry
force of sufficient numbers, made an efficient pursuit a mili
tary impossibility.
Among the panegyrics which the Confederate Commander
passed upon the various oflicers of his amiy who specially
distinguished themselves upon this eventful day, General
Jackson's conduct, he stated to have been that of " an able,
fearless soldier and sagacious commander, one fit to lead
his brigade." He further said that "his efficient, prompt,
timely arrival before the plateau of the Henry House, contri
buted much to the success of the day. Although painfully
wounded in the hand, he remained on the field to the end
of the battle, rendering invaluable assistance."
With regard to Jackson's personal appearance at the bat
tle of Manassas, a Southern newspaper contained at the time
some paragraphs which expressed great merriment at the
first apparition of the future hero on the battle-field. His
queer figure on horseback, and his habit of settling his chin
in his stock, were also very amusing to some correspondents,
who made flippant jests thereat in some of the Southern
newspapers. These jests were, however, soon forgotten and
forgiven in the tributes of admiration and love which after
ward ensued to the popular hero of the war.

CHAPTER IV.
WINTEE CAMPAIGN ON THE TJPPEE POTOMAC.
Lull in Military Proceedings — Jackson placed in Command on the Upper
Potomac — March to Hancock— Severity of the Weather and Suffering of
the Troops — Skirmish at Bath — Engagement at Hancock — Results of the
Expedition — -Jackson's Energy as a Commander — His Endurance of Fa
tigue — Illustrations of his Piety.
Both the Federal and Confederate armies that held joint
possession of the sacred soil of Virginia, were so prostrated
by the extraordinary exertions which they had made dur
ing the day upon which was fought the memorable battle
of Bull Run, that for many months to come, they felt little
inclined to renew active operations.
The Northern army, now placed under the charge of
General McClellan, had little other occupation than the
daily drill, and for a lengthened period the telegraphic
wires flashed from its camp scarcely any intelligence of its
proceedings beyond the well-worn and stereotyped phrase
of " All quiet on the Potomac." If the military school
masters in the Federal army now busied themselves in
teaching " the young idea how to shoot," the Confederate
preceptors were not the less active in imparting the neces
sary rules of military science. General Jackson took ad-

42 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
vantage of this period of abstinence from active operations
to raise both officers and men under his command to a
state of military discipline which their future actions proved
to have been of the highest order.
The energy and abilities displayed by General Jackson
at the battle of Bull Run, were sufficiently prominent to
mark him out for a separate command. Consequently, dur
ing the closing days of 1861, he was despatched with a
force of about ten thousand men, from General Johnston's
line, to Winchester, for the purpose of watching and im
peding the progress of a portion of the Federal army, who
were then in possession of the Upper Potomac, and who
threatened the Valley of the Shenandoah. It has been con
sidered by a Southern writer, that had the same force been
placed at his command in early autumn, " with the view to
an expedition to Wheeling, by way of the Winchester and
Parkersburgh road, the good effects would, in all proba
bility, have shown themselves in the expulsion of the Fed
erals from North-Western Virginia." Though the people
of the North may dispute the accuracy of these presump
tions, it is needless at this date to cavil thereat.
At the commencement of 1862, portions of several Fed
eral regiments were quartered at Hancock, a small town on a
bend of the Upper Potomac, at Bath, a village in Virginia,
some six miles south of that place, and at other points con
tiguous to these two places. General Jackson was desirous
of dislodging the Union troops from these positions, which
they evidently intended to hold throughout the remainder

WINTER CAMPAIGN. 43
of the winter. For this purpose, therefore, on the first of
January, 1862, his command left Winchester and proceeded
on the road toward Romney, a small town to the north
west of that place, when it filed to the right, and marched
toward Morgan County. Though the weather on the first
day of the march was pleasant, the second was remarkably
cold, and the road to be traversed was so bad, that the
wagons could not keep up with the troops, which necessi
tated the men to lie out upon the ground, without covering,
and to suffer from the want of food. The wagons, how
ever, came up on the following morning, and the troops,
after partaking of breakfast, proceeded on their march, but
continued to suffer from the severity of the weather.
Another night was passed but with little rest ; after which
they proceeded on their journey, their sufferings being aug
mented by an increase in the coldness, to which was added a
heavy snow-storm. When within four miles of the town
of Bath, they met and drove back a small Federal force.
Shortly after this the Confederates encamped for the night,
but it was such a night that few except those accustomed
to the hardships of a soldier's life when on active service,
have ever the misfortune to experience. Though snow,
rain, and hail alternately fell the whole night upon the
prostrate troops, who were compelled to endure the same
without blankets or covering of any kind, they were so
completely exhausted that they fell down before the blaz
ing fires which they had kindled, and slept soundly upon
the wet ground. Approaching Bath, on the following

44 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
morning, they annotmced their arrival by a discharge of
cannon upon that place, in which several Union troops had
taken up their winter quarters. The Federals replied to
this volley from two batteries, but on some of the Rebel
troops being deployed to charge these batteries, the sol
diers spiked their guns, and rapidly fell back to the banks
of the Potomac, hotly pursued by Ashby's cavalry, followed
by infantry and artillery. The Federals having reached
the river-bank before the arrival of the Rebel cavalry, they
placed themselves in ambush, and fired upon their pursuers,
several of whom they seriously wounded. The latter then
fell back upon the main body, who brought up their artil
lery and shelled the woods.
Leaving a picket-guard, the Confederate forces retired to
the rear, and encamped for the night. The intensity of the
cold had increased so much that the soles of the troops on
duty froze to the ground, and their sufferings were truly
terrible. On Sunday morning, January fifth, the Confed
erates advanced to the shores of the Potomac, from which
they had been encamped only half a mile distant, and
found themselves in front of the pretty little town of Han
cock, which was situated upon the Maryland side of the
river. In this place the Federals were quartered in con
siderable force. Upon his arrival, General Jackson sent
a flag of truce, by Colonel Ashby, to the authorities of
the town, notifying the inhabitants that they should vacate
the place, as he intended to bombard it, and he gave
them two hours to do so. In accordance with this demand,

WINTER CAMPAIGN. 45
General Lander, who was in command of the town, at once
removed all the non-combatants therefrom. At the expi
ration of the time, the Confederate batteries, which had
been previously placed in position, opened fire, and the
Federals replied thereto, but their shots fell short. The
bombardment continued for about an hour, after which
time the firing on both sides ceased for the day, little or no
damage having been suffered by either party. As General
Jackson desired to avoid burning the town, no shells were
discharged for that purpose.
On the following (Monday) morning, the Federals re
opened fire, their balls falling thickly among the Confed
erates, but doing little or no damage. The Rebels did not
reply to this firing, but occupied themselves in carrying
off army stores, clothing, and other property from the
Commissary Department of the Federals, which was placed
on the Virginia side of the Potomac. While this was in
progress a detachment of the Confederates was deployed to
make a detour for the purpose of burning the Capon bridge,
and tearing up the rails of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail
road. On their progress, however, they met and routed
some Northern troops who were placed in ambush, after
which they proceeded in their work of destruction, in which
they were somewhat impeded by the long-range guns of
their antagonists.
This expedition to the banks of the Upper Potomac re
sulted in the capture of several prisoners, the expulsion of
the Federals from this part of Virginia, the destruction of

46 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
a fine railroad bridge, and the possession of guns, clothing,
and several wagon-loads of military stores. In it, how
ever, the Rebels suffered less from the bullets of their foes
than they did from the inclemency of the weather ; and
many a stout heart had to succumb to the terrible suffer
ings caused by exposure and exhaustion in the severest
portion of the winter. Of General Jackson's conduct
therein, it is stated that the heroic commander, whose cour
age had been so brilliantly illustrated at Manassas, gave
new proofs of his iron will in this expedition, and in the
subsequent events of his campaign in the upper portion of
the Valley of Virginia. No one would have supposed that
a man who, at the opening of the war, had been but a Pro
fessor in a State Military Institute, would have shown such
active determination and such grim energy in the field.
To Jackson's merit as a commander, writes Mr. Edward
A. Pollard, in his History of the first year of the War, " he
added the virtues of an active, humble, consistent Christ
ian, restraining profanity in his camp, welcoming army col
porteurs, distributing tracts, and anxious to have every reo-i-
ment in his army supplied with a chaplain. He was vul
garly sneered at as a fatalist ; his habits of soliloquy were
derided as superstitious conversations with a familiar
spirit ; but the confidence which he had in his destiny was
the unfailing mark of genius, and adorned the Christian
faith which made him believe that he had a distinct mission
of duty in which he should be spared for the ends of Pro
vidence." Of the habits of his life, the following description is

WINTER CAMPAIGN. 47
also given by one who knew him well: "He is as calm
in the midst of a hurricane of bullets as he was in the
pew of his church at Lexington, when he was Professor of
the Institute. He appears to be a man of almost superhu
man endurance. Neither heat nor cold makes the slightest
impression upon him. He cares nothing for good quarters
and dainty fare. Wrapped in his blanket, he throws him
self down on the ground anywhere, and sleeps as soundly
as though he were in a palace. He lives as the soldiers
live, and endures all the fatigue and all the suffering that
they endure. His vigilance is something marvellous. He
never seems to sleep, and lets nothing pass without his per
sonal scrutiny. He can neither be caught napping nor
whipped when he is wide awake. The rapidity of his
marches is something portentous. He is heard of by the
enemy at one point, and before they can make up their
minds to follow him he is off at another. His men have
little baggage, and he moves as nearly as he can without
incumbrance. He keeps so constantly in motion that he
never has a sick-list, and no need of hospitals."
Among the many anecdotes which are current of General
Jackson's mode of life, there is one which illustrates the
earnestness of his piety, and his never-failing appeal to his
Maker to view with favor his every undertaking. He had
in his service a negro, who had become so accustomed to
his ways that he was enabled to discern whenever he was
about to start upon an expedition, without receiving any
notice to that effect. When once asked how he was able

48 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
to ascertain this, as his master never divulged his plans,
the negro replied : " Massa Jackson allers prays ebery
night and ebery mornin' ; but when he go on any expe-
dishun, he pray two, or tree, or four times durin' de night.
When I see him pray two, or tree, or four times durin' de
night, I pack de baggage, for I know he gwine on an expe-
dishun."

CHAPTER V.
THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER.
Jackson retires from the Upper Potomac— Skirmish at Blue's Gap — Encoun
ter at Blooming Gap — Death of General Lander — Harper's Ferry re
occupied by the Federals — Advance of General Banks to Winchester —
Skirmishes before the Battle — Country around Winchester — Opening of
the Engagement — Terrific Conflict near a Stone Wall — The Confederates
finally repulsed — Numbers and Losses of the Combatants.
Although Gen. Jackson was enabled, without much diffi
culty, to drive the small Federal force, which was stationed
on the Virginia side of the Upper Potomac, to the northern
banks of that river, yet he soon discovered that the ground
which he had gained was untenable. He therefore speedily
commenced to retrace his steps to the Valley of the She
nandoah, closely followed by the Federals under command
of General Lander. On the morning of the seventh of Janu
ary, 1862, a small force of Rebels, under the leadership of
Colonel Blue, who had intrenched themselves at Blue's Gap
— a pass strongly fortified by nature, and situated between
two hills, a few miles to the east of Romney — were driven
therefrom by a party of Union soldiers under Colonel Dun
ning, witli a loss to the former of two guns and several
men. On the seventh of February, General Lander occupied
3

50 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Romney, the Confederates having previously evacuated that
place and retreated toward Winchester.
On the fourteenth, with four hundred cavalry, he drove
from Blooming Gap a considerable force of Confederates,
and pursued them for eight miles beyond the Gap on the
road toward Winchester, and across the line which divided
his department from that of General Banks. This work
was only accomplished through the dashing behavior of
General Lander, who had to rally his soldiers after they had
become panic-stricken. It resulted in the capture of a great
number of Rebel officers and men, and a large amount of
commissariat stores. It was during this engagement that
the popular writer, Lieutenant Fitz-James O'Brien, who
was aid-de-camp to the Commanding General, received a
bullet-wound in his breast which afterward resulted in his
death ; and a fortnight after the battle the country had to
mourn the loss of General Lander, who died in his camp
from congestion of the brain, superinduced by the debilitat
ing effects from the wound he had received near Edward's
Ferry, in his reconnoissance the day after the fall of Colonel
Baker. He was one of the bravest and most energetic offi
cers, and one who had given the highest promise of valuable
service to the Union in this its time of greatest need.
The Rebels had likewise previous to this encounter been
routed at New-Creek, forty-five miles south of Romney,
by another portion of General Lander's command, under
Colonel Dunning. They were now completely driven out
of the former's department.

THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 51
In a previous chapter we have stated that Harper's
Ferry, which was evacuated by the Federals at the be
ginning of the Rebellion, again fell into their hands upon
the advance of General Patterson, when just before the bat
tle of Bull Run, that officer was required to prevent a junc
tion between the forces under the command of General
Johnston, and those then situated at Manassas. This im
portant position was afterward reoccupied by the Confeder
ates, and was in their possession upon the second appearance
of General Jackson in the region of the Upper Potomac.
After that General was driven back by General Lander to
the Valley of the Shenandoah, it was again deserted by
the Rebels, and reoccupied by the National forces on
February twenty-fourth. The place was, however, the
scene of stirring events about three weeks previous to this
date, when the greater part of what was left of it was re
duced to ashes by the Federals, as a punishment to the
Confederates for their having fired upon a boat of the
former, which was sent to meet one of the latter, carrying
a flag of truce.
Entering Virginia at the mouth of the Shenandoah, Gen
eral Banks now commenced to pursue Jackson in his retro
grade movement up the valley of that river, and on the last
day of February occupied Charlestown, situated eight miles
south of the Potomac, upon the line of railroad leading to
ward Winchester ; and on March third he also took un
opposed possession of Martinsburgh, on the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, a few miles west of Harper's Ferry.

52 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
By a rearrangement of the Army of the Potomac, the
same was now divided into five army corps, the fifth of
which included the forces under General Shields, who had
succeeded to the command of General Lander, and those
of General Banks, the entire force to be under the com
mand of the latter General.
Advancing in the wake of the retreating forces of General
Jackson, the Union troops approached Winchester, and,
after two skirmishes on the way, entered that town on the
twelfth, a strong fort to the north of it having been
evacuated by the Rebels on the previous evening. Here
they were received with joyful acclamations, the people
hailing the coming of the Union army as the harbinger of
peace and future prosperity, and cheering the regiments as
they passed, which cheers were warmly responded to by
both officers and men. On the following afternoon, while
a party of Union cavalry were foraging on the Strasburgh
road, three miles from Winchester, and while the teams
were being loaded with hay, they encountered a small force
of Ashby's cavalry, with whom a skirmish took place, the
latter advancing as the former returned to Winchester with
their loaded teams, in good order and unharmed. General
Banks on this day issued an order to his troops, in which
he forbade depredations of any kind whatsoever, and deeply
regretted that officers,' in some cases, from mistaken views,
had either tolerated or had encouraged such a course.
The people of the North will well remember how, at this
time, like to a will-o'the-wisp, Jackson retreated before

THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 53
the advancing Federals, being driven away in an inglorious
retreat, and compelled to abandon the strongholds which he
had held for six months. He, however, transported his bag
gage previous to the removal of his forces, which proves that
the retreat had been carefully provided for. On the eigh
teenth and nineteenth of April, General Shields made a re
connoissance in the direction of Mount Jackson, a place
situated on the Shenandoah River, at the termination of the
Manassas Gap railroad. He there ascertained that the Con
federates under Jackson were strongly posted near that
place, and in commimication with a large force at Luray
and Washington to the east thereof. He deemed it im
portant to draw Jackson from his position and supporting
force if possible. To effect this, he fell back upon Win
chester on the twentieth, giving his movement all the
appearance of a hasty retreat. But, as it was scarcely
considered likely that Jackson would fall into the trap laid
for him, and as it was advisable that the army on the
Rappahannock should be reenforced from Banks's corps
d'armee, the first division of the latter was being removed
upon the turnpike which leads directly from Winchester
to Alexandria, and the last brigade left for Centreville,
by the way of Berryville, on the morning of the twenty-
second. Only Shields's division and the Michigan cavalry
were now at Winchester.
The Confederate scouts, observing this movement, sig
nalled Jackson, with fires upon the hill-tops, that Winchester
was being evacuated by the Federal forces, and about five

54 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
o'clock P.M., some of Ashby's cavalry drove in the pickets
of the latter. The troops immediately sprung to their arms,
and two regiments of infantry, accompanied by two bat
teries, of artillery, pushed forward and drove back the Con
federates, who retreated, after a short resistance, to a little
distance beyond Kernstown, a small village on the Valley
turnpike, about three and a half miles southernly from
Winchester. During this attack, General Shields, while
directing one of the batteries to its position, was struck by
a shell which burst near him, broke his arm above the
elbow, and for the time entirely paralyzed one side of his
body. ' No one around supposed that he was injured, for
the old hero gave no word or sign of having been wounded,
but continued to give his orders, through his staff-officers,
as coolly and deliberately as if nothing had happened, until
every thing had been arranged to his satisfaction. This
was the fourth time that the General had received wounds
which had endangered his life, the three previous ones
having been received during the campaign in Mexico.
The General, divining the attack of the enemy to be only
a ruse to make him show his strength, kept the rest of his
forces out of sight ; and though prostrated by the injuries
he had received, set to work to make the requisite disposi
tion of his troops for the ensuing day. These dispositions
being made, the General rested as well as his wounds would
permit. A brief description is here necessary of the approaches to
Winchester, and of the field which the next day became the

THE BATTLE OF AVINCHESTER. 55
scene of one of the most bloody and desperately fought bat
ties of the war, and the only one in which General Jackson
experienced a severe reverse. Winchester is approached
from the south by three principal roads. These are the
Cedar Creek road on the west, the Valley Turnpike leading
to Strasburgh in the centre, and the Front Royal road on the
east. On the Valley Turnpike, about three and a half miles
from Winchester, is the little village of Kernstown, already
mentioned ; about half a mile north of this village and west
of the Valley Turnpike is a ridge of high hills commanding
the' approach by the Valley road and a part of the surround
ing country. »
This ridge was the key-point of the Federal position, and
on this Colonel Kimball, the senior officer in command of
the field, took his station. Along this ridge Lieut.-Colonel
Daurn, Chief of Artillery, posted three of his batteries, keep
ing one battery in reserve some distance in the rear. Part;
of the Federal infantry was posted on this ridge, within
supporting distance of the artillery, and sheltered by the
irregularities of the hills.
The main body of the Confederates was posted in order
of battle, about half a mile beyond Kernstown, their line
extending about two miles from the Cedar Creek road on
their left, to a ravine near the Front Royal road on their
rio-ht. They had so skilfully selected their ground, that
while it afforded facilities for manoeuvring, they were com
pletely masked by high and wooded grounds in front, and
so adroitly did they conceal themselves, that at eight o'clock

56 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
a.m., of the twenty-third, nothing was visible but the force
which had been repulsed the evening previous.
Being unable, in consequence of his wound, to recon
noitre the point in person, General Shields despatched an
officer to perform that duty, who returned about an hour
after, reporting that there were no indications of any hostile
force, except that of Ashby's cavalry. General Shields and
General Banks, after consulting together, came to the con
clusion that Jackson was nowhere in the vicinity, and, there
fore, General Banks took his departure for Washington. Al
though the conclusion had been reached that Jackson was
not before Winchester, yet General Shields, Jmo wing the
ever-vigilant foe he had to deal with, did not neglect a
single precaution. About half-past ten o'clock a.m., a Con
federate battery opened upon the Federals, which disclosed
to the latter indications that a considerable force of the
former was planted in the woods. In consequence of this
discovery, a brigade was pushed forward, and placed in a
position to oppose the advance of the right wing of tho
Rebels. The action opened by a fire of artillery on both sides,
but at too great a distance to be very effective. The ad
vance was made by the Confederates, who pushed a few
more guns to their right, supported by a considerable force
of infantry and cavalry, with the apparent intention of en
filading the Federal position and turning Shields's left
flank. An active body of skirmishers was immediately
thrown forward by the latter to check the advance of the

THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 57
Rebels. These skirmishers were supported by four pieces
of artillery and a brigade of infantry, and this united
force repulsed the Confederates at all points. The latter
withdrew the greater part of their force on their right, and
formed it into a reserve to support their left. They then
added their original reserve, and two batteries to their
main body, and under shelter of a hill on their left, on
which they had posted other batteries, they advanced their
formidable column, with the evident intention of turning
the Federal right flank, or overwhelming it. The Na
tional batteries on the opposite hill were soon found in
sufficient to check or even retard the Rebels. A message
was therefore sent to General Shields informing him of the
state of the field. Not a moment was to be lost. " Throw
forward all your disposable infantry, carry the enemy's
batteries, turn his left flank, and hurl it back on the centre,"
were his orders, and Colonel Kimball executed them with
rapidity and vigor. The movement was intrusted to Ty
ler's splendid brigade, and following their intrepid leader,
they pressed forward with enthusiasm to the performance
of this perilous duty. The skirmishers of the Confederates
were as chaff before the wind. Steadily onward it went
until within a few yards of a high stone wah, behind which
Jackson's men were securely posted, when it was met by a
fire so fierce and deadly that its ranks melted away like
frost before the morning sun. They wavered but for a mo
ment, then rushed forward to the desperate struggle. At
this juncture, Colonel- Tyler was strongly reenforced; and
3*

.58 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
with a cheer and a yell from his men that rose high and
loud above the roar of battle, he drove the Rebels from
their shelter, and through the woods, with a fire as de
structive as ever fell upon a retreating foe. The Rebels
fought desperately, as their piles of dead attested, and to
their chagrin and mortification, Jackson's " invincible stone
wall brigade " and the accompanying brigades were obliged
to fall back upon their reserve in disorder. Here they took
up a new position, and attempted to retrieve the fortunes
of the day. But again rained down upon them the same
close and destructive fire. Again cheer upon cheer rang in
their ears. But a few minutes did they stand against it,
when they turned and fled in dismay, leaving their killed
and wounded on the field. Night alone saved them from
destruction. They retreated about five miles, and then
took up a position for the night. The Federal troops now
threw themselves on the field to rest, and to eat the first
meal they had been able to partake of since the dawnmg of
the day.
Although the battle had been won, still General Shields
could not believe that Jackson would have hazarded a de
cisive engagement at such a distance from his main body
without expecting reenforcements. So to be prepared for
any contingency, he brought together all the troops within
his reach, and sent an express for Williams's brigade, now
twenty miles distant on its way to Centreville, to march all
night, and join him in the morning. He also gave positive
orders to the forces in the field to open fire upon the Rebels

THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 59
as soon as daylight would enable them to point their guns,
and to pursue them without respite, and compel them to
abandon their guns and baggage, or cut them to pieces.
It appears that General Shields had rightly divined Jack
son's intentions, for on the morning of the day of battle a
recnforcement of five thousand men from Luray reached
Front Royal, on their way to join him. This reenforce-
ment was being followed by another body of ten thousand
from Sperryville, but recent rains having rendered the She
nandoah River impassable, they were compelled to fall
back without effecting the proposed junction.
At daylight on the twenty-fourth, the Federal artillery
again opened on the Rebels, but the latter entered upon
their retreat in good order, considering what they had suf
fered. General Banks, hearing of the engagement on his
way to Washington, halted at Harper's Ferry, and ordered
back a part of Williams's division. He returned to Win
chester, and after making a hasty visit to General Shields,
assumed command of the forces in pursuit .of the flying
Rebels. The pursuit was kept up with -vigor until the Fede
rals reached Woodstock, where Jackson's retreat became
fright, when it was abandoned, in consequence of the utter
exhaustion of the troops.
The Federal loss in this engagement is stated to have
been one hundred and three in killed, four hundred and
forty-one wounded, and twenty-four missing. Of the Confed
erate loss we are not able to speak with accuracy. General
Shields reports that two hundred and seventy were found

60 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
dead on the battle-field", and that forty were buried by the
inhabitants of the adjacent village. He computes, from a
calculation made of the number of graves discovered on
both sides of the Valley road, between Winchester and
Strasburgh, added to these figures, that Jackson's loss in
killed could not have been less than five hundred, and that
his wounded must have been double that number. Jack
son's official report would no doubt satisfy us upon this
head, but as the Confederate government have studiously
abstained from making the same public, there can be little
reason to imagine otherwise than that his loss was a severe
one. In fact there can be no denying that this battle of
Winchester terminated most disastrously to him, though
perhaps it was the only one which has not been more or
less instrumental in adding considerably to his fame.
The Federal force engaged in this battle did not exceed
seven thousand in infantry, cavalry, and artillery. General
Shields calculates that Jackson must have been supported
by a much larger number, whilst Confederate correspond
ents claim that their force was considerably outnumbered
by that of the Federals.
Though the battle of Winchester pales into insignificance
when it is compared with many of the other conflicts of the
present war — conflicts in Avhich twenty times the number
of -troops were engaged — yet it has been scarcely surpassed
by any in the terrible earnestness of the combatants and
in the fierceness of the combat. It was a battle in which
many for the first time bathed their swords in blood, but

THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 61
they fought like veterans, and were led by commanders
worthy of tlieir valor. Although Jackson on this occasion
suffered the mortification of defeat, it might have been that
had he been opposed by a less practised and a less gallant
general than he found the Federal commander to be, his
well-known strategy would have won for him the honors of
the day. At one time victory appeared to be almost with
in his grasp. Fighting behind a veritable stone wall, his
renowned " Stonewall" brigade poured forth into the Fede
ral ranks their deadly missiles with such unerring aim, that
nothing, but the most dogged courage of the Northern men,
could have enabled them to dislodge tlieir enemy from his
mural breastwork. So terrible was this part of the en
gagement that, during its progress, four times was the
color-bearer of the Fifth Ohio Volunteers laid prostrate,
after which the banner was borne forward to victory by the
Lieutenant-Colonel of another regiment, who had caught it
from the hands of a dying sergeant.

CHAPTER VI.
CAMPAIGN IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH — RETREAT
OP GENERAL BANKS.
Retreat of Jackson up the Valley — Federal Plans to capture him — Battle
of McDowell— Compels Banks to retreat — Battle of Front Royal — Alarm
of General Banks at Strasburgh — He commences a rapid Retreat — Disas
ters by the Way — Exciting Scenes in Winchester — Second Battle of Win
chester — Safe Arrival of the Federals in Maryland — Estimate of Losses.
After the battle of Winchester, General Jackson re
treated toward the uppper waters of the Shenandoah, close
ly followed by the forces under Generals Banks and Shields,
who, however, were never able to come up with their swift-
footed antagonist. During this pursuit, they were several
times impeded in their progress by, and had many encoun
ters with, Ashby's cavalry, who acted as the rear-guard of
the Rebels. They disputed the passage of the Federals at
nearly every point, burning bridges, and throwing every
obstacle ia their progress.
On the fourth of April, the Federal troops in this valley
were detached from the Army of the Potomac, in which they
formed a corps cTarmee, and the district was created into a sep-
rate Department, under the command of General Banks. It
was at this time also that the troops situated upon the Rap-

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 63
pahannock were in like manner detached from General Mc
Clellan's supreme command and placed under that of Mc
Dowell. These new arrangements are considered by some
to have considerably interfered with General McClellan's
plan of operations upon tho Peninsula, from which point he
was now menacing Richmond.
The Confederates were desirous of collecting all their avail
able strength for the protection of their capital, and orders
were forwarded shortly after this time to General Jackson,
instructing him to rejoin his forces to those of General John
ston ; but at the earnest remonstrance of the former General,
who considered that he could better defend Richmond on
the Shenandoah than upon the Chickahominy, he was al
lowed to remain on the banks of the former river.
To capture Jackson and his entire force was one of the
cherished plans of the Federals. While-General Banks was
closely treading in his footsteps in his retreat up the valley,
a strong detachment of the army under General Fremont,
who was in command of the Mountain Department of
the Alleghanies, was deployed under Generals Milroy and
Schenck to enter the Shenandoah Valley at Buffalo Gap,
west of Staunton, and there give Jackson a meeting. It was
anticipated that, being thus placed between two fires, it
would be barely possible the Rebel General could es
cape. How far the Federals were right in their calcula
tions, the sequel will tell.
In the movements of General Milroy, having for their ob
ject the circumvention of the Rebels, he encountered a por-

64 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
tion of Jackson's force on April the twenty-first, within a
few miles of Buffalo Gap, and had a skirmish with a small
force of their cavalry. He then fell back to McDowell, on
the Bull Pasture Mountain, where he encamped till May the
eighth, on which date he was driven therefrom by a superior
force of Confederates.
General Jackson, learning the advance of Milroy, sent a
force to meet him from Valley Mills, six miles north of
Staunton, with five days' rations and without tents or bag
gage, save blankets, under the command of General Ed.
Johnson. Upon the next day, the advance-guard had a
skirmish with the outposts of the Federals at the junction
of Jennings's Gap and the Parkersburgh turnpike-road,
twenty-one miles from Staunton. At the same time, General
Jackson came up with an additional force, and after .con
sultation with General Johnson, the latter proceeded along
the road toward Shenandoah Mountain in pursuit of the
Federals, closely followed by the force under General Jack
son. Arriving at the mountain, they discovered that several
Federal regiments, which had been encamped there, had
hastily retreated, leaving their tents and stores behind them ;
and, ascending to the summit, they could see them proceed
ing upon the east side of Bull Pasture Mountain, about five
miles in advance.
At sunrise on the morning of the eighth, the Confederates
continued their line of march, and arriving at Bull Pasture
Mountain they ascended to its summit, and discovered that
Milroy had placed a battery on the road leading into Mc-

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 65
Dowell, and commanding a narrow gorge on the west side
of the mountain, through which the road passes. It becom
ing late in the day before the Confederate Generals had com
pleted tlieir survey of the Federal position, they concluded
to postpone offensive operations until the following morn
ing. But about five o'clock they were attacked by the Na
tional forces, who were reenforced, and after a desperate
fight of five hours' duration drove them from the field. Dur
ing the engagement, General Johnson narrowly escaped be
ing captured. He was rescued from a perilous position by
the Richmond Zouaves, who, observing his danger, charged
upon the Federals, and by this act disobeyed orders Avhich
General Jackson had given them to fall back, the latter at
the time not being aware of his brother General's critical
position. The Rebels lost on this occasion about three hundred in
killed, wounded, and missing, of Avhich one third were either
killed or mortally wounded. The Federal loss is stated to
have been thirty killed and two hundred and sixteen Avound
ed. The entire force of the latter in the engagement was
tAvo thousand and sixty-five men, and of the former two bri
gades of three regiments each.
It was quite dark before the engagement terminated,
when the Federals at once prepared to fall back, and found
it necessary to destroy a quantity of stores. The Confede
rates expected to renew the fight the following morning, but
found that their foe had evacuated his camp, leaving behind
him all his equipage, a large quantity of ammunition, a num.-

66 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
ber of cases of Enfield rifles, and about one hundred head of
cattle, mostly milch coavs.
The Federals made their retreat good to Franklin, west
of the Shenandoah Mountains, to Avhich place they were
closely followed by the Confederates. General Fremont also
reached this place on May the thirteenth, having proceeded
thither by forced marches, it being apprehended that an at
tack would be made by the Rebels upon the Union forces
there situated.
General Jackson having compelled the retreat of the
forces of General Fremont, Avho had been sent to oppose his
progress, noAV turned round upon General Banks, and in
stead of being the pursued became the pursuer. The rapidity
with which, from this change in the programme, the latter
General was compelled to make good his retreat to the
northern banks of the Potomac, exhibited a display of strate-
getical ability on his part which Avas only equalled by that
still greater strategy which necessitated the retreat.
The suddenness with Avhich this scene in the drama of
the war was changed from a bright and gloAving prospect
to one enveloped in mist and darkness was a cause of great
alarm to the people of the North, and led the President not
only to call for aid from the militia of the loyal States, but
to prevent General McDowell from marching with his forces
from the Rappahannock to the assistance of General Mc
Clellan in his attack upon Richmond.
The most southerly point which General Banks reached

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 67
in the Valley of the Shenandoah Avas Harrisonburgh, where,
on April the twenty-ninth, a National salute was fired and
rejoicings took place in honor of recent Union A'ictories.
Shortly after this date, finding that Jackson Avas pressing
upon his front and that the place was becoming untenable,
the Federal General retreated doAvn the A'alley. One of the
immediate causes Avhich necessitated this retreat Avas the
removal of General Shields's division, of two thousand men
or more, from General Banks's corps. There is reason to
believe that urgent, but useless, remonstrance Avas made by
General Banks against this depletion of his force, and that a
representation which he had made, that Jackson had been
heaATily reenforced, was met only by incredulity. The num
ber of men left under General Banks's command was but
about seAren thousand, Avho were now pressed by three times
that number under Generals Jackson and Ewell.
On the twenty-first of May some of Ashby's cavalry
shoAved themselves in the neighborhood of Strasburgh, from
Avhich place they were driven by a small force of Federal
cavalry. About this time a considerable portion of Jack
son's forces Avere making a detour to Front Royal — a small
village twelve miles east of Strasburgh, and situated on the
eastern bank of the Shenandoah River, over which is here
carried a large bridge of the Manassas Gap Railroad — and
on the twenty-third surprised and captured almost the entire
Federal force, Avhich Avas encamped near that place. This lat
ter consisted of about nine hundred men under the command
of Colonel John R. Kenly. They were stationed at Front

68 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Royal, for the purpose of protecting the place and the rail
road and bridges between that toAvn and Strasburgh against
the local guerrilla parties Avho infested that locality. So
small a force could never have been expected to defend them
selves against much larger numbers, for Front Royal in itself
is an indefensible position. Two mountain valleys debouch
suddenly upon the town from the south, commanding it by
almost inaccessible hills, and it is at the same time exposed
to flank movements by other mountain valleys via Stras
burgh on the Avest, and Chester Gap on the east. The only
practicable defence of this toAvn avouIcI seem to be by a force
sufficiently strong to hold these mountain passes some miles
in advance, and such a force General Banks had not at his
disposal. On the tAventy-third of May it was discovered that the
entire Confederate force Avas in movement down the valley
of the Shenandoah between the Massanutten Mountain and
the Blue Ridge, and in close proximity to the town ; and
their cavalry had captured a considerable number of the
Federal pickets, before the alarm was given of their near
approach. The little band found itself instantaneously com
pelled to choose between an immediate retreat or a contest
Avith overAvhelming numbers. They chose the latter. Driven
at last from the camp and the town, they were compelled
to retreat across the river. Again forming into line and
placing their battery in position upon the opposite shore,
they opened fire upon the Rebels, Avhile the latter were ford
ing the stream. They again found it necessary to retreat,

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 69
and had only proceeded tAvo miles upon the Winchester road,
when they were overtaken by the Rebel cavalry. A fear
ful fight ensued, which ended in a complete destruction of the
command, Colonel Kenly falling at the head of his column.
A very small number only were enabled to escape, accom
plishing the same through the friendly covering of the neigh
boring woods.
Very early on the following morning, the Confederates
marched upon the road to Middletown, a place situated on
the turnpike between Strasburgh and Winchester, and about
eight miles north of the former place. At Middletown they
came upon and attacked a part of General Banks's force as
it was retreating along the road. Having cut the same in
twain, a brigade of Ewell's division pursued the Strasburgh
Aving, capturing many prisoners, and demoralizing the rest
of the troops, whilst the main body hurried swiftly doAvn the
valley after General Banks. Every few hundred yards, they
passed one or more Federal Avagons, upset, broken, or team-
less, and full of baggage or military stores. Upon approach
ing NeAA'town, a few miles north of Middletown, the Rebels
were for a while checked Avith artillery, after which the
Federal rout and flight became precipitous and exciting be
yond degree. The Federals made, another stand in the
neighborhood of Winchester, but after an engagement of
short duration, they were compelled to give up the con
test, and continue their retreat.
On the evening of the twenty-third, information was re-

70 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
ceived by General Banks at Strasburgh of the critical posi
tion in which Colonel Kenly was placed at Front Royal;
but as he viewed with distrust the extravagant statements
Avhich he received of the Confederate strength, he only for
warded a regiment of infantry, a detachment of cavalry, and
a section of artillery to his assistance. He had, hoAvever,
scarcely despatched these reenforcements when information
reached him of the utter annihilation of Colonel Kenly's
troops. He therefore recalled them, and sent out nu
merous reconnoitring parties to ascertain, if possible, the
force, and the position and purpose of this sudden moA'ement
of General Jackson. It was soon found that his jack
ets were in possession of every road leading from Front
Royal to Strasburgh, Middletown, NeAvtown, and Win
chester, and rumors from every quarter represented him
in movement in rear of his pickets in the direction of the
Federal camp.
General Banks could not now doubt the extraordinary
force of the Confederates by which he was threatened, nor
could he believe otherAvise but that they had a more exten-
siA-e purpose than the capture of the " brave little band at
Front Royal." He at once divined that this purpose could
be nothing less than either the defeat of his OAvn command
or its possible capture by the occupation of Winchester,
through which means the Rebels would be enabled to inter
cept his supplies and reenforcements, and cut him off from
all possibility of retreat. He also ascertained that he Avas
menaced by the divisions of Generals Jackson, Ewell, and

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY'. 71
Johnson, numbering not less than tAventy-five thousand men,
under command of the first-named General.
Considering his position a very critical one, General
Banks felt that the most expedient course for liimself to
adopt was to make a rapid movement on Winchester with
a vieAV to anticipate the occupation of that town by Jack
son. He would thus place his command in communication
Avith its original base of operations in the line of reenforce
ments by Harper's Ferry and Martinsburgh, and by this
means secure a safe retreat in case of disaster.
Calling in all his outposts, he prepared to march at three
o'clock on the morning of the twenty-fourth of May.
Several hundred disabled men who had been left in his
charge by Shields's division, wTere first put upon the march,
and his Avagon train was ordered forward to Winchester,
under an escort of cavalry and infantry. General Hatch,
Avith nearly the whole force of caAralry and six pieces of ar
tillery, Avas charged with the protection of the rear of the
column, and the destruction of army stores for which trans
portation was not provided. All the preparations being
completed with incredible alacrity, the column was put iu
motion shortly after nine o'clock. It had not jtroceeded
many miles Avhen information Avas received from the front
that the Rebels had attacked the train, and were in full
possession of the road at Middletown. This report Avas
soon confirmed by the return of fugitives, refugees, and
wagons, which came tumbling to the rear in dreadful con
fusion. The immediate danger being now in front, the

72 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
troops were ordered to the head of the column, and the
train transferred to the rear. Cedar Creek Bridge, three
miles north of Strasburgh, — over which the entire column
had passed, with the exception of the rear-guard, which had
been instructed to remain in front of Strasburgh as long as
possible, and thus hold the enemy in check in that direction
— was also prepared for the flames, in order that its destruc
tion might prevent any pursuit on the part of the Confeder
ates. By the burning of the bridge, Captain Abert and the
Zouaves cPAfrique were cut off from the column, but after
a sharp conflict with a party of Rebel cavalry at Strasburgh,
they made their way safely to Williamsport, where they
joined their comrades.
The advance-guard encountered the Confederates in
force at Middletown, thirteen miles south of Winchester,
and after a sharp engagement drove them back. The
column had not, however, proceeded much farther, before
it was again attacked by a considerable force of infantry,
cavalry, and artillery. After repeated attempts to force
a passage through the Rebel lines which had possession of
the turnpike, a part of the force which had been cut off
from the main body made several ineffectual attempts to
join it byproceedmg upon a parallel road. Failing in this,
they returned to Strasburgh, from Avhich place they pro
ceeded by a circuitous route to Winchester, and other
places north thereof, Avhere they joined the main body.
The rear of the column was again attacked by an in
creased force between NeAvtown and Kernstown, and large

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 73
bodies of Jackson's cavalry passed upon the Federal right
and left, the increased vigor of his movements demonstrat
ing the rapid advance of his main body.
The early and rapid march of the front portion of the
train prevented the accomplishment of Jackson's contem
plated plan of crushing it between those forces which he
had despatched to intercept it, and the troops which press
ed upon the rear of the column. It was, therefore, only
the end of the column Avhich encountered the main difficul
ties that beset it on its journey. Those of the front Avho,
after a long and anxious day's march, were enabled to re
tire to rest in the town of Winchester on the evening of
that eventful Saturday, were startled at daybreak on the
Sabbath morning by the noise of cannon and the rattle of
musketry, and could see the smoke as it rose from the hills
three miles distant. Some of the people of Winchester
gazed thitherward, as upon an interesting spectacle, and
rejoiced that Jackson was again coming to free them from
the Northern yoke ; whilst others could see nothing in the
anticipated change which could give them cause for joy.
Presently, and there were heard the tramping of horses'
hoofs upon the road, and the heavy rolling of artillery over
the pavement, and then every thing Avas in commotion.
The women sobbed, and the men ran to and fro. The
forces which had been quartered for the night in the town
were started upon a hasty retreat. Flames rose from
bm-ning buildings, and heavy columns of smoke Avhich roll-

74 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
ed upward, betokened to distant eyes that a scene of de
struction was being enacted. •
Whilst the Confederates were entering the town at the
southern end, the Federals were rapidly making their exit
through its northern portals. "All the streets were in
commotion," writes an eye-witness to the scene ; " Cavalry
were rushing disorderly away, and infantry frightened by
the rapidity of their mounted companions, were in conster
nation. All were trying to escape faster than their neigh
bors, dreading most of all to be the last  Guns,
knapsacks, cartridge-boxes, bayonets, and bayonet-cases,
lay scattered upon the ground in great profusion, throAvn
away by the panic-stricken soldiers  But this
confusion and disorder was not of long duration. General
Banks riding continually among the men, and addressing
them kindly and firmly, shamed them to a consideration of
their unbefitting consternation. At length stationing him
self and staff Avith several others across a field through
which the soldiers were rapidly flying, the men were order-
ed to stop their flight, were formed into line, and were
made to march on in a more soldier-like manner."
Vehicles of every description, crowded Avith sick soldiers
and citizens, and bound northwards, passed rapidly through
the streets on this eventful morning. The contrabands
flocked through them, each with his little bundle ; and
Avhole families of negroes, some of them with packs strap
ped on head and shoulders, little children almost too small
to walk, and lean horses carrying two or three, went fol-

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 7f>
lowing the train. Meantime, the thunder of cannonading
had commenced. Nearer and nearer it came, and the cry
went forth that the Rebels Avere driving the Federal forces.
As the fugitives retired from the city, they looked back
and beheld flames ascending from many of the build
ings, in which military stores and powder had been con
tained, and to which the torch had been applied to preArent
them falling into the hands of the Rebels. Here was por
trayed a vivid illustration of the horrors of war. Homes
that once had been the abodes of happiness, now became
desolate, and fell a prey to the ravages of the flames. The
town in Avhich but two months previous the Federals had
entered Avith joyous hearts, treading to the sound of mar
tial music, and under the shadow of their waving banners,
they now left in despondency, and with the marks of fear
depicted in their faces.
We will now return to the rear. Two hours past mid
night on Saturday the two brigades under the command of
Colonels Gordon and Donnelly, upon whom, toward the
close of the day, had devolved the duty of protecting the
end of the column, and who had thus far succeeded in keep
ing the Confederates at bay, halted for the night in the out
skirts of Winchester. The men went into bivouac with
out fire, with but little food, and completely exhausted.
At Winchester all doubts as to the number of the Con
federate forces were set at rest. All classes — secessionists,
Unionists, refugees, fugitives, and prisoners — agreed that

76 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
it Avas overwhelming, and that from twenty-five to thir
ty thousand men were in close proximity to the place.
Rebel officers who came into the Federal camp with entire
unconcern, supposing that their own troops occupied the
town, confirmed these statements, and added that an attack
Avould be made on the National forces at daybreak. Meas
ures were, therefore, promptly taken to repel the attack ;
and at early dawn the two brigades in question were under
arms. Soon after four o'clock, the artillery opened its
fire, which was continued without intermission until the
close of the engagement. Colonel Gordon's brigade was
placed on the right of the line, and was partly covered from
the fire of the enemy by stone walls. Colonel Donnelly's
brigade was assigned to the left. The earliest movement
of the Rebels was in this direction, but this being intercept
ed by a detachment of cavalry, it was apparently aban
doned. The main body of the Confederates was hidden during
the early part of the action by the crest of a hill, and the
woods in the rear. Their force was apparently masked on
the Federal right, and their manoeuvres indicated a purpose
to turn it upon the Berryville road, where it appeared sub
sequently that they had placed a considerable force with a
view of preventing reenforcements arriving from Harper's
Ferry. In this, however, they were frustrated until a small
portion of the National troops under the erroneous im
pression that an order had been given to withdraAV, made
a movement to the rear. No sooner was this observed by

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 77
the Rebels than their regiments swarmed upon the crest of
the hill, and advanced from the woods upon the Federal
right, which fell back upon the town, continuing its fire by
the way.
The overwhelming force of the Confederates thus sud
denly showed itself. It was considered unwise to make
further resistance, and orders were given to the entire
Federal force to Avithdraw, which was done in good order.
A portion of the troops passed through the town in some
confusion, but the column was soon re-formed, and contin
ued its march.
This engagement held the Rebels in check for five hours.
The forces were greatly unequal, there being not less than
twenty-five thousand of Jackson's troops in position, and
capable of being brought into action, whilst the two bri
gades of Federals consisted of less than four thousand men.
The latter were, however, assisted by nine hundred cavalry,
ten Parrott guns, and a battery of six-pounders.
This battle took place upon nearly the same spot on
which the previous battle of Winchester had been fought ;
but Avhen we take into consideration, the great disparity in
the forces which met in deadly encounter on the occasion
of this second engagement, it can scarcely be admitted that
the Confederate commander here regained all the laurels
which he had here lost.
The Federals now continued their march in three parallel
columns, and proceeded in the direction of Martinsburgh.

78 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
The Confederates pursued them with promptitude and
vigor, but the movements of the retreating party were now
rapid and without loss. Halting for two hours and a half
at Martinsburgh, they proceeded on their way to the banks
of the Potomac, and the rear-guard reached that river at
sundown — forty-eight hours after the first neAvs of the attack
upon Front Royal. Thus was completed a march of fifty-
three miles, thirty-five of which had been performed in one
day. " The scene of the river," says General Banks in his re
port, " when the rear-guard arrived, was of the most ani
mating and exciting description. A thousand camp-fires
were burning on the hill-side, a thousand carriages of every
description were crowded upon the banks, and the broad
river between the exhausted troops and their coveted rest."
On the following morning, the entire force was moved
across the river in safety, and, remarks the Federal Com
mander " There never were more grateful hearts in the
same number of men, than when, at mid-day on the twenty-
sixth, we stood on the opposite shore."
The entire number of men lost by this retreat was esti
mated at about nine hundred, of whom thirty-eight were
killed, one hundred and fifty-five wounded, and seA'en hun
dred and eleATen missing. Of the wagon-train which con
sisted of nearly five hundred wagons, General Banks states
that he only lost fifty-five, and that these with but few ex
ceptions were all burned on the road, and not abandoned
to the enemy. He further states that nearly all his supplies

CAMPAIGN IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 79
were saved with the exception of the stores lost at Front
Royal and at Winchester, at Avhich latter place a consid
erable portion was destroyed by his own troops.
The Confederates consider this expedition of General
Jackson to have been a most glorious one, and they find
reason to ascribe its results to the zeal, heroism, and genius
of its Commander alone. They claim for it a comparison
with some of the most famous campaigns in modern his
tory. It was brief but brilliant, only three weeks having
passed between the commencement of the aggressive move
ment, and the expulsion of the Federal army from the
valley of Virginia. During this short period it is claimed
that Jackson fought four battles and had a number of
skirmishes, killed and wounded a considerable number of
the Federals, captured four thousand prisoners, secured mil
lions of dollars' Avorth of stores, destroyed many millions of
dollars' Avorth for the Federals, recovered Winchester, and
annihilated the invading army of the valley — and all this
Avith a loss scarcely exceeding one hundred in killed and
Avounded. We leave it to the reader to compare these statements
with those made by the commander of the National forces,
and to draw his OAvn deductions therefrom.

CHAPTER VH.
VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH  FEDERAL PURSUIT OF
JACKSON.
Excitement in the North — Federal Plan to capture Jackson — Attack ou
Harper's Ferry — Front Royal recovered — Fremont and Shields pursue
Jackson — Death of General Ashby — Battle of Cross Keys — Port Re
public — Jackson escapes his Pursuers — Discomforts of Fremont's
March — The Valley left a Scene of Desolation.
As we have already stated, the retreat of General Banks
led to the wildest excitement in the cities of the North.
In Baltimore this excitement culminated in acts of violence,
and prominent citizens who were tainted with Secession
proclivities were publicly mobbed in the streets, and their
lives placed in jeopardy. The Administration not only
found itself necessitated to make a call upon the country
for additional troops, but it required the Governors of
several of the loyal States to forward detachments of their
militia for the protection of the National Capital.
It now became a part of the Federal plan to outflank
Jackson and to capture him with his entire force, before
he could return to his base of operations. For this pur
pose General Fremont was instructed to advance from
Franklin, in the Mountain Department, where his force

VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. 81
Avas now located, and enter the valley, from the west, in
the neighborhood of Strasburgh; whilst General Shields
was sent from the Rappahannock to reach the same point
via Manassas Gap on the east.
General Jackson, learning of these movements, hastened
from his advanced position on the line of the Potomac, and
rapidly retraced his steps up the valley, with the hope of
eluding his pursuers, and reaching the upper end thereof
before they would be enabled to intercept him. Before
doing this, howeA'er, he made an attempt to dislodge the
National forces at Harper's Ferry, but failed to accomplish
his object. For two days he endeavored to draAv them out
from their stronghold, so that he could give them battle on
ground of his own choosing ; but General Saxton, who was
then in command of the Federal troops there stationed,
would not be lured by the wiles of his scheming foe. Foil
ed in these attempts, Jackson determined to storm the place.
This he did about nightfall on Friday, May the thirtieth,
amid a terrific storm. The scene at the time Avas very
impressive. The night was intensely dark ; the hills around
were alive with the signal-lights of the Rebels ; the rain
descended in torrents ; vivid flashes of lightning illu
minated, at intervals, the magnificent scenery; while
the crash of thunder, echoing among the mountains,
drowned into comparative insignificance the roar of the
artillery. After an action of about one hour's duration, the Confed
erates retired. They made another unsuccessful attack at
4*

82 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
midnight, and after a short engagement disappeared.
Jackson then retreated. On the folloAving morning the
Federals pursued him as far as Charlestown, only to learn
that his rear-guard had passed through the place an hour
before their arrival.
On the morning of the day that this affair took place at
Harper's Ferry, a portion of Jackson's forces stationed at
Front Royal were driven from that place by a brigade of
National troops. The Rebels were taken as completely by
surprise as Colonel Kenly's command had been the week
previous, and they had no time left either to save or de
stroy any thing. Railroad engines and cars filled with
stores, along with many prisoners, fell into the hands of
the Federals, and several of the Union men who were here
captured by the Confederates, on their attacking the place,
were recaptured.
General Fremont left Franklin on Sunday, May the tAven-
ty-fifth, and his adA'ance-guard entered Strasburgh on the
evening of the following Sunday, the troops having halted
one day on the road, being compelled to do so from ex
haustion. The march was made amid heavy rains, which
rendered the roads almost impassable.
With the exception of a small skirmish, which occurred
at Wardensville, the advancing party met with no opposi
tion to their progress, until the morning of the day on
which they reached Strasburgh. On this morning, how
ever, Colonel Cluseret's brigade, which formed the advance

VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. 83
guard of Fremont's army, had a sharp encounter and brisk
cannonading with Jackson's rear-guard or flanking column.
Although the latter were repulsed, after an engagement of
tAvo hours' duration, they had been enabled to gain time
for and to protect "Jackson's main force, which Avas then
hurriedly retreating over the road from Winchester to
Strasburgh. Jackson had pushed on his forces so SAviftly that he suc
ceeded in reaching Strasburgh just in season to pass be
tAveen Fremont on the one side and Shields on the other.
The advance-guard of the former entered Strasburgh on
the evening of the day that Jackson passed through the
toAvn, whilst Shields's advance-guard reached it the folloAV-
ing morning. Shields's advance-guard now joined Fre
mont's force, whilst his main army passed up the valley to
the eastward.
The Federals were now close upon Jackson's heels, and
the Confederate rear-guard noAV found it necessary on
many occasions to dispute the progress of the National
forces. General EAvell was in the command of this rear
guard, and received able assistance from Ashby's cavalry.
During the passage of the Union soldiers, they found streAvn
along the roads and in the adjoining woods, such relics as
a fugitive army is wont to scatter in its trail ; and dead,
Avounded, and exhausted soldiers lay by the side of the
road. Woodstock Avas reached on Monday night by the Fed
erals, Jackson's army having passed through the town on

84 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
the same day. The Confederates were so closely pressed
that their bridge-burners could but half accomplish the task
which was allotted to them, and the Federals were easily
able to repair any damage which the bridges sustained at
their hands. However, at Mount Jackson, the long bridge
Avhich there crosses the Shenandoah, a river too swift and
deep to be forded, was so far destroyed as seriously to de
lay the Federals in their onward progress. Upon reaching
this point Jackson was so closely pressed that his rear
guard had but barely passed over one end of the bridge,
when the Federal cavalry Avere about to enter upon the
other. On, on, Jackson sped, much delayed in his progress by
the exhaustion of his troops, and the breaking down of his
trains, and sorely pressed by the advancing forces of his
pursuers. On June the sixth he had another severe en
counter with the National troops in a woody district in the
southern outskirts of the town of Harrisonburgh. In this
engagement he first obtained a slight advantage, owing to
the mismanagement of Colonel Windham, who had the
command of such of the Federal forces as were brought
into action. The ground lost by this repulse to the Na
tional troops was, however, speedily regained by General
Bayard, who made a Augorous attack upon the Rebels, and
ultimately drove them back, and compelled them to renew
their retreat. In this engagement the distinguished Rebel
General Ashby, who covered the retreat with his whole

VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. 85
cavalry force and three regiments of infantry, and who ex
hibited admirable skill and audacity, was killed.
On June the eighth the tAvo armies came into collision at
Cross Keys, seven miles beyond Harrisonburgh. Although
Jackson had a much superior force to Fremont, throughout
his retreat he had studiously aA'oided fighting a pitched
battle, as he was fearful that the delay Avhich would be
caused thereby Avould preA-ent him from escaping the large
force which was marching to the eastward, under the com
mand, of General Shields, to outflank him. General Fremont
Avas consequently the attacking party on this occasion. The
battle took place on a Sunday, and the day Avas one of those
bright and glorious ones which, at this period of the year,
so intoxicate with their freshness, and so elevate the spirits.
It is said that battles commenced on a Sunday are seldom
successes for the attacking party, and Ave fear that Ave can
not claim this battle as any exception to the general rule.
Having upon the previous evening, and upon that morn-
ins, caused reconnoissances to be made Avith a view of as-
certaining the position of the Rebels, General Fremont ap
proached them about eleven o'clock, and the advance soon
opened that preliminary fire which usually precedes a gene
ral engagement. The face of the country in this district is
rolling, and covered at various points with woods, generally
of oak, from the size of a small sapling to that of a man's
body. The ground on which the battle Avas fought is a
succession of hillocks, on which several farms stretch out
for two or three miles from north to south, and form a belt

86 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
of cleared land, which is lowest in the centre and gradually
rises as the timber is approached in either direction. To
the north, as if standing sentinel aud gravely looking down
upon the scene, rises a lofty moimtain-peak, its top enveloped
in a blue haze, and its steep sides bathed in the sunlight of
a beautiful morning. Far off to the east, stretching up and
down the Shenandoah, the distant peaks of the Blue Ridge
form a background of indescribable beauty.
The attack Avas commenced by General Fremont's right,
the line of Avhich extended for nearly a mile and a half.
The Rebels were here driven back, and in this quarter the
chances of success were strongly in favor of the Federals,
until an order was given for this wing to withdraw slowly
and in good order from the position it had gained, and pro
ceed to the relief of the left, which had suffered severely
from the fire of the Confederates.
On the left General Stahl's German brigade, whilst in the
act of ascending a slope as they were about proceeding to
the attack, Avere opposed by a murderous fire from the
Rebels, which produced sad havoc and caused their ranks
to be terribly thinned. They were consequently compelled
to fall back. Some mountain hoAvitzers were then directed
upon the Rebels ; the cannonading became furious ; the
deep thunders of the artillery reverberated through the
valley ; the sharp crash of musketry rang through the
woods ; shells went screaming on the errand of death ; and
the cloud of sulphurous smoke which hung Hke a funeral

VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. 87
pall over the advancing and receding Avaves, told too well
the. work of carnage and death then going on.
Had Stahl been enabled to advance but a few feet far
ther, his troops would have had an opportunity to pour
into the Rebels a fire which would have driven them before
him. This, with the combined moA'ement of the Federal
troops on the right, and of those which already had pene
trated the centre, would doubtless have swept Jackson's
entire line, would haA'e put him to rout, would have cap
tured his guns, and would have gained a most complete
victory for the National forces. But this was prevented by
the mistake of an order, which had been fonvarded to some
regiments directing them to relieve the advancing party,
haAdng been construed into one to retire.
The misfortune of this misunderstanding can scarcely be
estimated. One more effort and the regiments which had
forced themselves right up to the Rebel guns would doubt
less have gained a splendid triumph. But the opportunity
was lost, and General Jackson again slipped through the
fingers of the Federals, after Fremont had for fifteen days
marched his army through wind and rain to catch him.
There was for a time a lull in the storm — each party
seeming satisfied to take a rest. Then in retiring, Jackson
sent a few shells which fell in the midst of General Fre
mont's staff, and caused them to scatter far and Avide.
These compliments were returned, and a brisk artillery
duel Avas kept up for a short time, and then all again was
quiet. Night came on, the clouds of smoke Avhich had ob-

88 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
scured the sky disappeared, and the moon smiled down as
peacefully upon the scene where carnage had held high
carnival as if no ghastly features, pale in death, were
there. On the following morning General Fremont again march
ed Avith his troops in pursuit. They had not proceeded far
before they reached Mill Creek Church, which had been
used as a hospital by the Rebels, and in Avhich they found
several wounded Union soldiers. " Let it be said to the
Rebels' credit," Avrites a gentleman Avho was present at the
time, " that they treated our Avounded humanely. Many
left upon the field had blankets thrown over them and can
teens of Avater placed by their side, while they nearly all
say that they were as Avell treated as the Rebels them
selves." The Federal loss in the battle of Cross Keys was about.
one hundred and twenty-five killed, and five hundred
wounded. General Fremont states that upward of two
hundred of the Confederates were counted dead in one
field, and that many others were scattered through the
Avoods. Several more of the dead and the entire of Jack
son's Avounded had been removed in wagons under cover
of the night.
On the same day that the battle of Cross Keys was being
fought, a minor action took place at Port Republic betAveen
the train-guard of Jackson's army and a small Federal
force belonging to General Shields's division, and under the

VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. 89
command of Colonel Carroll. This resulted in the repulse
of the latter ; the forces engaged being more than two to
one against him. On the following day occurred the bat
tle of Port Republic.
While General Fremont was closely pressing Jackson in
the rear, a portion of General Shields's command, under
General Tyler, was moving on the east in advance of the
main column, with the intention of reaching Waynesboro,
on the Virginia Central Railroad, for the purpose of de
stroying the railroad, and thus cutting off Jackson's line of
communication by that route Avith Gordonsville and Rich
mond. The troops under Colonel Carroll formed the ad
vance-guard of this force. Jackson was Avell aware of this
plan to intercept him, and to frustrate it he brought into
operation that celerity of movement for Avhich he Avas so
celebrated. After Colonel Carroll's repulse on the Sunday, he fell
back to and joined the troops under General Tyler. It Avas
a part of General Shields's instructions to these officers that
they should destroy the long bridge which crosses the She
nandoah at Port Republic, and by this means cut off Jack
son's retreat at this point also. This, however, they Avere
preA'ented from accomplishing.
Jackson, continuing his retreat, reached Port Republic
on the morning of the ninth, when he immediately de
spatched a force to attack General Tyler. This force was
repulsed, but on reenforcements being received, the Confed
erates drove back the Federals and captured their guns,

90 'LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
which could not be removed, owing to the horses having
been killed or disabled, and the roads being so heavy that
it Avas impossible for the men to drag them through the
deep mud.
During this time General Fremont's army moved in the
direction of Port Republic Avithout opposition. As it drew
near the place a dense volume of smoke was seen rising in
the air. The troops- pressed on to discover the cause, but
reached the river just as the last Rebel had crossed the
Shenandoah ; arriving, hoAvever, in time to observe Jack
son's interminable train winding along like a huge snake in
the valley beyond. Several Rebel regiments Avere drawn
in line of battle on the opposite side of the Shenandoah.
An unfordable river lay between the opposing armies, and
the bridge was in flames.
Thus ended the Federal pursuit of the fleet-footed Jack
son. General Fremont had left Franklin on Sunday, May
the twenty -fifth, taking up his line of march for the Valley of
Virginia. At Petersburgh he had left his tents and heavy
baggage. With one exception, he had marched sixteen
consecutiAre days. The rains had been heavy and severe,
and the soldiers had been compelled to bivouac in Avater
and mud, lying down in their drenched clothes to obtain a
feAV hours' rest, so that they might be enabled to endure
the fatigues of the coining day. Transportation had been
difficult. Forage and provisions had been scarce, for the
country had been swept clear thereof by former armies.
Sometimes the soldiers had but a short allowance of bread ;

VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. 91
sometimes they had none, whilst some of them had Avorn
out their shoes, and Avere compelled to march barefooted.
HoAvever, they endured these trials Avith great patience.
Under circumstances such as these, and after seven days
of almost continuous skirmishing, was fought the battle of
Cross Keys. It has been argued that if General Fremont
had closely followed Jackson after this battle, the latter
would have been attacked in both front and rear, and he
would thus haAre been prevented from making good his
escape. The prostration of the Federal troops from the
causes which we haA'e here related may possibly haAre been
a barrier to this desirable consummation.
It is much to be regretted that, during General Fre
mont's progress, some of his troops had conducted them
selves in a manner that necessitated their commander to
issue an order, calling their attention to the many disor
ders and excesses and the wanton outrages upon property
which had marked their line of march from Franklin to
Port Republic. He considered that the magnitude of the
evil should be summarily and severely checked. He, there
fore, threatened severe punishment for any similar offences
that might occur in future. The men had entered dwell
ings and appropriated to themselves property of various
kinds Avhich fell in their way. It was stated that the
Germans were the greatest offenders, but witnesses to
these excesses state that these men Avere too often made
the scapegoats for the offences of their comrades of Ameri
can birth.

92 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
After Jackson had made his escape from his pursuers, he
proceeded toward Stewardsville, passed through the Gap
of the Blue Ridge mountains, and thence, via Gordonsville,
to Richmond, there to take his part in the battles Avhich
were to relieve that city from the presence of a besieging
army. The state in which this charming Valley of Virginia was
left by the contending armies of the North and the South,
after they had trodden and retrodden its fertile fields, and
after they had passed through and pillaged its pleasant
towns, is thus pictured by one who was an eye-witness to
the desolation Avhich war had left behind :
" A more beautiful country than this Valley of the She
nandoah God's sun never smiled on. The scenery is mag
nificent, but not Avith sterile peaks and froAvning rocks.
Green vestured fields and gentle, round-bosomed hills nes
tle doAvn in the arms of great mountains, and you knoAv
they are quick with growing life, even while they slumber.
It rather moves me to sympathy to see the trail of deArasta-
tion that the tAvo armies have left after them. Meadows
of clover are trodden into mud ; the tossing plumes of the
wheat-fields along the line of march are trodden down, as
though a thousand reaping-machines had passed OArer and
through them. Dead horses lie along the road, entirely,
overpowering the SAveet scent of the clover-blossoms, and
flinging out upon the air a more villainous stench than could
by any possibility ascend from the left Aving of the Tarta-

VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. 93
rian pit. Fences are not, landmarks have vanished, and all
is one common Avaste."
Before the war this Valley was dotted with happy homes,
but the curtam had not descended upon this, the second act
of the bloody drama, before these homes were tenantless,
and their former peaceful occupants were scattered like
chaff before the piercing blast of the pitiless storm.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES BEFORE RICHMOND.
Jackson created a Major-General — McClellan Lands upon the Peninsula —
Occupation of Yorktown — Williamsburgh — Hanover Court-House — Seven
Pines — Fair Oaks — Stuart's celebrated Raid — Position and Number of
the Opposing Forces — First Day : Battle of Oak Grove — Confederate
Council of War — Second Dat : Battle of Mechanicsville — Third Day :
Battle of Gaines's Mill — The Battle-Ground — Jackson's Attack on the
Federal Rear — The River Crossed by the Federal Right Wing — Council
of AArar — Fourth Day : Battle of Garnett's Farm — Fifth Day : Battle of
Peach Orchard — Battle of Savage's Station — Sixth Day : Battle of White
Oak Swamp — Battle of Glendale — Seventh Day : Battle of Malvern Hill —
Losses of the Combatants — Importance of Jackson's Services during the
Week. Immediately after Jackson had foiled his pursuers in
the Valley of Virginia, he hastened to unite his forces
Avith those which were guarding the Confederate capital
against the grand attack of General McClellan's army, then
daily anticipated. Jackson steps upon this scene in the
character of a Major-General, having been advanced to
that position in consequence of the great mihtary abilities
which he had exhibited during the Valley campaign just
terminated. Before entering into the particulars of the seven days' bat-

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 95
ties, it is advisable that we should refresh the reader's mem
ory by referring to a few of the leading events Avhich pre
ceded this week — a week so terribly prominent in the cal
endar of our history.
It having been conceived that Richmond could be more
easily reached by the army of the Potomac if it traversed
the Peninsula, and took advantage of the communication by
water which it possessed, instead of having to cross the nu
merous rivers which intercept the road by Fredericksburgh,
it was resolved to adopt the former route to the Rebel
capital. General McClellan having made all his arrange
ments for the remoA'al of his vast army from the Potomac
to the vicinity of Fortress Monroe, in the middle of March
issued a spirited and cheerful address to his troops, in which
he informed them that the "period for inaction" had j>assed,
and that he was about " to bring them face to face with the
Rebels." At the beginning of April, he had landed his forces upon
the eastern point of the Peninsula, and immediately com
menced moving upon Yorktown. He found that place
strongly fortified, and it was not until the fourth of May that
he obtained possession of it, the Rebels having eAracuated
the place during the preceding night. Before this time,
the troops under General McDowell — upon which McClellan
depended for assistance, by a flank moA'ement at the head of
the York River either encircling the Confederate forces or
forcing them to retreat farther up the Peninsula — Avere re
moved from his command, to which cause has been attrib-

96 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
uted the delay that occurred in the occupation of York-
t-OAvn. Following the retreating Rebels, McClellan came into col
lision with them on May the fifth, at Williamsburgh, where
they stoutly contested his farther progress. From this place
they were finally expelled, but the action resulted in great
loss to the Federal forces, and at one period thereof it
was decidedly in favor of the Confederates. On the folloAV-
ing day, a minor action occurred at the head of the York
River, where a force of Federals who had landed there Avere
driven back under cover of their gunboats.
The Federal army now adA'anced toward the banks of the
Cliickahominy, being, however, slightly impeded in its prog
ress by repeated skirmishes with the Rebels. On the tAven-
ty-seventh of May, a portion of McClellan's right wing, under
command of General Fitz-John Porter, had an engagement
with them at Hanover Court-House, and after a sharp con
flict succeeded in accomplishing the object of the mis
sion, which Avas to cut off railroad communication between
Richmond and the North.
General Casey's division, which formed the left wing,
having crossed the Chickahominy, the Confederates took
advantage of a severe thunder-storm — which they trusted
Avould cause the river to be much swollen, and Casey's com
munication Avith the main body of the army thus cut off— to
attack this force on the thirty-first of May, at the Seven
Pines. The Confederates greatly outnumbered the Federals,
and would doubtless have totally annihilated the division

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 97
had it not been strongly reenforced. Some of the ground
lost in the early part of the action was eventually regained,
but at the close of the day the Rebels remained occupants
of a portion of the Federal camp, and were in possession of
several guns Avhich they had captured. On the following
morning the battle was resumed, when the Rebels Avere de
feated and compelled to fall back upon Richmond. This
second day's engagement is called the battle of Fair Oaks.
At this time McClellan Avas loudly calling for reenforce
ments, and it Avas naturally the object of the Confederates
to preA'ent any addition to his forces. For this purpose, the
1 latter planned Jackson's raid into the valley of the Shenan
doah, Avhich Ave have already described, and the successful
accomplishment of which, Jackson was informed by his
superiors, would be the greatest service he could render
to his country.
Very little further of importance occurred until? May the
thirteenth, Avhen the Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart,
with a force of twelve hundred cavalry and a section of ar
tillery, left the Rebel lines near Richmond, and as a feint
moved as if he was proceeding to reenforce Jackson, but
afterwards Avheeled about and passed round the whole
of the rear of the Union army, returning to his post on
the fifteenth. During this dashing exploit, he took a num
ber of prisoners, and captured stores to a large amount.
A brief reference to the situation of the opposing armies
at the commencement of the seven days' contests, will here
5

98 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
be necessary to enable the reader to thoroughly understand
the movetnents. If he will take a map of Virginia, and run
his eye along the Virginia Central Railroad until it crosses
the Chickahominy at the point designated as the MeadoAV
Bridge, he will be in the vicinity of the position occupied
by the extreme right of the Federal army. Tracing from
this position a semi-circular line which crosses the Chicka
hominy in the neighborhood of the New Bridge, and then
the York River Railroad, further on, he arrives at a point
south-east of Richmond, but a comparatively short distance
from the James River, where rests the Federal left. To be
a little more explicit, let the reader spread his fingers so that
their tips will form as near as possible the arc of a ciicle.
Imagine Richmond as situated on his wrist ; the outer edge
of the thumb as the Central Railroad, the inner edge as the
Mechanicsville turnpike ; the first finger as the Nine-Mile,
or New-Bsidge road ; the second as the Williamsburgh turn
pike, running nearly parallel Avith the York River Railroad ;
the third as the Charles City turnpike, (which runs to the
southward of the White Oak Swamp ;) and the fourth as
the DarbytOAvn road. Commanding these several avenues
Avere the forces of McClellan. The Confederate troops, with
the exception of Jackson's corps, occupied a similar but of
course smaller circle immediately around Richmond ; the
heaviest body being on the centre, south of the York River
Railroad. It will thus be seen that the Federal troops Avere situated
on both sides of the Chickahominy, Avhilst the Confederates

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 99
were confined exclusively to the right bank, scarcely a sin
gle scout crossing the stream. At the commencement of the
siege — -Avhich may be considered to have extended from the
twenty-second to the twenty-fifth of June — three Federal
corps were stationed upon the Richmond side of the river,
and two corps with General Stoneman's command on the
other. One corps of the latter afteinvard crossed toward
Richmond, making four upon that side, and General Mc-
Call's division of Pennsylvania Reserves, Avhich arrived on
June the eighteenth, were added to the force which re
mained on the left bank. The left corps Avas commanded
by General Keyes, and the rest, following in rotation toAvard
the right, by Generals Heintzelman, Sumner, Franklin, and
Porter, the latter's corps being that situated upon the left
bank of the river, Avith its extreme right resting upon
MeadoAV Bridge, about four miles north of Richmond, and
formed the nearest approach of the Federal force to the
Confederate capital.
The Confederate army consisted of eight grand divisions,
each of which corresponded to a Federal army corps. These
were commanded by Generals Huger, D. H. Hill, Longstreet,
Smith, Magruder, A. P. Hill, Rains, and EAvell. Huger Avas
stationed opposite the Federal left wing, and the others
along to the right, in the order in Avhich we have given their
names. General Jackson, upon his arrival, was assigned to
the extreme left of the Confederate army, Avhere Stuart's
caA-alry was also stationed. He was thus placed in juxta
position to Franklin's corps on the Federal right.

100 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
During the month of June the Confederate army was
strongly reenforced from the West and South-Avest, as well
as by Jackson's troops, and their forces in and around
Richmond, at the commencement of the seven days' battles,
have been variously estimated at from two hundred to
two hundred and fifty thousand men, but we conclude that
one hundred and fifty thousand will more nearly approach
the actual number. To meet this vast force, General McClel
lan could not at the time muster more than eighty-six thou
sand men. FIRST DAY  OAK GROVE.
Though Wednesday, June the twenty-fifth, was the day
upon which the seven days' battles before Richmond com
menced, the operations on that day, so far as regarded the
Confederates, Avere merely defensive. It was not until
Thursday that the latter commenced those offensive pro
ceedings which they anticipated would, and which actually
did, remove from the vicinity of their capital the National
forces so determinedly bent on its capture.
Information was received on Tuesday that General Jack
son, with his OAvn troops, along Avith those of Ewell and
Whiting, was at Frederick's Hall, and that it was his inten-
tion,to attack the Federal right flank and rear, in order to
cut off McClellan's communication with the White House,
and to throAV the right Aving of his army into the Chicka
hominy. The raid made by Stuart had induced the Federal
commander to provide against this contingency, and he had
consequently ordered to the James River, noAV relieved from

TnE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 101
the presence of the fearful Merrimac, a number of trans
ports laden Avith commissary, quartermaster, and ordnance
stores. General Stoneman was at the same time placed in
charge of the cavalry on the right, with instructions to keep
a vigilant watch over Jackson, and to give immediate in
formation of any advance of the Rebels from that direction.
The right being thus guarded, General Heintzelman was
directed to drive in the Confederate pickets in the Avoods
from their front, in order to give the National forces com
mand of cleared fields still farther in advance. This object
was gallantly accomplished, although stubbornly resisted,
the fighting falling principally on Hooker's division. The
engagement took place at Oak Grove, about a mile in ad-
A'ance of the battle-field at Fair Oaks, and continued through
out the entire day of the twenty-fifth, commencing at nine
o'clock in the morning and not terminating until ten o'clock
at night. Just as the new line was gained, General McClel
lan was called from the field by intelligence which tended
strongly to confirm the belief that Jackson was really ap
proaching. Such, howeA'er, was not the case, but these
repeated alarms are sufficient to prove with Avhat fear any
approach of the irresistless Rebel was viewed.
The Confederates being now in sufficient force to become
the attacking party, they resolved upon ridding their capital
from the presence of a besieging host. The plan proposed
to be adopted having been thoroughly completed, a great
council of war was being held at the Rebel headquarters,
during the progress of the events Avhich Ave have just nar-

102 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
rated. In it Avere assembled nearly all that was eminent in
the Rebel army. Johnston had been severely wounded at
the battle of Seven Pines, and the mantle of the commander
had fallen upon the shoulders of General Lee. Gazing cheer
fully over the countenances of his comrades, for each of
whom he had a part already assigned, the new commander
stood like a rock. " Thoughtfully his eyes wandered from
one to the other, as though he wished to stamp the features
of each upon his memory, with the feeling that he, perhaps,
should never behold many of them again. Close beside him
tOAvered the knightly form of General BaldAvin ; at his left
leaned pensively Stonewall Jackson, the idol of his troops,
impatiently swinging his sabre to and fro, as though the quiet
room were too narrow for him, and he were longing to be
once more at the head of his columns. A little aside, quietly
stood the two Hills, arm in arm, while in front of them old
General Wise was energetically speaking. Further to the
right stood Generals Huger, Longstreet, Branch, Anderson,
Whiting, Ripley, and Magruder, in a group. When all
these generals had assembled, General Lee laid his plans be
fore them, and in a few stirring Avords pointed out to each
his allotted task. The scheme had already been elaborated.
It was compact, concentrated action, and the result could
not fail to be brilliant. When the conference terminated,
all shook hands and hastened away to their respective army
corps, to enter upon immediate actiA'ity." *
The plan of battle developed by the Confederates was,
* Richmond Correspondent of the Cologne Gazette.

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 103
first, to make a vigorous flank movement upon the Federal
extreme right, which Avas Avithin a mile or two of the Cen
tral Railroad ; secondly, as soon as they fell back to the
next road below, the Rebel divisions there posted were to
advance across the Chickahominy, charge front, and in co
operation with Jackson, who was to make a detour, and at
tack the Federals in flank and rear, drive them still further
on ; and finally, when they had reached a certain point,
known as " The Triangle," embraced between the Charles
City, New Market, and Quaker Roads, all of .which in
tersect, these several approaches Avere to be possessed by the
Confederates ; the National forces were to be thus hemmed
in and compelled either to starve, capitulate, or fight their
way out with tremendous odds and topographical advan
tages against them. How this plan happened to fail, at
least partially, in the execution, Avill appear in the course"
of our narrative.
Looking at the position of the tAvo armies, it will be seen
that the A-antage ground lay with the Southern army, for
General McClellan had his forces necessarily on both sides
of the Chickahominy, and, owing to the many ravines in
the neighborhood, he could not, without great difficulty
and much loss of time, execute his military movements.
His front line reached over a distance of more than twenty
miles in the form of a semi-circle, extending from the vicin-
cinity of the James River toward Richmond and Ashland.
The heights on the banks of the Chickahominy were,
however, so fortified that his army, notwithstanding the

104 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
great length of its line, had excellent defensive cover. The
Confederate army occupied the inner side of the semi-circle,
and the various divisions thereof being more contiguous
to each other than those of the Federal army necessarily
could be, they were more readily able to assist each other,
whenever, from force of circumstances, any assistance should
be required. SECOND DAY  MECHANICSVILLE.
Thursday daAvned, and the morning was clear but warm.
Jackson was in motion as early as three o'clock. His corps
d'armee, strengthened by the addition of Whiting's divi
sion, noAv consisted of about thirty thousand men. He
moved by a forced march, from Ashland" tAventy miles dis
tant from Richmond, for the purpose of commencing his
outflanking operations.
At Hanover Court-House he threw forward General
Branch's brigades between the Chickahominy and Pamun
key Rivers, to establish a junction with General A. P.
Hill, who had to cross the stream at MeadoAV Bridge.
Jackson then bore away from the Chickahominy, so as to
gain ground tOAvard the Pamunkey, marching to the left of
Mechanicsville and tOAvard Coal Harbor, while Hill, keeping
well to the Chickahominy, approached Mechanicsville, and
there engaged the National forces. This Avas shortly after
mid-day. The fight was opened with artillery at long-
range, but the Rebels discovering the Federal superiority
in this arm, foreshortened the range and came into closer
conflict. Previous to this, however Avhilst the shells of the

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 105
Confederates were not destructive in the intrenchments of
the Federals, the gunners of the latter played upon the ex
posed ranks of the former with fearful effect. The fight in
creased in fury as it progressed, and it finally became the
most terrible artillery combat that the war had thus far
witnessed. The uproar Avas incessant and deafening for
hours. No language can describe its awful grandeur. The
Rebels at last essayed a combined movement. PoAverful
bodies of troops rushed forward to charge the Federal
lines, but they were ruthlessly swept away. Again and
again the desperate fellows were pushed at the breast-
Avorks only to be more cruelly slaughtered than before.
General McCall, whose division of Porter's corps Avas here
engaged, in the mean time had his force strengthened by the
brigades of - Martindale and Griffin, of Mor ell's division.
The volume of infantry firing was thus increased, and at
dark, the Rebels retired from the contest, resigning the
honor of the day to the Federals.
While the battle of Mechanicsville was in progress, an
other action took place at Ellyson's Mills, to the right or
south-east of that place, and about a mile and a half distant
therefrom ; but the two engagements occurred so near to
each other that they may be considered as part of the same
battle. At this latter place, the Federals had a battery of
sixteen guns situated on elevated ground, and defended by
epaulements, supported by rifle-pits. Beaver Creek, about
twelve feet wide and waist-deep, ran along the front and
left flank of this position, while abattis occupied the space
5*

106 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
between the creek and the battery. General Lee ordered
this battery to be charged, but his troops were unable to ad
vance any nearer than the opposite side of the creek. The
Rebels suffered very severely, during the engagement, and
retired from the conflict about ten o'clock at night.
Another occurrence also took place on the twenty-sixth of
June which is worthy of being recorded. Colonel Lansing
was ordered to proceed with the Seventeenth New-York
and Eighteenth Massachusetts regiments to Old Church,
about six miles east of Mechanicsville, there to intercept
General Jackson, who Avas on his Avay to cut off the Federal
communications with the White House. Jackson succeed
ed in separating Lansing's communication Avith the right
wing of the Federal army, at that time fighting on the
banks of Beaver Creek. The latter, however, was ulti
mately enabled to make his way to Tunstall's Station upon
the railroad, and from thence to the York River, Avhere he
was taken up by the transports.
Whenever General Branch acted directly under General
Jackson's command, he implicitly obeyed his instructions,
and acted with energy and courage ; but when he Avas out of
his commander's sight, he became nervous and unresolved
how to act. On the present occasion he failed to carry out
the orders which Jackson had distinctly given to him, and
instead of adA'ancing boldly he hesitated, and delayed his
march from hour to hour. General Hill sent his Aid-de-
Camp during the battle to order up Branch's brigade, but
the latter was not to be found, and he did not make his ap-

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 107
poarance on the battle-field until night had put an end to
the contest.
It being uoav evident to General McClellan that Jackson
was proceeding toward the Pamunkey, he considered *that
the position of his right Aving Avas no longer tenable. He
therefore determined to concentrate his forces, and Avithdrew
Porter's command to a position near Gaines's Mill, where
he could rest both his flanks on the Chickahominy, and coA'er
the ntost important bridges over that stream. As it Avas
also evident that Jackson was intent upon seizing the public
property on the banks of the Pamunkey, and cutting off the
Federal retreat in that direction, Stoneman's con*mand was
moA'ed swiftly down to finish operations there, and orders
were issued for the remoA'al or destruction of all public
stores at White House. Meantime all trains and equipages
of the right wing were withdrawn during the night to
Trent's Bluff on the right bank of the Chickahominy, and
the wounded Avere conveyed to the hospital at Savage's Sta
tion — alas ! there to be deserted to the enemy they had
beaten. These movements indicated that there Avas danger
in the distance. THIRD DAY  GAINES'S MILL.
By daylight on Friday morning, General McCall had fall
en back in the rear of Gaines's Mill, and in front of Wood
bury's bridge, where he was posted, his left joining the right
of Butterfield's brigade, which rested on tlie Avoods and
near to the swamps of the Chickahominy. Morell was on
his right in the centre, and General Sykes's command, five

108 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
thousand regulars, and Duryea's Zouaves, held the extreme
right. The line occupied crests of hills, near the New Kent
road, some distance east by south of Gaines's Mill. In ad
dition to these changes, General Slocum's division, about
eight thousand strong, was moved across the river to sup
port Porter, as it was assumed that the Rebels would re
appear in that quarter in stronger force than they had been
on the previous day. General McClellan having received
intelligence, in the course of the morning, that Longstreet's
corps was at Mechanicsville, ready to move doAvn on either
bank of the Chickahominy, according to circumstances,- this,
Avith other threatening movements of the Rebels on A7arious
parts of the centre and left, placed a limit to the number of
reenforcements for the support of Porter. Under these cir
cumstances it was likeAvise impossible to withdraw him to
the right bank of the river by daylight, especially as the en
emy was so close upon him that the attempt could not have
been made without severe loss, and would have placed the
right flank and rear of the army at their mercy. It was
consequently necessary to give battle upon and hold the
position now occupied at any cost, and in the mean
time perfect arrangements for the change of base to the
James River.
Let us noAV impart to the reader a knoAvledge of the
ground in the vicinity of Gaines's Mill. For this purpose
we will approach the scene from the Confederate lines.
Emerging from the woods, the road leads to the left and
then to the right round Gaines's house, Avhere the whole

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 109
ground, for the area of about two miles, is an open, un
broken succession of undulating hills. Standing at the
north door of the house, the Avhole country to the right, for
the distance of one mile, is .a gradual slope toward a creek,
through Avhich the main road runs up an open hill and then
winds to the right. In front, to the left, are orchards and
gulleys running gradually to a deep creek. Directly in
front, for the distance of a mile, the ground is almost table
land, suddenly dipping to the deep creek mentioned above,
and faced by a timber-covered hill Avhich fronts the table
land. Beyond this timber-covered hill the country is again
open and is a perfect plateau, with a farm-house and out
houses in the centre, and the main road winding to the right
and through all the Federal camps. To the south-east of
Gaines's house is a large tract of timber, commanding all
advances upon the main road. In this timber a strong body
of Federal skirmishers Avere posted Avith artillery, to annoy
the Confederate flank and rear, should they advance upon
the Federal camps by the main road or over the table-lands
to the north.
Early in the morning a portion of Longstreet's corps
drove back such of the Federals as had been left in the vi
cinity of Mechanicsville, the latter retiring upon their new
defensive line. The Confederates shortly after advanced
along the entire line in the following order of battle :
Longstreet on the right, resting on the Chickahominy
SAvamp ; A. P. Hill on his left ; then Whiting ; then EAvell
and Jackson's corps, under command of the latter general ;

110 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
then D. H. Hill on the extreme left of the line, Avhich ex
tended in the form of a crescent beyond New Coal Harbor,
on the north, and toward Baker's Mills on the south. The
battle commenced about mid-day by the batteries of D. H.
Hill opening a vigorous fire on the Federal right. He,
however, soon found it impossible to hold his position, and
his guns were soon silenced. Reenforced, he reneAved the
attack, but only to meet with a second repulse and con
siderable loss. A third attack met with no better success.
The object, however, of the Confederates in this attempted
flank movement on the right of the Federals was mainly
intended to draw the attention of the latter from Long-
street's contemplated attack on their left.
The din of battle now veered round to the centre and
the left. At about half-past three o'clock p.m., Longstreet
commenced to drive the Federals down the Chickahominy.
At four o'clock the battle raged with intense fury in the
vicinity of Gaines's Mill, and upon the ground Avhich Ave
have described. Here the conflict lasted for nearly tAvo
hours. The columns surged backAvard and forAvard, first
one yielding and then the other. The Federal centre made
a desperate stand, but it was not until it had hurled its last
fresh brigade against the Rebels that they were beaten
back. The Confederates finding that they could not force
the Federal centre, now threAv their columns against its
left. Here the roar of musketry increased in A'olume, and
the conflict became more terrific as time sped on. The
Confederates had suffered severely from the raking fire

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. Ill
which the Federals had poured upon them from the pla
teau. The latter swept the whole face of the country Avith
their artillery, and Avould have annihilated the Rebel force
if it had not been screened by the inequalities of the land.
The Rebels descended into the deep creek and passed up
the hill beyond, but so terrific was the hail-storm of lead
which fell thick and fast around them, that it was with
great difficulty their regiments could be induced to with
stand it. In fact, in one instance, one of their generals,
sword in hand, threatened to behead the first man that
hesitated to advance. The Federals were now compelled
to withdraw their guns and take up a fresh position where-
from to assail the foe, which Avas advancing from the Avoods
and toward the plateau. Forward pushed the Confeder
ates. Officers had no horses — all were shot. Brigadiers
marched on foot, regiments Avere commanded by captains,
and companies by sergeants ; yet onward they rushed, with
yells and colors flying, and backward, still backward fell
the Federals. When the plateau was reached, the Confed
erates found in their front the Federal camps stretching far
away to the north-east. Drawn up in line of battle were
the commands of McCall and Porter and others. Banners
darkened the air, and artillery Amounted forth incessant vol
leys of grape, canister, and shell. Brigade after brigade of
the Confederates was hurled against the Northern heroes.
In vain did the brave Butterfield, with hat in hand, rally,
-cheer, and lead his men forAvard again and again. In vain
did he cry, " Once more, my gallant men !" as a last rally-

112 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
ing order. The opposing hosts were too strong to be Avith-
stood. They assailed him in front, flank, and rear, and
compelled him to fall back.
The Federals now moved with the evident intention of
flanking the Rebel force engaged on its left, but the latter
pressed onward to the heart of the Federal position, and
when the National troops had almost succeeded in carrying
out their flanking operations, great commotion was heard
in the woods. Volley after volley Avas repeated in rapid
succession. These welcome sounds were recognized and
cheered by the Rebels. " It is Jackson," they shouted,
" on their right and rear !" Yes, tAvo or three brigades of
Jackson's corps had approached from Coal Harbor and
flanked the National forces. The fighting now increased
in its severity. Worked up to madness, the Confederates
dashed forward at a run, and drove the Federals back with
irresistible fury.
Wheeling their artillery from the front, the Federals
turned part of it to break the Rebel left and saA'e their OAvn
retreat. The earth trembled at the roar. Not one Con
federate piece had as . yet opened fire ; all had thus far
been done by the bullet and the bayonet. Onward pressed
the Rebel troops, through camps upon camps, capturing
guns, stores, arms, and clothing. They swept every thing
before them. Presenting an unbroken, solid front, and clos
ing in upon the Federals, they kept up an incessant succes
sion of volleys upon their confused masses. There was but
one " charge !" and from the moment that the word of com-

THE SEVEN DAI'S' BATTLES. 113
mand was given, " Fix bayonets ! forward !" the Rebel ad
vance was never stopped, despite the aAvful reception Avhich
it met. " But where is Jackson ?" was the universal inquiry.
He had traA-elled fast and Avas heading the flying foe.
As night closed in, all was anxiety for intelligence from
him. At seven o'clock, just as the victory Avas complete,
the distant and rapid discharges of cannon told that Jack
son had fallen on the retreating columns. Far into the
night his troops hung upon and harassed the hard-pressed
National forces.
General Jackson had accomplished his flanking march
without encountering any serious resistance. Hardly had
he arrived at the position marked out for him, ere he sent
his columns to the charge. Notwithstanding the difficulties
and exertions of the march which his troops had executed
on short allowance, he flung them at once upon the Feder
als. In A-ain was all the courage, all the bold manoeuvring
of the latter. Like a tempest, General Stuart and his cav
alry swept doAvn upon them, and hurled every thing to the
earth that stood in their way. Although the Federals had
at first made obstinate resistance, they ultimately lost
ground and fell back, throwing away arms, knapsacks, blan
kets — in fine, every thing that would impede their flight.
Jackson could with a clear conscience issue the order :
" Enough for the day." None of the other generals had
performed their task with such rapidity and such success as
he, and therefore the fruits of his victory were unusually

114 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
large. The booty was immense ; but in a strategetic point
of A'iew, Jackson's success was of far greater importance,
since it completely cut off General McClellan from his orig
inal base on the York River. When, therefore, the triumph
of his arms became known at the Confederate headquarters,
the rejoicings bordered on frenzy, and all counted with per
fect certainty upon the destruction or capture of the entire
Federal force.
With the close of the day terminated the terrible scene
of strife.
The army of the Potomac now occupied a very singular
position. One portion of it was situated on the south side
of the Chickahominy, fronting Richmond, and confronted
by General Magruder. The other portion was on the north
side of the river, and had turned its back upon Richmond,
and fronted destruction in the persons of Lee, Longstreet,
Jackson, and the two Hills.
By this engagement, General Stoneman's command had
been separated from the rest of the army. Upon the pre-
A'ious day he had been scouting near Hanover Court-House,
and after doing all that he could in the contests of both
days to harass the Rebel flank and rear, he retired to the
White House, whence he proceeded down the Peninsula to
Fortress Monroe.
During the night the final Avithdrawal of the Federal
right wing across the Chickahominy was completed, with
out difficulty or confusion, a portion of the regular troops

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 115
only remaining on the left bank until early on the follow
ing morning, when the bridges Avere burned, and the Avhole
army concentrated on the right bank of the river.
During the evening of the tAventy-seventh, General
McClellan's determination to change his base to the James
River was for the first time whispered abroad. The plan
was naturally very much canvassed, and the movement Avas
considered a most critical one, especially as it had to be
taken under compulsion. The tents of General McClellan's
headquarters, which had been pitched in Doctor Trent's
'field, near the bank of the river, were moved at dusk to Sav
age's Station, on the railroad. "At night, as the several
brigades came over the bridge, and clustered on the borders
of the SAvamp, one single tent stood on the hillside, and that
was General McClellan's. At eleven o'clock a council of
war Avas held in front of this tent, in which the General
commanding, corps commanders, with their aids, among
them the French Princes and the General of Engineers, took
part. A large fire had been lighted just beyond the arbor
in front, and its blaze lighted up the faces of the generals as
they sat in the arbor, which formed a pavilion for the tent.
The conference was long and seemingly earnest. This was
the first council called by General McClellan since he took
the field, and here he disclosed his plans of reaching the
James River." *
Keyes's line, which was on the extreme left, resting on
* "Leaves from the Diary of an Army Surgeon," by Thomas T. Ellis, M.D.

116 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
White Oak Swamp, was extended during the night, and the
Federal artillery and transportation trains were ordered to
prepare to move forward. That night General Casey was
also directed to destroy all public property at the White
House which could not be removed ; to transport the sick
and wounded to a place of safety, and to retire himself and
rejoin the army on the James River. Friday night Avas thus
actively and mournfully passed. The troops were ignorant
of the true position, and it was desirable to conceal the truth
from them. It was feared that the Rebels would renew
their attack on the following morning, and every preparation
was made to resist them successfully. The defensive right
of the Federals was disposed on Trent's Bluffs, where it was
supposed that the crossing of the Rebels might be success
fully opposed. The night of Friday, June the twenty-sev
enth, was gloomy, but it was felicity itself when compared
with those of the following Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and
Tuesday. FOURTH DAY — GARNETT'S FARM.
Saturday dawned hot and cheerless to the National forces.
No sound of a hostile gun disturbed the dread stillness until
nine o'clock. The profound quiet of the morning became
almost oppressive, so great was the contrast between its
calmness and the fiery storm of the previous day. Shortly
after that hour, however, the ominous silence which prevailed
was broken by an aAvful cannonade, which opened from tAvo
forts in Garnett's field — a battery at General Porter's old

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 117
position, and another below it — on the left bank of the Chick
ahominy. The fire Avas terrible, and compelled the forces
upon which it Avas launched to abandon the strongest natu
ral position on the whole Federal line. The troops attacked
fell back a few hundred yards to the woods and threw up
breastworks out of range. The Rebels, content with their
success, ceased firing, and quiet was not again disturbed
that day. The silence of the Confederates Avas explained
that night by a negro slave who had escaped from his mas
ter at headquarters in Richmond. He said a despatch had
been sent by Jackson to Magruder, who remained in com
mand in front of Richmond, expressed thus : " Be quiet.
Every thing is working as well as we could desire." Omi
nous Avords !
Saturday was also marked by the capture of the Fourth
New-Jersey (Stockton's) regiment, the Eleventh Pennsylva
nia, and the famous "Bucktails," with their regimental
standards. Also by rapid and successful movements of
Jackson and Stuart, between the Chickahominy and the
Pamunkey, in which they took the York River Railroad, cut
off McClellan's communication with his transports, and des
troyed his line of telegraph. Meanwhile, measures were tak
en by the Federals to increase the number of bridges across
the White. Oak Swamp. The trains were set in motion early
in the day, and they continued moving along the swamp day
and night until all had passed. Endless streams of artillery
trains, wagons, and funereal ambulances, poured down the
roads from all the camps, and plunged into the narrow fun-

118 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
nel which was now the only hope of escape. It was abso
lutely necessary for the salvation of the army and the cause,
that the wounded and mangled heroes who lay moaning in
physical agony in the hospitals, should be deserted and left
in the hands of those against whom they had so bravely
fought. Another fearful night was spent, but it was Avithout catas
trophe. Officers were on horseback throughout the greater
part of the night, ordering on the great caravan and its
escorts. There Avas again no wink of sleep, nor peace of
mind, for any Avho reahzed the peril of his country in those
dread hours.
FIFTH DAY  PEACH ORCHARD J SAVAGE'S STATION.
At daylight, General McClellan was on the road. Thou
sands of cattle and Avagons, and immense trains of artillery,
intermingled with infantry and cavalry, choked up the nar
row road. Generals Sumner's, Heintzelman's, and Frank
lin's corps, under command of the first named, were left to
guard the rear, with orders to fall back at daylight, and
hold the enemy in check until night. At no point along the
line were the Federals more than three fourths of a mile
from the Confederates, Avhilst in front of Sedgwick's line,
the latter Avere not over six hundred yards distant. It was
therefore necessary to move Avith the greatest caution, so as
to conceal from the enemy the nature of their movements.
Fortunately, however, by skilful secresy, column after col
umn was marched to the rear — Franklin first, Sedgwick

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 119
next, then Richardson and Hooker, and lastly the knightly
Kearny. A mile had been SAviftly traversed when these splendid
columns quickly turned at bay. The Confederates, keen-
scented and watchful, had discovered the retrograde move
ment, and quick as thought Avere swarming and yelling at
their heels. They were quickly met by fearful volleys of
musketry and artillery, and all who Avere left of the slaugh
tered Rebel column fled hoAvling back. Fresh troops step
ped forth, and they, too, were sent surging back, until finally
the Confederates retreated, content to watch and Avait a hap
pier moment to assail that desperate front. This engage
ment, which lasted for four hours, took place at Peach Or
chard. The Federal troops which were engaged in it, hav
ing held the position as long as was necessary, marched on
to Savage's Station in order to concentrate with other corps.
Toward noon the line had retired several miles, and
rested behind Savage's Station to destroy the public pro
perty AA'hich had accumulated there. A locomotive and a
train of cars Avere started and sent plunging madly into the
Chickahominy. Ammunition was exploded, and the match
Avas applied to stores of every description, until nothing
Avas left to welcome the Confederates, who were closely
treading in the Federal footsteps.
The advancing column and all its mighty train was in due
course of time swalloAved up in the maAV of the dreary for
est. It swept onward, onward, fast and furious, like an
avalanche. But the march was as orderly as on any ordi-

120 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
nary occasion, only SAvifter. It seemed marvellous that such
caravans of wagons, artillery, horsemen, soldiers, camp-fol
lowers, and other impedimenta of an army should press
through the narrow road with so little confusion.
The Confederates, under Magruder, pressed closely on
the Federal rear. After the latter retired from Peach Or
chard, the former entered the camping-ground to find almost
every thing of value either removed or destroyed. The
Rebels then followed on to Savage's Station, guided thither
by the dense volume of smoke which was seen to issue from
the woods, and betokened the destruction which was in
progress. Arriving at the station about four o'clock p.m.,
the Rebels made a furious onslaught on the Federal rear,
commanded by General Heintzelman, which engagement
raged hotly for about three hours. The Federals held the
Confederates in check, fighting and retiring until they
reached White Oak SAvamp. Here the fight continued
until darkness put an end to the contest. This battle in
the forests was a fearful one. Long lines of musketry vom
ited forth their liquid fire, while nature, as if emulous of
man's fury, flashed its lightnings and rolled its grand thun
der over the distant domes of Richmond. So mingled were
the flash and roar of heaven's artillery with the fire and din
of battle, that it was at times difficult to decide which was
the power of God, and which the conflict of man. No com
bination of the dreadful in art and the magnificent in na
ture was ever more solemnly impressive. It Avas a Sunday
battle.

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 121
The Federal rear crossed the swamp under cover of
night, whilst the Confederates lay on their arms Avith the
design of renewing the battle on the return of daylight.
Whilst Magruder was busily engaged pressing the National
forces on the south side of the Chickahominy, the ever-ac
tive Jackson and the redoubtable Stuart Avere not less ac
tive on the north. Dashing doAvn to the White House, the
latter succeeded in capturing an immense quantity of sup
plies, ammunition, ordnance, a balloon, the rolling-stock of
the railroad, and fifteen hundred prisoners, besides burning
several large transports at the wharves. It was during
this day (Sunday) that the Confederates became alive to
the fact that General McClellan had succeeded in eluding
them, and that he had stolen a march of twelve hours on
General Huger, who had been placed in a position on his
flank to watch his movements. So confidently had the
Rebels calculated upon capturing the Federal army, that
they were greatly mortified at the discovery of the fact that
they had been out-generalled.
SIXTH DAY  WHITE OAK SWAMP ; GLENDALE.
About midnight on Sunday the lights were still blazing
at the Federal headquarters. The commander was yet
working with unyielding devotion ; aids were still riding
fast, but all else was silent. Presently, and the prostrate
soldiers were startled from their slumbers by Avhat ap
peared to be the terrific uproar of battle. Again and again
the thundering sound Avas heard. It rolled sublimely away
6

122 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
off on the borders of the Chickahominy. The Rebels have
crossed the river and are destroying the Federal right wing
in the darkness. Such was the general impression, but tlie
illusion— a natural one when the sounds of cannon and of
musketry are dinning in every ear — was speedily dispelled.
A dark cloud appeared in the horizon, and approached
nearer and nearer, until at last it hung like a canopy over
the black forest, and above the weary Avarriors.
Monday morning beamed like its predecessor, brilliantly
and hotly. Until this day the Confederates evidently had
proceeded upon the supposition that General McClellan Avas
intending to retire to the Pamunkey, and the appearance
in the north of the Federal cavalry and infantry — which we
have already alluded to as having been severed from the
rest of the army whilst watching the movements of Jack
son — served to impress the Rebels with this idea. It was
plain by this time, however, that the Federal intentions had
become apparent to the Rebels, but the trains had been
hurried on so rapidly that they had now nearly passed the
point at which the latter could make any flank movement
upon them.
At daybreak the Rebels resumed the pursuit of their fly
ing foes. The troops of Generals D. H. Hill, Whiting,
EAvell, and Jackson, under the command of General Jack
son, crossed the Chickahominy and followed the Federals
on their track by the Williamsburgh road and Savage's
Station. Generals Longstreet, A. P. Hill, Huger, and Ma
gruder at the same time proceeded by the Charles City

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 123
road on the south, with the intention of cutting them
off. Jackson came up with the Federal rear about eleven
o'clock, at White Oak Swamp. The Federals had crossed
the swamp and the bridge had been destroyed, and their
artillery was posted so as to command the road and the
crossing. Jackson ordered his artillery to be brought
forward, under cover of a hill on the north bank of the
swamp, and then to be thrown rapidly upon its crest
and suddenly open fire upon the Federal batteries. This
was about noon. The artillery duel which then commenced
and continued with great spirit and determination until
night closed the scene, was probably the most severe fight of
field artillery which has taken place during the war. Jack
son made some desperate efforts to cross the creek, but he
was repulsed and kept back by General Smith's brigade,
while the main body of Heintzelman's corps passed on to
ward the James River.
General A. P. Hill, who in the absence of Longstreet
commanded the troops moving upon the Charles City
road, came up with the Federals: about five o'clock in the
afternoon, at the Cross-roads, or Glendale, where he at
tacked Heintzelman's corps on the flank with much fierce
ness. During the evening the gunboats Aroostook and
Galena, on the James River, got in range of the Confeder
ate masses advancing from Richmond, and opened upon
them with fearful havoc, the direction in which .they
should fire having been indicated by the signal corps. The
Rebels were finally repulsed by a vigorous charge led by

124 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
General Heintzleman in person. The loss on both sides
of this .engagement was very great. Portions of nearly all
the Federal corps were engaged, and Generals McCall
and Reynolds were taken prisoners. The Confederate
forces in action were A. P. Hill's and Longstreet's, com
manded by the former. Magruder did not arrive until
tlie battle was over, when he moved upon and occupied the
battle-field, General Hill's troops being almost prostrated
from their long and toilsome fight, and from their tremen
dous losses.
The Confederate President was on the field during the
day, and had a narrow escape. He had taken a position in
a house near the scene, when he was advised by General
Lee to leave it at once, as it was threatened with danger.
He had scarcely complied with the advice before the house
was literally riddled with shell from the Federal batteries.
SEVENTH DAY  MALVERN HILL.
By an early hour on Tuesday morning General McClellan
had concentrated the entire of his forces at Malvern Hill,
and in close proximity to the James River. The troops
Avere placed in position to offer battle to the Rebels should
they renew the attack, the left of the line resting on the
admirable position of Malvern Hill, with a brigade in
the low ground to the left, watching the road to Richmond.
The line then followed a line of heights nearly parallel to
the river, and bent back through the woods nearly to
the James River on the right. General McClellan relied

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 125
on the left for the natural advantages of the position. On
the right, where the natural strength Avas less, some little
cutting of timber was done, and the roads blocked. Al
though the Federal force was small for so extensive a posi
tion, its commander considered it necessary to hold it at
any cost.
Tuesday, the first of July, was not a cheerful day for the
Federals. The prospect was not a pleasant one. The Prince
de Joinville, always gay and active as a lad, and always
where there was battlp, had gone. The Count de Paris,
heir to the Bourbon throne, and the Duke de Chartres, his
brother — the two chivalric and devoted aids to General
McClellan, on whose courage, fidelity, intelligence, and ac
tivity he safely relied, and who served with him to learn the
art of war — suddenly, without previous warning, took pas
sage on a gunboat, and fluttered softly doAvn the river. Two
, oflicers of the English army, who had also accompanied the
Federal commander, and who had intended to remain with
the army until Richmond was captured, announced their
intention to leave in the first boat. These departures were
at least ominous. The paymasters Avere advised to deposit
their treasure on a gunboat. People looked gloomy. It had
been stated that by the time the army reached Malvern Hill,
the river at that point would be full of transports. On Mon
day, at noon, there was not one there, excepting a schooner
laden with hay. By Tuesday evenmg, however, several
steamers and a few forage-boats had arrived.
On Tuesday morning the Confederates renewed their pur-

126 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
suit. The divisions of D. H. Hill, Whiting, Ewell, and
Jackson — the three latter "under the command of Jackson-
crossed the White Oak Bridge, Hill's division being to the
right and Jackson's to the left. About three o'clock in the
afternoon, they took their position to the left of the Rebel
line, Longstreet, A. P. Hill, Magruder, and Huger, forming
the right. In this order they advanced toward the lines of
the Federals under the fire of artillery from land and
water. Shortly after four o'clock, the rage of battle com
menced. For an hour and a half battery after battery and
regiment after regiment were advanced to the front, to be
in turn driven back by the iron hail of the Federal artillery
and the tremendous projectiles showered forth by the Na
tional gunboats. During this time, the indomitable Jackson
assailed the Federals with that energy which he was ever
Avont to display.
Great Avas the slaughter in the Rebel ranks, and fruitless
was their attempt to dislodge the Federals from the position
they held, and where they had chosen to turn at bay and
give battle to their eager pursuers. The sun of the first of
July set upon the retiring columns of the Confederate host,
and Avhen night came on the final battle of the Peninsular
campaign had become a matter of history.
Let us picture to the reader the appearance of this battle
field, as it met the eye a few days after the termination of
the strife. The entire district appeared as if the lightnings
of heaven had scathed and blasted it. The forests showed,
in the splintered branches of a thousand trees, the fearful

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES. 127
havoc of the artillery. The houses were riddled, the fences
utterly demolished, the earth itself ploughed up in many
cases for yards. Here stood a dismantled cannon, there a
broken gun-carriage. Thick and many were the graves, the
sods over which bore the marks of the blood of their occu
pants. On the plateau, across whose surface for hours the
utmost fury of the battle raged, the tender corn that had
grown up as high as the knee betrayed no sign of having
ever laughed and sung in the breeze of early summer. Every
thing, in short, but the blue heavens above, spoke of the
carnival of death which had been there so frightfully cele
brated. It is needless to state that the losses on both sides in the
seven days' battles were very great. The Federal loss in
killed, wounded, and missing, has been officially given at
about fifteen thousand. There is no official announcement
of the Confederate loss, but, in consequence of the superior
ity of the artillery which the Federals brought into action,
it must have exceeded that sustained by the latter.
It is impossible to peruse the narrative of the memorable
events which occurred in the vicinity of Richmond during
this historic week, without being convinced that General
Jackson was in no small degree instrumental in compelling
the Federal forces to raise their siege of the city. Before
the Confederates commenced their offensive operations, Ave
find his name a tower of strength to them, and a source of

128 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
continual disquietude to the Federal army. It is easy to
observe how the approach of this ubiquitous general was
feared by the latter. Rumor folloAved rumor that he was
drawing nigh to the Federal right, each succeeding rumor
only tending to intensify the terror which the previous
rumors had originated.
At the battle of Gaines's Mill — the only one of the series
which can be claimed as a Confederate victory — it is evident
that the decisive blow was struck by Jackson when he out
flanked his foes and attacked them so mercilessly on their
rear. In the future operations consequent on the Federal
retreat, we find him ever active. Placed in prominent com
mand, he harassed the rear of the retreating army until it
Avas considered necessary that the pursuit should be aban
doned. General Lee was well aware of the unsurpassed
energy and the unweariness of his companion in arms, and
if he gave to him a lion's work, he knew that it would be
performed in a manner befitting its importance. It was long
before dawn on the first day of the Confederate attack, that
Jackson moved from Ashland to take up the position which
had been allotted to him ; as day succeeded day in this
Aveek of carnage, he was unwearied in his activity ; and it
Avas not until the last shot had been fired in the last battle,
that he sheathed his sword and retired from the conflict.

CHAPTER IX.
THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE.
Organization of Pope's Army — His Address and Orders to his Troops —
Strength of his Army — Confederate Plan to Crush him — Commences to
Advance — He is opposed by Jackson — Battle of Cedar Mountain — Nar
row Escapes — Jackson's Official Report — Losses in the Battle — The Field
of Operations removes to near Washington — Pope retires behind the
Rappahannock — Stuart's Cavalry Raid — Pope's Papers Captured — Jack
son's March upon the Federal Right Flank — Reaches Manassas Junction —
Feast of his Famished Soldiers — Pope's Project to capture him — Critical
Position of Jackson — Battle of Groveton — Jackson reenforced by Lee
and Longstreet — Second Battle of Bull Run — Federal Defeat — Pope re
tires to Centreville — Battle at Chantilly — Jackson's Share in the Cam
paign. On the twenty-sixth of June, the National forces, under
Generals Fremont, Banks, and McDowell, were consolidated
into one army under the name of the Army of Virginia, and
General Pope was assigned by the President to the chief
command. General Fremont objected to be thus placed in
a subordinate command, and at his OAvn request he was re
lieved from duty, and the corps which he would have com
manded in the new army was placed under General Sigel.
It was against this army that General Jackson was called
upon to act, after he had reorganized his forces at the close
of the battles before Richmond, in which they had suffered
6*

130 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
severely, and were considerably lessened in numbers. Gen
eral Pope was beginning to threaten Richmond from the
North, and the new aspect of affairs drew the attention of
the Confederates from General McClellan's forces who were
resting at Harrison's Landing, preparatory to their evacu
ation of the Peninsula.
On the eleventh of July, General Halleck was assigned
to the command of the whole land forces of the United
States, as General-in-Chief.
Shortly after General Pope entering upon his new com
mand, he issued an address to the officers and soldiers of his
army which was particularly remarkable for the pretentious
language in which it was clothed. He also issued several
orders in which he declared that his troops " should subsist
upon the country in which their operations are carried on ;"
and pointed out the manner in which celerity of movement
could be best secured by his army. He notified the people
of his department that they should be held responsible for
any injury done to railroad-trains, bridges, and telegraph-
lines, or to any attacks upon trains of straggling soldiers by
guerrilla bands ; and stated that residents within five miles
of any place where any such outrage occurred should be com
pelled to repair the damage done, or be assessed therefor ;
and that individuals detected in any outrages against proper
ty or persons should be shot without waiting for civil process.
He also directed that disloyal male citizens within the lines
of his army should be arrested and sent beyond the lines un
less they took the oath of allegiance to the United States and

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 131
gave security for their good behavior ; and notified that
persons violating such oath would be shot. A retaliatory
order issued %y the Confederate President, declared that in
consequence of General Pope's threatened arrest of disloyal
citizens, that general and all commissioned officers serving
under him should not be considered as soldiers, and there
fore should not be entitled to the benefit of the cartel for
the parole of prisoners of war; and that in the event of
their being captured they should be held in close confine
ment as long as General Pope's order should remain in force.
The effective strength of General Pope's army at the com
mencement of his campaign was thirty-eight thousand in
fantry and artillery, and about five thousand cavalry. These
forces were scattered over a wide district of country not
within supporting distance of each other ; and General Pope
states that he found many of the brigades and divisions
badly organized and in a demoralized condition, and that
the cavalry was badly mounted and armed, and in poor con
dition for service. He took an early opportunity not only
to reorganize his army, but to concentrate as far as possible
all the movable forces under his command; consequently
Sigel and Banks's forces were ordered from the valley of
the Shenandoah to Sperryville on the east side of the Blue
Ridge, and part of McDowell's force to Waterloo Bridge,
a point betAveen Warrenton and Sperryville. The remainder
of McDowell's corps was left at Falmouth, opposite Freder-
icksburgh, to cover the crossing of the Rappahannock at
that point, and to protect the railroad between it and Acquia

132 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Creek, until the arrival of General Burnside's forces, who
were on their way from North-Carolina to Fredericksburgh.
These movements were in progress during thg time the bat
tles near Richmond were being fought. Their object had
been to draw off a portion of the Confederate forces from
McClellan's front ; but the retreat of the latter commander
now enabled General Lee to oppose the greater part of his
army to General Pope. General Pope was now called upon
to resist at all hazards any advance of the Confederates
toward Washington, and to delay and embarrass their move
ments so as to gain time for the removal of the Army of the
Potomac to the banks of the Rappahannock.
In pursuance of this plan, several cavalry expeditions
were despatched from Fredericksburgh to destroy the rail
road communication between Richmond and the North and
the North-west, the latter point leading to the valley of the
Shenandoah. These expeditions were completely successful.
At the same time General Banks sent all his cavalry and a
brigade of infantry on a forced march to Culpeper Court-
House, which place was taken possession of, and the cav
alry pushed forward to Orange Court-House, where they
destroyed the railroad and Confederate stores and muni
tions of war, and burned the bridge which crossed the
Rapidan. After this was accomplished, a force was des
patched to Gordonsville Avith instructions to destroy the
railroad east and west of that place, but on the sixteenth of
July, before they were enabled to reach it, the town was
entered by the advance of Jackson's forces under Ewell,

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 133
and the proposed movement was thereby rendered imprac
ticable. General Lee had despatched Jackson with a corps d'armee
of about twenty-five thousand men to check Pope's advance.
This corps consisted of the old Stonewall division, noAV
under the command of General Taliaferro, and the divi
sions of Ewell and A. P. Hill. Lee then left a small force to
watch General McClellan, and proceeded with the main
body of his army as rapidly as possible to join General
Jackson; but the movement was not accomplished as
speedily as was desirable, in consequence of deficiency in
the means of transportation. Lee had hoped, with his
united forces, to crush Pope's army before McClellan could
come to his rehef, but a sudden rain-storm so swelled the
Rapidan River, rendering it necessary to wait some time
before it could be crossed, that the plan was prevented in
being carried out, and gave Pope, who took the alarm,
time to retire rapidly behind the Rappahannock.
On July the twenty-ninth, General Pope left Washington
Avith his staff for the headquarters of his army in the field.
All the preparations having been completed, on the seventh
of August he instructed General Banks to move forward
from the vicinity of Little Washington to a point midway
between Sperryville and Culpeper, McDowell having been
ordered on the previous day to advance Rickett's division
to Culpeper Court-House. He had thus on that day twen
ty-eight thousand infantry and artillery assembled along tlie
turnpike from Sperryville to Culpeper. Sigel's corps was

134 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
stationed at Sperryville, Buford's cavalry at Madison Court-
House, and Bayard's cavalry near Rapidan Station, the
point where the Orange and Alexandia Railroad crosses
the Rapidan River. On the eighth, General Bayard was
compelled to fall back slowly from his advanced position on
the Rapidan, in the direction of Culpeper Court-House, in
consequence of the advance of Jackson's forces, who were
reported to be marching not only upon Culpeper, but on
Madison Court-House.
Li consequence of these movements of the Rebels, Gene
ral Pope considered it advisable to concentrate his entire
force near Culpeper, and to push forward Crawford's bri
gade of Banks's corps in the direction of Cedar Mountain,*
as a support to General Bayard, who was falling back in
that direction. At the same time a force was so placed
that, if necessary, it could protect Madison Court-House.
Owing to a misunderstanding of the order he received,
General Sigel did not arrive at Culpeper Court-House until
several hours after the time that he should have reached
that point. Consequently, on the morning of the ninth,
General Pope was compelled to direct Banks to move for
ward to Cedar Mountain with his whole corps, and there
join CraAvford's brigade, instead of ordering Sigel's corps to
the front, as he had intended.
General Jackson moved forward from Gordonsville short
ly before dawn on the morning of Friday, the eighth. About
* This mountain, which is a "sugar-loaf" eminence, is sometimes called
Slaughter Mountain, it being the property of the Rev. D. F. Slaughter.

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 135
noon his cavalry came into contact with those of General
Bayard, and after a short engagement drove them back.
The Confederate troops encamped for the night at a place
called Garnett's Farm. Early on the morning of the ninth,
they again took up their line of march, and during the
morning found the Federal cavalry draAvn up in line of
battle to receive them. After waiting some time to find
out their intentions, General Ewell ordered his artillery to
fire upon them, which had the effect of compelling them to
seek the cover of the woods. Jackson's infantry then ad
vanced, and during the afternoon his force took up a strong
position upon the side of Cedar Mountain.
In the mean time, General Banks's corps moved steadily
forward, under, a blazing sun and over dusty roads Avhich
led toward the mountain. Four or five miles south of
Culpeper this mountain Avas seen rising directly in front
of the advancing army, although it Avas still about five
miles distant. The road led almost up to the left of the
mountain, and then took a sudden curve and wound around
to its right. General Banks formed his troops in line of
battle in an open meadoAV lying between the mountain and
the road. This was accomplished at half-past four p.m.,
when General Banks sent word to his superior officer that
he hardly expected an engagement to take place that day.
His courier had, however, but just started when firing .was
heard upon the left of his line, and in a few moments a
perfect stream of flame belched forth from the mountain,
extending from the extreme left to the right wing. The

136 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
engagement commenced about five o'clock, and the firing
did not finally terminate until past midnight.
On Jackson's side a part of Ewell's division led in the
attack, and was afterward reenforced by a portion of A. P.
Hill's division, the whole numbering about fifteen thousand.
Banks's corps, which comprised the entire of the Federal
force brought into action, did not number more than eight
thousand. Early in the battle, Ewell's troops were in danger
of being flanked, and were compelled to fall back, disputing
every inch of ground and losing a number of prisoners.
They were, however, immediately reenforced, when a most
desperate hand-to-hand encounter took place. Jackson's
troops charged upon the Federals with great valor, and
Avere bravely met. Bayonets locked and sabres crossed, and
each man fought as if the fortunes of the field depended on
himself alone. And when the bayonet failed to do its work,
or was broken or lost, the contest was continued with club
bed guns, until the Federals were compelled to seek refuge
in flight. Here the loss on both sides was terrible, and here
fell some of the best and bravest officers of the Southern
army. But their comrades pressed forward over their dead
bodies, and finally gained a complete but a dear-bought vic
tory, in which they not only released their companions who
had been captured in the early part of the fight, but cap
tured a number of the Federals in return.
The losses which many of the Federal regiments sus
tained in this engagement were extremely severe, some
of them retiring from the field of battle with barely half

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 137
their numbers, whilst others, at the termination of the en
counter, had almost ceased to have an existence. The man
ner in which General Banks handled the small force at his
command is worthy of the highest commendation. There
can be little doubt but that had he been properly supported,
and promptly reenforced by even a portion of the large
number of troops who were Avithin a short distance of
the battle-field, the tide of victory Avould have been turned.
There was evidently great culpability in some quarter,
but it is difficult to define on whose shoulders the blame
must rest. The division of General Ricketts remained three
hours within sound of the battle, but did not move an inch ;
not, howeA'er, because that General did not desire to take
part in the engagement, but because he was under the curb
of a superior officer, and that officer still awaiting the orders
of his superior. General Ricketts, as well as other Generals
Avithin call, would gladly have been in the thickest of the
fight, but having been oflicers in the regular army they were
too much accustomed to its regular discipline to march to
the relief of General Banks Avithout orders. General Pope
eventually led Ricketts's division to Banks's assistance, and
also pushed Sigel' s corps, which had begun to arrive, to the
frontj but when these movements took place the evening
Avas so far advanced that they failed to regain the ground
Avhich had been lost and to change the fortunes of the day.
During the engagement, General Banks had a narroAV
escape with his life, from a shell which exploded in the midst
of his body-guard and killed six of them. Generals Pope
and McDowell had also at a later period an equally narrow

138 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
escape of being either killed or captured. Shortly after mid
night they had dismounted in the front to rest a few minutes
from the saddle, when Jackson's cavalry made so sudden a
dash upon them that they had barely time to mount and
ride rapidly away. In so doing they were mistaken by a
company of their own men for charging rebel cavalry, and
received their fire, which fortunately only killed some of their
horses. General Jackson's official report of the battle of Cedar
Mountain is here given, as it illustrates the character of the
man. It is remarkable for its brevity. He had invariably
httle to say in reference to his OAvn achievements, and pre
ferred to be judged by his actions rather than by his words.
Headquarters Valley District, )
August 12 — 6_ p.m. j
Colonel : On the evening of the ninth instant, God
blessed our arms with another victory. The battle was near
Cedar Run, about six miles from Culpeper Court-House.
The enemy, according to the statement of prisoners, con
sisted of Banks's, McDowell's, and Sigel's commands. We
have over four hundred prisoners, including Brig.-General
Prince. While our list of killed is less than that of the ene
my, yet we have to mourn the loss of some of our best officers
and men. Brig.-General Charles S. Winder was mortally
Avounded while ably discharging his duty at the head of his
command, which was the advance of the left wing of the
army. We have collected about one thousand five hundred
small arms, and other ordnance-stores.
I am, Colonel, your obedient servant,
T. J. Jackson, Major-General.
Col. R. H. Chilton, A.A.G.

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 139
The Federal loss in the battle was about one thousand
eight hundred in killed, wounded, and prisoners, besides
which fully one thousand men straggled back to Culpeper
Court-House and beyond, and never entirely returned to
their commands. The Confederates, according to their own
reports, did not suffer a loss of much over seven hundred in
killed and wounded. The advantageous position which the
latter occupied during the battle naturally sheltered them
from the Federal fire.
At daybreak on the morning of the tenth, Jackson's sharp
shooters were found to occupy the same spot which had been
their front at the close of the battle. Several skirmishes
and slight engagements took place in the course of the morn
ing, but the battle was not renewed, and in the afternoon
Jackson retired from the position which he held. Early on
the following morning he retired to the south of the Rapidan,
to which river he was followed by a cavalry and artillery
force under General Buford. Though Jackson had only fif
teen thousand engaged in the action, the entire force he
had then under his command, and the remainder of whom
came up during the night, was from fifty to sixty thousand.
The seat of war in Virginia was now to revert to the old
field of operations in the vicinity of Washington. Not only
was General McClellan's army transported, in the middle
of August, from the James River to Alexandria and Acquia
Creek on the banks of the Potomac, but General Burnside
had earher in the month reached Falmouth on the Rappa-

140 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
hannoek with a considerable force, with which he had been
successfully operating in North-Carolina. These changes
naturally relieA'ed the main Confederate army from the neces
sity of closely Avatching over and protecting the Confederate
capital. Consequently, Lee and Longstreet, and other rebel
leaders, moved northward to assist Jackson, and Ewell, and
Hill, in their proceedings against General Pope. And Gen.
Pope, on the other hand, had his army increased by consid
erable detachments from the commands of McClellan and
Burnside. After the battle of Cedar Mountain, Jackson fell back to
the south of the Rapidan, Avith the vieAV of moving west-
Avard and outflanking Pope on his right ; whilst he resigned
the front to Generals Lee and Longstreet, who were rapidly
approaching from Richmond. Pope being reenforced by a
portion of Burnside's forces under General Reno, again
moved forward to the Rapidan, and took up a strong posi
tion on that river. He, however, became convinced by the
eighteenth of August that he was about to be confronted
by the main Confederate army, and feared that he might be
attacked by overwhelming numbers before he could be re
enforced by any portion of the army of the Potomac. He
therefore retired from the line of the Rapidan, and fell back
to the Rappahannock, the entire army safely crossing the
latter river on the eighteenth and nineteenth. The troops
of Jackson, folloAved by those of Lee and Longstreet, ad
vanced in close proximity to the Federals, as the latter re
tired. On the tAventieth, and tAvo following days, the Rebels

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 141
made efforts to cross the river at various points, but were
unable to effect their purpose from the rapid and continuous
artillery fire with which they were opposed. The Rebels
now moved slowly up the river for the purpose of turning
Pope's right, whilst the latter being required to keep himself
in communication with Fredericksburgh, was unable to ex
tend his lines farther westward. During the night of the
twenty-second, a dashing raid was made by a large force of
Stuart's cavalry upon Catlett's Station, in the rear of the
Federal army. They captured General Pope's private bag
gage, letters, official papers, and plans of his campaign, along
Avith several prisoners, attacked a railroad train, and de
stroyed a number of army wagons filled with supplies.
"" General Pope determined on the twenty-second that on
the folloAving day he would recross the river, near Rappa
hannock Station, and fall furiously with his whole force upon
the flank and rear of Lee's army, then moving toward his
right. A heavy storm occurring that night, carried away all
the bridges, and destroyed all the fords, and thus rendered
the proposed attack impracticable.
The Confederate forces who at this time confronted
General Pope on the Rappahannock, were those of Lee and
Longstreet. To Jackson had been assigned another duty,
and it was one for which he was especially fitted, from the
rapidity with which he was ever able to move large masses
of troops between distant points. The task which had been
allotted to him was to move to the west of the Bull Run
Mountains, and then crossing that range at Thoroughfare

142 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Gap, march upon the rear of the Federal right, and fall
upon their flank. Let us follow Jackson in this detour.
On the evening of the twenty-second, he bivouacked oppo
site Sulphur Springs, and threw over the river two brigades
of Ewell's diAusion. These brigades met with opposition
from the Federals, and were withdraAvn on the following
night, after some sharp fighting.
On Monday morning, the twenty-fifth, Jackson was con
fronted at the same place by a heavy Federal force, and
some firing took place, but without much loss having been
sustained therefrom. That evening Jackson's whole force
moved up to Jefferson, in Culpeper County, whence it
marched through AmosviUe, in Rappahannock County, and
then still farther up the river. The Federals appeared to
have been unaware of this movement, as Longstreet re
mained for some time on the Rappahannock, in the neigh
borhood of Sulphur Springs, and covered the commencement
of Jackson's march. The latter crossed the river within ten
miles of the Blue Ridge, and then marched across open
fields, by strange country paths and comfortable homesteads,
passed the little town of Orleans, and reached Salem, on the
Manassas Gap Railroad, about midnight. By day-daAvn of
Tuesday, his troops were again on the march, and proceeded
along the Manassas Gap road to Thoroughfare Gap, in the
Bull Run Mountains ; thence to Gainesville, and on to Bris
tow Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, four
miles south of Manassas Junction ; thus accomplishing the
march from AmosviUe, of about forty-eight miles, in the

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 143
same number of hours. At Bristow he captured a railroad
train and several prisoners, and tore up the track.
On the twenty-seventh, Jackson moved up to Manassas
Junction, where he found an immense amount of stores of
every description, to Avhich his troops freely helped them
selves. " It was a curious sight," writes one of his
soldiers, " to see our ragged and famished men helping
themselves to every imaginable article of luxury or neces
sity, whether of clothing, food, or what not. For my part,
I got a tooth-brush, a box of candles, a quantity of lobster-
salad, a barrel of coffee, and other things which I forget.
. . . Our men had been living on roasted corn since
crossing the Rappahannock, and we had brought no wag
ons, so we could carry little aAvay of the riches before us.
But the men could eat, for one meal at least. So they Avere
marched up, and as much of every thing eatable served out
as they could carry. To see a starving man eating lobster-
salad and drinking Rhine wine, bare-footed and in tatters,
was curious ; the whole thing was incredible."
Jackson's situation was certainly now a very critical one,
for he had placed himself and his eighteen thousand jaded
men, who here comprised the entire number of his corps,
between Alexandria and Warrenton — between the forces of
McClellan at the former place and those of Pope at the
latter. When General Pope learned that Jackson was approach
ing his rear by Thoroughfare Gap, he felt satisfied, from the
promise of reenforcements which he had received, that he

144 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
would be in a position to give battle to and defeat him
before he could be joined by Longstreet, who was also
making his way by the same route. General Pope assigned
to his corps commanders certain positions which they should
occupy to enable him to carry out his plan. The non-arri
val of the reenforcements at the time promised, seriously
interfered with the Federal General's arrangements, and the
non-compliance of certain of his corps commanders Avith his
instructions, completely frustrated his plans, and enabled
Jackson to reach Manassas without encountering any se
rious obstacle, beyond an engagement which took place
between Ewell's division and that of General Hooker, at
Kettle Run, upon the approach of the former toward Bris
tow Station.
Jackson being now separated from the main body of the
Rebel army, General Pope was naturally anxious to prevent
any junction of Longstreet's forces with his, and for this
purpose he despatched Generals McDowell, Kearny, and
Reno, to Gainesville and Greenwich, east of Thorough
fare Gap. These officers reached those points on the night
of the twenty-seventh, and completely cut off Jackson
from the main body of the Rebel army, that was still
west of the Bull Run range. To enable General Pope
to more thoroughly cover Washington, he found it neces
sary to break off his communication with Fredericksburgh,
so that he could mass his forces in greater numbers in the
district where danger was most imminent.
We have stated that General Jackson had placed himself

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 145
in a critical position, but if he had been aware of the weak
ness of the Federal line to the south of Manassas Junction,
owing to the non-compliance of General Porter Avith orders
received from his commanding general, he might have in
flicted a severe blow on the Federals in that quarter. Gen
eral Pope, in his report, thus explains the position : " There
were but two courses left open to Jackson, in consequence
of this sudden and unexpected movement of the army. He
could not retrace his steps through Gainesville, as it was
occupied by McDowell, having at command a force equal,
if not superior, to his OAvn. He was either obliged, there
fore, to retreat through Centreville, which would carry him
stiU farther from the main body of Lee's army, or to mass
his force, assault us at Bristow Station, and turn our right.
He pursued the former course, and retired through Centre-
ville. This mistake of Jackson's alone saved us from the
serious consequences which would have folloAved this dis
obedience of orders on the part of General Porter."
During the early part of the night of the twenty-seventh,
General Pope being satisfied of Jackson's position, sent
orders to McDowell, Kearny, and Reno, to advance from
Gainesville and Greenwich to Manassas Junction and Bris
tow. Keamy reached Bristow at eight o'clock the folloAv-
ing morning, and was immediately pushed forward in pur
suit of Jackson toward Manassas, folloAved by Hooker.
Reno was at the time on the left, marching direct upon the
Junction, but McDowell being delayed in his movement
from Gainesville, enabled Jackson to retreat toAvard Cen-
1

146 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
treville, a performance which he hardly would have been
able to accomplish, had McDowell arrived in time to inter
cept his crossing at Bull Run.
At night-fall on the twenty-seventh, Jackson set fire to
the depot, store-houses, loaded trains, and other Govern
ment property at Manassas Junction, and as the conflagra
tion had begun to subside, the Stonewall, or First division
of his corps, moved off toAvard the battle-field of Manassas,
and the other two divisions to Centreville, six miles distant.
General Pope reached Manassas Junction, with Kearny's
and Reno's troops, about mid-day of the twenty-eighth, less
than an hour after Jackson in person had retired. These
forces, along with those of Hooker, were sent in pursuit,
and orders were forwarded to McDowell to change his
march to the direction of Centreville. Late in the day,
Jackson's rear-guard was driven out of Centreville, and the
place occupied by Kearny. One part of Jackson's force
now moved by Sudley Springs, and the other pursued the
turnpike road toward Gainesville. King's division of
McDowell's corps encountered the advance of Jackson's
force about six o'clock in the evenmg, as it was making for
Thoroughfare Gap. A severe action took place, which ter
minated at dark, each party maintaining his ground. Jack
son had returned to within six miles of the Gap through
which Longstreet must come, and whose arrival he anxious
ly longed for. General Pope now so arranged his forces
that he felt satisfied there was no room left for Jack
son's escape. McDowell, Sigel, and Reynolds, with twenty-

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 147
five thousand men, were to the west, situated between him
and his reenforcements ; whilst twenty-five thousand more,
under Kearny and other generals, approached him from
the opposite side. With these forces, General Pope felt
satisfied that he could crush Jackson before the latter
could receive any aid from Longstreet. Unfortunately,
however, General King, from some misapprehension, fell
back to Manassas Junction, and left open the line of
communication between the Rebel forces, which rendered
new combinations of troops necessary on the part of the
Federal commander.
The Federal plan now consisted in massing the entire force
upon Jackson, and compelling him to fight. General Sigel
commenced the attack about daylight on the morning of
the twenty-ninth, a mile or two east of Groveton, near Bull
Run, Avhere he was soon joined by the divisions of Hooker
and Kearny. Jackson fell back several miles, but was so
closely pressed by these forces that he was compelled to
make a stand and to offer the best defence possible. He
accordingly took up a position with his left in the neighbor
hood of Sudley Springs, his right a little to the south of
Warrenton turnpike, and his line covered by an old rail
road grade which leads from Gainesville in the direction of
Leesburgh. His batteries, Avhich were numerous, and some
of them of heavy calibre, were posted behind the ridges in
the open ground on both sides of Warrenton turnpike, while
the mass of his troops were sheltered in dense woods behind
the railroad embankments.

148 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
The battle continued without intermission until mid-day,
when both armies were considerably cut up from the sharp
action in which they had been engaged. From twelve until
four o'clock, severe skirmishing occurred constantly at
A'arious points of the line.
Heintzelman and Reno recommenced the attack about
half-past five, as at that time information was received that
McDowell Avas advancing to join the main body of the Fed
eral army, and Porter should at the same time have been
ready to have entered into action, if he had obeyed the
peremptory order given him. By this attack, the whole of
Jackson's left was doubled back toward his centre, and the
National troops, after a sharp conflict for an hour and a
half, occupied the field of battle, with Jackson's dead and
Avounded in their hands. McDowell now arriving on the
field, was immediately pushed to the front, along the War
renton turnpike, with orders to fall upon Jackson, who was
retreating toward the turnpike from the direction of Sud
ley Springs. This attack Avas made by King's diAdsion,
about sunset ; but by that time the advance of the main
body of the Confederate army, under Longstreet, had begun
to reach the field, and King encountered a stubborn and
determined resistance at a point three quarters of a mile in
front of the Federal line of battle. In the mean time,
Heintzelman and Reno continued to push back Jackson's
left in the direction of the turnpike, so that about eight
o'clock they occupied the greater portion of the field of
battle. Porter took no part in the action, but suffered his

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 149
troops to lie idle on their arms, within sight and sound of
the conflict during the entire day. General Pope is of opin
ion that had he received Porter's assistance before the ar-
riA'al of Longstreet, the larger portion of Jackson's force
would have been utterly crushed or captured before suffi
cient reenforcements could have been received by him
Avherewith to make an effective resistance possible. The
losses this day were extremely heavy on both sides.
During the night of the twenty-ninth, and up to ten
o'clock on the morning of the thirtieth, there were nume
rous indications that the Confederates were retreating from
the Federal front, and reconnoissances ascertained that they
were retiring in the direction of Gainesville. The Na
tional troops were so exhausted from long fasting and hard
fighting that their commander considered it indispensable
that they should be reenforced ; but the required reenforce
ments not being forthcoming, he determined that he would
again give battle to the Rebels, and, if possible, so cripple
them that they could make no farther advance toward the
National capital. The force which General Pope had
available for action upon this day was about forty thousand
men, which number included seven thousand of Porter's
corps. The remainder (five thousand) of the latter, had
been marched off at daylight to Centreville, and Avere thus
rendered unaA'ailable for operations on that day. Banks's
corps was at BristoAV Station, guarding the railroad and
wagon trains of the army.
The point at which our narrative now arrives is the com-

150 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
mencement of the second battle of Bull Run, Avhich took
place close to the far-famed battle-field of that name. The
Confederates were posted Avith Longstreet on the right, and
Jackson on the left, and formed an obtuse angle. It was
presumed by this arrangement that if the Federals forced
either of the Confederate Generals back, their flank would
be exposed to the direct attack of the other. The Federal
left rested upon that portion of the Bull-Run battle-field,
which on the previous year was occupied by the main body
of the Rebel army. The line extended in the direction of
Manassas Junction. Though there were skirmishing and
some slight cannonading during the morning, the battle
did not begin until about one o'clock.
The Federals made the attack. General Pope found it
necessary to act promptly, as Jackson was continuing to be
rapidly reenforced by the main Rebel army, portions of
which had been arriving during the whole of the previous
night and throughout that morning. Pope was already con
fronted by greatly superior forces, and these forces were
every moment being largely increased by fresh arrivals.
Porter's corps and King's division were moved forward
to the attack upon the turnpike, and Heintzelman and Reno
Avere pushed to the right to attack Jackson's left in flank.
The Confederates massed their troops as fast as they arrived
on the field on their right, and quickly moved forward from
that direction to turn the Federal left. Ricketts's division
was immediately posted so that it could resist this move
ment. Porter's troops soon retired in considerable confu-

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 151
sion, having made neither a vigorous nor persistent attack.
This retrograde movement led the Rebels to advance to the
assault, and the Avhole Federal line was soon furiously en
gaged. The main attack was on the left, but it was stub
bornly resisted by Schenck, Milroy, Reynolds, and Rick
etts. The battle raged furiously for several hours, the
Confederates bringing up their heavy reserves, pouring-
mass after mass of troops upon the Federal left, and Avhile
overpowering it, assaulting the right with superior forces.
Porter's troops were again sent into action on the left,
where they rendered distinguished service, especially the
^brigade of regulars under Colonel Buchanan ; but notwith
standing the utmost firmness and obstinacy of the National
forces, the odds were too great for successful resistance,
and they were ultimately compelled to retire.
At sunset the wings of the Confederate army swept
round in pursuit — Jackson swinging his left on the right as
a pivot, and Longstreet swinging his right on his left.
But the Federals were enabled to retire in perfect order.
Night closed the contest, and put a stop to the slaughter,
Avhich, as in the battle of the previous day, had been great
in the extreme.
General Pope felt that he was no longer able to maintain
his position so far to the front against such overwhelming
numbers, and with such weakened and fatigued forces as
those he commanded. He therefore determined to retire to
Centreville, and the movement was made without any diffi
culty and without any pursuit being attempted by the

152 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Rebels. General Banks was also ordered to retire from
Bristow to Centreville, and to destroy such trains and
stores as he could not carry with him.
The thirty-first of August was comparatively a quiet day.
On the following morning, the Confederates caoved heavy
columns toward the Federal right, in the direction of Fair
fax Court-House. In consequence of the great exhaustion
of his men, General Pope desired to delay an engagement
until the following day, but the Rebel movement became
so developed by the afternoon of September the first, that
it Avas evident it Avas made Avith a view of turning the
Federal right, and cutting off the line of communications
Avith Washington. This had to be resisted at all hazards.
The necessary dispositions of troops were made to stop
the Rebel progress, and a very severe action occurred at
Chantilly, a place north of Centreville, and north-west of
Fairfax Court-House, and about six miles distant from each.
The engagement took place in the midst of a terrific thun
der-storm. It Avas not terminated until after dark, when
the Confederates Avere entirely driven back from the Fede
ral front. This battle was especially unfortunate to the
North, as it deprived it of the life of General Kearny,
whose services on many fields had rendered his name dis
tinguished. The engagement at Chantilly closed the Confederate
campaign against General Pope. It will be observed that
throughout it General Jackson was given the most promi-

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENERAL POPE. 153
nent place. The campaign was commenced by him alone ;
and after he was joined by Lee and Longstreet, Ave find
him invariably pushed forward as the pioneer during the
remamder of its progress. The battle of Cedar Mountain
Avas fought by him alone. In the battle of Groveton he
had, unaided, to contend agamst a much superior force, and
if it had not been for difficulties in the Federal camp, al
ready alluded to, there can be little doubt but that he
would there have- suffered a severe defeat. In the closing- o
actions of the campaign he was joined by the main body of
the Confederate army, and though the honor of the victory
could not in them be entirely awarded to him, it is evident
that no inconsiderable share thereof can be claimed on his
behalf. 1*

CHAPTER X.
THE INVASION OF MARYLAND.
The Federals retire within the Lines of Washington — Resignation of Pope
— Appointment of McClellan — Jackson leads the Way into Maryland —
Enters Frederick — Incidents during its Occupation — Lee's Proclamation
— Jackson marches upon Harper's Ferry — Maryland Heights abandoned
— Harper's Ferry bombarded — Its Surrender — Jackson's Report of the
Capture — Federal Inquiry into the Cause of Surrender — Battle of South-
Mountain — Battle of Antietam — The Battle-ground and Positions of the
Combatants — Terrific Contest between Jackson and Hooker — Change hi
the Scene of Conflict — The Losses — Jackson demolishes Thirty Miles of
Railroad — Affair at Blackford's Ford.
After the battle of Chantilly, great changes again took
place in the moArements of the contendmg armies, and the
Federal forces on the Potomac were again destined to be
placed under the command of General McClellan.
On the second of September, the remnant of General
Pope's army retired from Centreville, and moved within the
lines of Washington, but not without suffering early on the
mornmg of that day the loss of one hundred Avagons filled
with commissary stores, which were captured by the Rebels
between Centreville and Fairfax Court-House, at that time
the rear of the Federal army. On the same day General
Pope desired to be relieved from his command. His resig-

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 155
nation was accepted by the President, and General McClel
lan was at once appointed to the " command of the fortifi
cations at Washington, and of all the troops for the defence
of the capital."
The events of the past week rendered it advisable to con
centrate the National forces as much as possible. Conse
quently, on the day after the second battle of Bull Run, Gen
eral Burnside removed his stores from Fredericksburgh,
evacuated the place, destroyed the bridges crossing the
river, and retired with his forces to Acquia Creek, where he
placed himself under the protection of the gunboats. Two
days later, the Federal forces under General Julius White
evacuated Winchester, and retired to Harper's Ferry.
Every preparation was made to resist a direct attack should
it be made upon Washington by the Confederates, which it
was naturally feared would result from the defeat of the Fed
eral forces in front. The various garrisons were strengthened
and put in order, and the troops were so disposed that they
covered all the approaches to the city, and could be readiLy
thrown upon threatened points. But it was no part of the
plan of the Confederate General to hurl his forces against for
tifications. He rather preferred to initiate a new era in the
history of the war. The Confederate theory had thus far
been that in battling against the Northern soldiers, who
had marched in measured tread over Southern soil, they
Avere acting strictly on the defensive, and merely desired to
expel the " invader" from their land. This assumed defen
sive action was now to be changed into one of offence, and

156 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
for the first time during the Rebellion a Confederate army
was to plant its standard over Northern soil.
It was' anticipated that if a strong Confederate force was
present in Maryland, there would be found in that State
" an uprising of the people" in favor of the South, which
would result in the secession of that State, and the sever
ance of Washington from the loyal North.
The Confederates, having driven the Federal army under
cover of the guns which bristled on the hill-tops around
Washington, had no desire to spend their time in inactivity,
and the smoke which curled upward from the last hostile
gun was scarcely more rapidly cleared away from the sky
than were the numerous troops under the command of Lee
and his brother generals removed from the vicinage of the
National Capital. Jackson was again the pioneer and moved
forward on the march to Maryland on September the third.
He passed that night at Drainesville, and on the following
day reached Leesburgh, where he was joined by the corps
commanded by General D. H. Hill, and other troops. On
the fifth the Potomac Avas crossed by both Jackson's and
D. H.-Hill's commands in the vicinity of the Point of Rocks,
and that day's march continued until past midnight, when
the troops bivouacked in the neighborhood of Buckeyestown.
At Monocacy Junction, near that place, the telegraph opera
tor, AArho had failed to receive any notice of the rebel ap
proach, was discovered by General Hill busily occupied in
despatching messages on the business of the railroad. The
General informed him that he was a prisoner, and desired

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 157
him to telegraph in his own name for a large train of cars
to be sent immediately from Baltimore. On the operator
statmg that the wires had just been cut, he was desired, as
a test, to despatch information that the Rebels had arrived,
and had taken him prisoner. He repeated his statement,
when one of Hill's men tried the instrument, and found it,
as reported to be, not in working order.
The Rebel troops, after about two or three hours' rest, re
newed their march before daybreak, and about ten o'clock
Jackson's advance force entered Frederick, the capital of
Maryland, their music, such as it was, playing " My Mary
land" and " Dixie." This advance force consisted of about
five thousand men, and their appearance was of so motley1
a nature that it was hardly likely to impress the people of
Frederick in their favor. Their clothes, instead of being
uniform were multiform, and as might naturally be expected
from the rough usage their habiliments had been subject to,
they were neither spotless nor perfect.
The reception was lacking that hearty welcome which
they had calculated upon receiving. Though in some few
instances outrages were committed against property, it must
be admitted that every precaution was taken to prevent
them. Guards were placed at the stores, and only a few
men allowed to enter at a time. They usually paid for
what they took aAvay with such money as they possessed ;
but to use the expression of one of the citizens, the " notes
depreciated the paper on which they were printed." It is
true that in some of the most crowded stores, especially

158 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
shoe-stores, articles would be smuggled away without pay
ment, but these were exceptional cases. An attack was
made by some of the soldiers on the Examiner printing-
office, and the contents of the office thrown into the street.
The Provost-Marshal, however, not only suppressed the riot
and put the rioters in the guard-house, but he compelled
them to return every thing belonging to the office.
On Sunday, the seventh, all the churches were opened as
usual, and General Jackson attended the Presbyterian and
German Reformed churches. At the latter place the min
ister, Dr. Zacharias, prayed for the President of the United
States in a firm voice.
Confederate troops continued to arrive in Frederick, and
enrollment offices were opened for the purpose of obtaining
recruits for the Southern army. On Monday, General Lee
issued a proclamation to the people of Maryland, in which
he announced to them that he had entered that State for
the purpose of restoring her to freedom, and of rescuing her
citizens from the thraldom under which they had been
placed by Northern bayonets, and giving them an opportu
nity freely to decide for themselves whether they would
join the Southern Confederacy or not.
On Wednesday, the tenth, the Rebel army commenced to
move away from Frederick, Jackson, as usual, leading the
van. The object which was now to be attained was the
capture of Harper's Ferry, with all the Federal forces and
munitions of Avar there situated. It was most important to
the Confederates that they should obtain possession of this

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 159
stronghold. It was the key to the valley of the Shenandoah,
and its occupancy would not only enable them to obtain
their supplies by that direction, but it Avould open to them
a road for retreat in the event of a retrograde movement
becoming necessary.
It was considered advisable that the place should be
approached and attacked from various points. General
Walker's division proceeded by the Point of Rocks (de
stroying on its way the canal aqueduct at the mouth of the
Monocacy) to Loudon Heights, separated from Harper's
Ferry by the Shenandoah River. At the same time, the
divisions of General McLaws and R. H. Anderson moved
for Maryland Heights, which overlooked the place from the
northern side of the Potomac. Whilst these Generals were
marching to their respective positions, General Jackson
made a detour for the purpose of attacking the stronghold
from the south-west. He re-crossed the Potomac at Wil-
liamsport, and then marched upon Martinsburgh, twenty
miles above Harper's Ferry. Upon his approach, three or
four thousand Federal soldiers who were stationed at the
last-named place, fell back and united with the forces at
Harper's Ferry. Jackson pursued them, and on the morn
ing of Saturday, the thirteenth, reached Halltown, four
miles south-west of the Ferry. From this point he com
municated with General Walker, Avho was already in pos
session of Loudon Heights, and with Generals McLaws and
Anderson, to whom the heights on the Maryland side had
been most unaccountably surrendered by the Federal officer

160 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
in command, and directed them to open fire on the follow
ing (Sunday) morning, by which time he would have his
guns in position. Maryland Heights had been attacked on
that mornmg, and the position had been stoutly defended,
but, about four o'clock in the afternoon, the Federal regi
ments retreated down the mountain in good order, having
first spiked their guns, and then crossed the river to Har
per's Ferry. No sooner had they retired than the Confed
erates occupied the heights above the guns, and deliberately
commenced a musketry-fire upon the village below. How
ever, a shell from one of the Federal batteries posted near
the bridge soon dislodged them from this position. Colonel
Ford, who commanded the Heights, was afterwards dis
missed the Federal service for military incapacity and
abandoning this position without sufficient cause.
Every thing was quiet within Harper's Ferry on Sunday
morning. There was no enemy in sight, with the exception
of Jackson's forces, who were in front. Every person ex
pected to be awakened Avith the booming of artillery from
the evacuated Heights, and the silence which reigned was
not ominous of good. About noon, two companies of the
Garibaldi Guard bravely ascended the Maryland Heights
and secured some of their camp equipage, and brought
down four of the pieces of artillery which had been left
spiked the previous day. Hour after hour passed by, and
no signs of the Rebels appearing on the heights, it began to
be imagined that they had been foiled in their plans, and
that the only force to contend with would be that in front.

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 161
Preparations, however, had been made to resist any assault,
although it was evident that resistance Avould be useless,
unless reenforcements could be received.
About two o'clock in the afternoon, the silence was
broken by a furious fire which burst forth simultaneously
on every side. Shot and shell flew in every direction, and
the soldiers and citizens were compelled to seek refuge be
hind rocks and houses, and in every nook and corner which
offered a friendly shelter against the umvelcome visitors.
The Federal artillery replied with much spirit. Heavy can
nonading was brought to bear upon them from five differ
ent points, yet they held their own manfully. HoAvever,
before night closed the struggle, they had been compelled
to contract their lines, and Jackson's forces occupied some
intrenchments which the Federals had been compelled to
desert on the hills of Bolivar. That night General Jackson
sent a message to General Walker that his forces were in
possession of the first line! of the Federal intrenchments, and
that, with God's blessing, he Avould have Harper's Ferry
and the National forces early the next morning.
The fight was renewed the folloAving (Monday) morning
at five o'clock. The attack Avas obstinately resisted until
about eight o'clock, when the ammunition of the Federals
gave out, and it was deemed impossible for them to hold
out any longer. A council of war was immediately held,
when it was decided, but not unanimously, that the place
should be surrendered. White flags Avere run up in every
direction, and a flag of truce was sent to inquire on what

162 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
conditions a surrender would be accepted. General Jackson
demanded an unconditional surrender ; but he eventually
agreed that the officers should be allowed to go out with
their side arms and private effects and the rank and file
with every thing except arms and equipments.
A murmur of disapprobation ran along the entire Federal
line, when it became known that the place had been surren
dered. Officers exhibited strong demonstrations of grief,
while the soldiers were equally demonstrative in their man
ifestations of rage.
As soon as the terms of surrender were completed, Gene
rals Jackson and A. P. Hill rode into the tOAvn, accompanied
by their respective staffs. General Hill immediately select
ed his headquarters, whilst General Jackson rode down to
the river, and then returned to Bolivar Heights, the ob
served of all observers. He Avas dressed in the coarsest
description of homespun, which bore every mark of having
seen much service. An old hat which covered his head
harmonized with the rest of his attire — in fact, in his gen
eral appearance he was hardly to be distinguished from
the rough-looking but hardy fellows who called him their
commander. As soon as Jackson returned from the village the entire
Federal force was mustered on Bolivar Heights, prepara
tory to stacking arms and completing the surrender. All
the cavalry, about two thousand, under the command of
Colonel Davis, had cut their way out on Sunday night, and
had proceeded along the road to Sharpsburgh, capturing an

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 163
ammunition train, belonging to General Longstreet, and
several Rebel prisoners by the Avay. The number of men,
guns, stores, wagons, etc., captured are given in General
Jackson's Report, Avhich we here append :
Headquarters Valley District, )
September 16, 1862. [
Colonel : Yesterday God crowned our arms Avith an
other brilliant success on the surrender at Harper's Ferry
of Brigadier-General White and eleA'en thousand troops, an
equal number of small arms, seventy-three pieces of artillery,
and about two hundred wagons. In addition to other
stores, there is a large amount of camp and garrison equip
age. Our loss was very small. The meritorious conduct of
both officers and men will be mentioned in a more extended
report. »•
I am, Colonel, your obedient servant,
T. J. Jackson, Major-General.
Colonel R. H. Chilton, Assistant Adjutant-General.
The officer in command of Harper's Ferry, at the time of
its surrender, was Colonel D. S. Miles, and the surrender
was the subject of a court of inquiry. General Julius
White, who was present at the time, had merely taken
refuge there on the retirement of his forces from Winches
ter and Martinsburgh. Throughout the attack he acted
with decided capability and courage, and on Sunday led his
troops against Jackson on Bolivar Heights. During the
siege he assumed a subordinate position, and at the close of
the engagement he Avas sent by Colonel Miles to arrange
terms for a surrender. The Confederates did not cease

164 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
firing for more than half an hour after the white flag had
been raised, during which time Colonel Miles was mortally
wounded. The court of inquiry, in pronouncing judgment upon
Colonel Miles in reference to this surrender, says : "An
officer who cannot appear before any earthly tribunal to
answer or explain charges gravely affecting his character,
Avho has met his death at the hands of the enemy, even
upon the spot he disgracefully surrenders, is entitled to the
tenderest care and most careful investigation. This the
commission has accorded Colonel Miles, and, in giving a
decision, only repeats what runs through over nine hundred
pages of testimony, entirely unanimous upon the fact that
yF ...
Colonel Miles's incapacity, amounting almost to imbecility,
led to the shameful surrender of this important post." Re
enforcements were but a few miles distant at the time of
the surrender, but the Court Avas of opinion that sufficient
alacrity had not been displayed in forwarding them to the
relief of the beleaguered place. It remarked inter alia:
" Had the garrison been slower to surrender, or the army
of the Potomac swifter to march, the enemy Avould have
been forced to raise the siege, or would have been taken hi
detail, with the Potomac dividing his force."
During the occurrence of the events which we have thus
far narrated in this chapter, there Avas great activity in the
Federal camp. The disappearance of Lee's army from the
front at Washington, and its passage into Maryland, en-

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 165
larged the sphere of McCleUan's operations, and made an
active campaign necessary to cover Baltimore, prevent the
invasion of Pennsylvania, and drive the Rebels out of
Maryland. The advance of the Federal army under General Burnside
entered Frederick on September the twelfth. While at
Frederick, on the following day, General McClellan con
sidered it was necessary to force the passage of the South-
Mountain range, and by that route afford relief to Harper's
Ferry, the siege of which he had been already made ac
quainted with. The two armies came into collision at
Crampton's and Turner's Passes,, on the South-Mountain
range, on Sunday, the day upon which the bombardment
of Harper's Ferry was commenced. The action resulted
in the two Passes being carried, and in important military
positions being gained by the Federal army.
On the day after this engagement General Lee's army
fell back toward Antietam Creek, situated from six to eight
miles west of the South-Mountain range, and running for
some distance almost parallel thereto. This creek, from
which the battle we are now about to chronicle deriA'es its
name, rises in Central Pennsylvania, and after running in a
southerly direction, mingles its waters with those of the Po
tomac, about five miles above Harper's Ferry. This battle
is called by the Confederates Sharpsburgh, such being the
name of the town in the vicinity of which it was fought.
In this new position Lee was enabled to resist any attack
upon him, and to cover the Shepherdstown Ford on the

166 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Potomac, by which he would be enabled to form a junction
Avith Jackson at Harper's Ferry.
On the fifteenth McClellan pushed his army forward to
Antietam Creek, in the hopes of coming up with Lee during
the day in sufficient force to beat him again and drive him
into the river. But the day was too far advanced before
he had an opportunity of making an attack. On the follow
ing morning he found that the Confederates had slightly
changed their line, and were posted on the heights near
Antietam Creek.
Before the prisoners taken by Jackson at Harper's Ferry
could be paroled, that General found it necessary to leave
suddenly with twenty thousand troops for the reenforce-
nient of Lee, leaving A. P. HiU with his division in com
mand of the captured city. General Ewell having been
severely wounded at the battle of Groveton, and amputa
tion of the leg rendered necessary, his division was com
manded by General Lawton. The Stonewall division was
commanded by General Stark, its previous chief, General
Taliaferro, having also been severely wounded in the same
battle. Let us describe the field upon which the approaching
battle was to be fought, and the positions of the combatants
at the commencement of the struggle.
The Confederate line was draAvn up upon the right or
Avestern bank of Antietam Creek, upon a small peninsula
formed by the waters of that creek and the Potomac, which
river is the western and southern boundary. Their left and

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 167
centre were upon and in front of the road from Sharpsburgh
to Hagerstown, and Avere protected by woods and irregulari
ties of the ground. Their extreme left rested upon a Avood-
ed eminence near the cross-roads to the north of Miller's
farm, the distance at this point between the road and the
Potomac, which makes here a great bend to the east, being
about three fourths of a mile. Their right rested on the
hills to the right of Sharpsburgh, near Snavely's farm, cover
ing the crossing of the Antietam and the approaches to the
town from the south-east. The ground from their immedi
ate front to the Antietam is undulating. Hills intervene,
whose crests in general are commanded by the crests of
others in their rear. The position was favorably located
for both offensive and defensive operations, and occupied a
range of hills forming a semi-circle, with the concave to
ward the National army. The arrangement of the line was
as follows : General Jackson on the extreme left, General
Longstreet in the centre, and General D. H. Hill on the
extreme right.
The Federals occupied a position on the opposite or east
ern bank of Antietam Creek, in close proximity to the road
leading from Boonsboro to Sharpsburgh, having the creek
in front, and the Elk Mountain range in their rear. The
position was much less commanding than that held by the
Confederates; the extreme right, hoAvever, rested ujnon
a height commanding the extreme Confederate left. The
forces on the extreme right were commanded by General
Hooker, (supported by General Mansfield,) and those on the

168 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
extreme left by General Burnside. The centre was occupied
by the corps of Generals Sumner, Franklm, and Fitz-John
Porter whose forces were held in reserve, so that, if neces
sary, they could render assistance to either the right or left
wing, on whichever the force of battle might fall. Unsup
ported, attack in front was impossible. McClellan's forces
lay behind low, disconnected ridges, in front of the Rebel
summits, all or nearly all being unwooded. They gave,
however, some cover for artillery, and guns were therefore
massed on the centre. The lines stretched four miles from
right to left.
It will thus be seen that Jackson and Hooker were placed
in antagonist^ positions to each other at one end of the
lines, and Burnside and D. H. Hill confronted each other at
the other end. In the centre, Longstreet faced Sumner,
Franklin, and Porter.
The numbers of the men actually brought into action with
each other were about one hundred thousand in each army,
and one hundred guns on each side belched forth their deadly
missiles. The battle commenced on the afternoon of the sixteenth
by Hooker's corps, consisting of Ricketts's and Doubleday's
divisions, and the Pennsylvania reserves, under General
Meade. They were sent across the creek by a ford and
bridge to the right of Kedysville, with orders to attack, and
if possible to turn the Rebel left. General Mansfield's corps
Avas sent in the evening to support Hooker. Placed in posi
tion, Meade's division, the Pennsylvania reserves, which

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 169
was at the head of Hooker's corps, became engaged in a
sharp contest with the enemy, which lasted until after dark,
at which time it had succeeded in driving in a portion of
the opposing hne, and held the ground.
The sun of September the seventeenth rose upon a bright,
but a blood-stained day. With its earliest light, the contest
was opened between Hooker and Jackson. Between six
and seven o'clock the Federals advanced a large body of
skirmishers, and shortly after the main body of Hooker's
corps was hurled agamst the division of General Lawton.
When we consider that Jackson and Hooker were the two
Generals who in this portion of the battle-field were pitted
against each other, it is almost useless to say that the con
test was severe, and that the fortunes of the day were vary
ing. Now an advance, and then a repulse. Then again
another advance, to be followed by another repulse. Words
like these, Avith the addition of phrases referring to the re
ceipt of reenforcements, are almost sufficient with which to
Avrite the history of this encounter. If one was for a time
driven back, it was but for a time. With increased energy,
he not only gained his lost ground, but drove back his foe
in return.
Hooker's attack was successful for a time, but masses of
Rebels having been thrown upon him, his progress was
checked. So severe was the clash of arms at one time, that
upon his troops closing up their shattered lines, there Avas a
regiment where a brigade had been, and hardly a brigade
where a whole division had been victorious. When Mans-

170 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
field brought up his corps to Hooker's support, the two
corps drove the Confederates back — the gallant and distin
guished veteran Mansfield losing his life in the effort. About
the same time, General Hooker was wounded and had to
leave the field. The command devolved on Sumner, whose
corps had come up to the Federal relief. The firing was now
fearful and incessant. At one period when the Federals had
obtained a position which enabled them to pour a flanking
fire upon their foes, General Stark, who commanded the
Stonewall division, galloped to the front of his brigade,
and seizing the standard, rallied his men. This gallant act
cost him his life, for, as he threw himself in the van, four
bullets pierced his body, and he fell dead upon the field.
The effect, instead of discouraging the soldiers, fired them
with determination and revenge, and caused them to dash
forward, drive back the Federals, and regain a position
which they kept during the rest of the day.
Two divisions of Franklin's corps were, during the after
noon, added to the strength of the Federal right, where the
condition of things was not particularly promising, notwith
standing the success which had been wrested from the Rebels
by the stubborn bravery of the troops. Sumner's, Hooker's,
and Mansfield's corps had lost heavily, and several general
officers had been carried from the field. Some of the best
of the Federal troops had been concentrated upon the single
effort to turn Jackson's forces on the Rebel left, with
Avhom, as we haA'e stated, the tide of battle ebbed and
floAved alternately. His men fought desperately — perhaps

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 171
as they neATer fought before. Whole brigades were swept
aAvay before the fiery storm, and the ground Avas covered
Avith the wounded and the dead. At one time, EAvell's old
division, overpowered by superior numbers, fell back. Be
ing supported by other troops, who rushed into the gap and
retrieved the loss, Ewell's men returned to the fight, added
their weight to that of their enthusiastic comrades, and in
turn drove back the Federals. About the time when General
Stark was killed, Lee ordered to the support of Jackson,
McLaws's division, which had been held in reserve. It came
most opportunely. Jackson's men had fought until not they
alone, but their ammunition also, Avas Avell nigh exhausted,
and discomfiture stared them in the face. Encouraged by
the assistance of fresh troops, every man rallied and fought
with redoubled vigor. They swept on hke a Avave — its bil
lows rolling thick and fast upon the columns that had so
stubbornly forced their way to the position on which the
Rebels had originally commenced the battle — and regained
the greater part of the ground which they had originally
lost. The fighting in this part of the field had been for many
hours so excessive that the combatants were too exhausted
to continue the strife. The contest here closed with scarcely
any advantage being derived by either side. Some corn
fields and Avoods, the occupation of which had been hotly
contested during the day, were at its close held by the
Federals, who took possession of the ghastly harvest which
had been reaped, and which was strewn upon the ground.

172 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
The brunt of battle Avas now transferred to the opposite
wings, commanded respectively by Burnside and D. H.
Hill. As Jackson took no part therein, we will only briefly
describe this section of the battle. To Burnside had been
intrusted the difficult task of carrying the bridge near
Rohrback's farm and assaulting the Rebel right. He re
ceived his instructions at ten o'clock in the morning, but up
to three o'clock he had made little progress, beyond having
successfully carried the bridge. At the last-named hour he
advanced, and drove the Rebels before him nearly as far as
Sharpsburgh. At this point the latter were reenforced by
A. P. Hill, who opportunely arrived with the force that
Jackson had left behind at Harper's Ferry, and Burnside
was compelled to fall back. The fighting in this part of the
field was almost entirely between artillery.
As the day was drawing to a close, McClellan was hasten
ing from the centre to the left. He was met by a courier
from Burnside, Avith the message : " I want troops and guns.
If you do not send- them I cannot hold my position for half
an hour." Porter's corps was the only one in reserve left
to the army, and it would have been dangerous to have
sent it to Burnside's relief. McCleUan glanced at the
western sky, and then said slowly : " Tell General Burnside
this is the battle of the war. He must hold his ground till
dark at any cost. I will send him Miller's battery. I can
do nothing more. I have no infantry." When the mes
senger was riding away, he called him back. " Tell him if

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 173
he cannot hold his ground, then the bridge to the last man !
ahvays the bridge ! If the bridge is lost, all is lost."
As the light faded the cannonade died away, and before
it was quite dark the battle was over. After fourteen hours
of hard fighting, all that the Federals had been enabled to
accomplish was to turn the Rebel line on one flank, and
secure a footing within it on the other. Both armies slept
on their arms. Both commanders expected that the battle
would be renewed on the following day, but neither was
Avilling to commence the attack. So exhausted were their
troops, that both felt glad to be able to escape a continu
ance of the contest. Upon the eighteenth General Mc
Clellan gave orders for a renewal of the attack at daylight
on the following morning, but during that night the Con
federate army was moved to the Virginia shore of the Po
tomac, and morning found a Avide river separating the con
tending forces.
The Federal loss in the battle of South-Mountain was
four hundred and forty-three killed, and one thousand eight
hundred and six wounded ; and in the battle of Antietam
two thousand and ten killed, nine thousand four hundred
and sixteen wounded, and one thousand and forty-three
missing ; making a total loss, in the two battles, of fourteen
thousand seven hundred and ninety-four. We have no data
from Avhich to state the actual Confederate loss, but from
the number of their dead Avho were left upon the field and
Avere buried by the Federals, it was without doubt consid
erably greater than that of the National army.

174 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Thirteen guns and thirty-nine colors more than fifteen
thousand stand of small arms, and upward of six thousand
prisoners, were the trophies obtained by the Federals.
The battle of Antietam was an unfinished one, conse
quently it was not a decisive one. It can hardly be claimed
as a great victory if we are to judge of it by the results. It
is true, however, that the Federals gained a httle in the
matter of space, and held at the close some important posi
tions, which the Rebels had occupied at the beginning of
the day. The losses which took place were of more serious
import to the Rebels than they were to the Federals, as
any reenforcements which the former could receive were
too far away to be immediately available, whilst those of
the latter were within reach. This doubtless led Lee to
avoid risking another engagement, and to adopt the only
course left open to him to Avard it off — remove his army be
yond the borders of Maryland.
To throw every obstacle in the way of the Federal army
was naturally the desire of the Confederates. In this Jack
son was remarkably prominent. Almost within gun-shot
of McClellan's army, with a force not exceeding seven thou
sand, he destroyed thirty miles of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad track, from seven miles west of Harper's Ferry to
the North Mountain. He actually obliterated the road, so
that when the road-masters with their gangs went to work
to restore it, it was only by the charred and tAvisted debris
that the track could be traced. Every tie was burned,
every rail bent — nothing remained to be done but to cart

THE INVASION OF MARYLAND. 175
off the bare ballast. The General took off his coat, and,
with a cross-tie for a fulcrum and a rail for a lever, helped
to demolish the " permanent way," and with his OAvn hands
he assisted in bending the heated rails around the trunks
of trees. When all this rail-stripping and burning and
tAAdsting was done, Jackson walked over the whole thirty
miles of his work to see that it was done thoroughly. He
looked upon that road with the eye of a military genius,
well aware of its great importance as a military thorough
fare. The prominent part it must play in the warlike ma
chinery of the Government was plain to him ; therefore he
took the greater pains to destroy it totally.
A week after the battle of Antietam, General McClellan
caused a reconnoissance to be made on the Virginia side of
the Potomac, in the neighborhood of Shepherdstown, so
that information might be obtained of the Rebel position
and force in that vicinity. The troops, consisting of a
brigade, with a portion of three regiments, and a battery,
had their crossing at Blackford's Ford disputed by a feAV
field-pieces. These were soon silenced, and the gunners
took to flight, after which no enemy was visible. When
the Federals were fairly landed, Jackson suddenly appeared
in large force from ambush in the adjoining woods and
opened upon them with shot and shell. The numbers were
so vmequal that although the Federals at first stood then-
ground, they were eventually compelled to retreat hastily,
and recross the river under the Rebel fire. In this unfor
tunate affair the Federal killed, wounded, and missing num-

176 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
bered three hundred and twenty-six out of a force of about
seventeen hundred.
The Confederates did not tarry many days upon the
banks of the Potomac. After holding Harper's Ferry for
less than a week they evaouated it, having first removed
much of the property which they had captured, and de
stroyed some of the public buildings. They then retreated
up the valley of the Shenandoah, from which they prooeeded
by the mountain passes into Eastern Virginia, where they
once more took up their position on the banks of the Rap
pahannock.

CHAPTER XI.
the battle of fredericksburgh.
Jackson's Antagonists — Burnside supersedes McClellan — The Army of the
Potomac marches to the Rappahannock — The Battle-Ground — The Fede
rals cross the River — Positions of the two Commanders — Advance of
Franklin — Heroism of a Confederate Officer — Opening of the Battles-
Sublimity of the Scene — Attack on the Fortifications — The Field of
Death — The Combat described — Reserves brought into Action — The
Losses — Councils of War — The River recrossed.
It was Jackson's fortune, during his short but brilliant
military career, to have crossed swords Avith some of the
best and bravest of the Federal Generals. Thus far in our
narrative we have found him opposed by Lander, on the
Upper Potomac ; by McDowell at Bull Run ; by Shields, and
Banks, and Fremont in the Virginian Valley ; by Porter
and Heintzelman, with McClellan as their chief, in the
eventful conflicts near Richmond; by Pope, from the
Rapidan to the lines of Washington ; and by Hooker and
Sumner, with McClellan again as chief, at the battle of An
tietam. The remamder of his career we shall find passed
upon a still different field, on which his might and military
genius were resisted by still different Generals.
On the fifth of November the army of the Potomac was
subject to a change of commanders. It was on that day

178 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
ordered, by direction of the President, " that Major-General
McClellan be relieved from the command of the army of
the Potomac, and that Major-General Burnside take the
command of that army."
This army had remained in the neighborhood of Harper's
Ferry until near the end of October, when it commenced
its march by the upper gaps of the Blue Ridge to Warren
ton. After Burnside took command, it removed from the
latter place to Falmouth, on the northern bank of the Rap
pahannock, by which river it is separated from the town of
Fredericksburgh. On the twenty-first of November, Gene
ral Sumner, who commanded the advance, demanded the
surrender of the last-named town, but his request was not
complied with.
It was General Burnside's intention to have crossed the
Rappahannock at once, and taken possession of the heights
above Fredericksburgh before General Lee was able either
to concentrate his forces there or to fortify the position.
The delay in the arrival of pontoon-bridges beyond the time
anticipated compelled General Burnside to postpone active
operations, and gave the Confederates sufficient time to
gather together their army and erect fortifications.
After nearly a month of preparation, the Federal com
mander felt himself in a position to cross the river on the
eleventh of December. At this date, General Lee, being
deceived in the point where the river would be crossed, had
rapidly despatched Jackson with a large portion of the army
to a spot fifteen or twenty miles down the river, and D. H.

THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH. 179
Hill with another portion of it in the opposite direction, in
anticipation of the Federals crossing at one or other of
those neighborhoods. Finding the Confederate forces thus
divided, General Burnside hoped that by rapidly throAving
over the Avhole of his command close to Fredericksburgh
he would be enabled to fight the enemy in detail, and gain
possession of the heights commanding the town. That this
plan did not succeed is probably owing to the delay of a
whole day in moving the army across the river, which
delay was caused by the stubborn resistance of a brigade
of Mississippi riflemen under General Barksdale, who
thrice by their deadly fire compelled the Federals to aban
don the attempt. This delay enabled Jackson and Hill to
rapidly countermarch their forces and join the main army.
The battle of Fredericksburgh may be conveniently di
vided into two parts, in each of which the scene of action
and the actors were distinct. It will render our narrative
more intelligible to the reader if we lay before him separate
descriptions of these two scenes of action, and of the com
batants who met upon them.
The opposing armies that were to meet in deadly encoun
ter were thus divided : General Burnside's army was divid
ed into three grand divisions, under the respective com
mands of Generals Sumner, Franklin, and Hooker. General
Lee's army was. divided into two large corps d'armee, com
manded respectively by Generals Longstreet and Jackson.
The theatre of operations extended from the tOAvn of

180 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Fredericksburgh on the west, and along the south side of
the Rappahannock for two miles to the east.
The stage on which the western battle was fought was
immediately behind the town. Here the land forms a pla
teau, or smooth field, running back for about a third of a
mile. It then rises for forty or fifty yards, forming a ridge
of ground, which runs along to the east for about a quarter
of a mile, where it abuts at Hazel Dell, a ravine formed by
the Hazel River, which empties into the Rappahannock east
of the town. At the foot of the ridge runs the telegraph-
road, flanked by a stone wall. This eminence was studded
with Rebel batteries. To the west, along up the river, the
ridge prolongs itself to opposite Falmouth, and beyond ;
and here, too, batteries were planted on every advantageous
position. Back of the first ridge is another plateau, and
then a second terrace of wooded hills, where a second line
of fortifications were placed. Between the rear of the
town and the first ridge a canal runs right and left, and
empties into the river some distance above Falmouth. The
plain between the suburbs of the city and the first ridge of
hiUs was the scene of encounter between General Sumner's
forces and those of General Longstreet. General Hooker's
division, which had been held in reserve on the northern side
of the river, reenforced Sumner toward the close of the day.
The eastern battle-field was a short distance doAvn the
river. The ridge upon which the town is built slopes ab
ruptly in this direction to a comparatively level or undulat
ing country, which stretches for some miles doAvn the Rap-

THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH. 181
pahannock. This plain is bordered on the south by thickly
wooded heights, situated about two miles from the river.
Upon these heights Rebel batteries were placed. Tho
battle-ground, though very marshy in some places, pre
sented a fine field for mihtary evolutions. The turnpike
leading to Fredericksburgh runs about half a mile from and
nearly parallel to the river. Beyond is the railroad, and
still farther beyond the woody range of hills in which the
Rebels were strongly intrenched. On this battle-ground
General Franklin was met by General Jackson. The lat
ter's forces were thus placed : A. P. Hill on the left, and
next to Longstreet's command ; behind A. P. Hill, D. H.
Hill Avas held in reserve. Ewell's division, now command
ed by General Early, held the woody heights, with Walk
er's artillery in his front, and Stuart's cavalry and horse-
artillery on his extreme right.
The Federal army had for some days been coiling itself
up into a small space, and on the mornmg of Thursday, the
eleventh of December, lay closely huddled together oppo
site to Fredericksburgh. Before daylight tents were struck
and knapsacks packed, and the troops prepared to cross the
river. The Rabels opened their fire upon the pontooners, and
stoutly resisted the laying of the bridges. The firing was
replied to by the Federals, who shelled the tOAvn for several
hours. The Seventh Michigan regiment, who ATohmteered
for the purpose, were sent across the river in boats to dis
lodge the Rebel sharp-shooters, who were picking off the
bridge-builders. After several ineffectual attempts, the

182 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
bridges were completed, and during Thursday night and
throughout Friday the river was crossed by the Federal
troops. The right grand division, under Sumner, crossed
upon three pontoon-bridges, placed opposite the city, and
the left grand division, under Franklin, upon two pon
toon-bridges, placed about two miles down the stream.
The centre grand division, under Hooker, comprising forty
thousand men, was held in reserve upon the north bank of
the river.
But little firing took place on Friday. Either General
Lee wished to avoid damaging the town, which was at
the time in possession of the Federals, or he was desirous
of offering no further obstacle to the crossing, in the hopes
that when he had got the Federal army between himself and
the river, he Avould be enabled either to crush it or drive it
into the stream. The Federals occupied the day in mass
ing their troops, and in preparing for the coming struggle.
Their siege-guns on the north side of the river at times
fired upon the intrenchments of the Rebels, with the view
of learning their position, but General Lee did not feel in
clined to reply to the fiery interrogatories.
General Burnside's proposed plan of attack was that the
battle should be opened by Franklin, who should advance
and take possession of a road in the rear of the line of
heights, which road formed a connecting link between Jack
son's and Longstreet's commands. This position being
gained, it was supposed that the Rebels would be so much
confounded that Sumner could successfully storm and cap-

THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH. 183
ture their intrenchments in the rear of Fredericksburgh.
That this plan did not succeed, it is stated, is OAving to
Franklin having misunderstood his instructions, and having
made the attack with an insufficient force.
Saturday the thirteenth dawned hazily, the fog being
such as at that time of the year generally prefaces a genial
Indian summer's day. The day was to become an eventful
one in American history. The two great actors in the
drama placed themselves in conspicuous positions to watch
its progress. General Burnside took his stand at the Phil
lips House, situated on an eminence a little to the north of
the tOAvn. General Lee took up his position upon a hill
south-east of the heights which command Fredericksburgh,
and which hill, from its having been his usual station, bore
his name.
At half-past eight General Lee, accompanied by his full
staff, rode slowly along the front of the Confederate lines,
from left to right, and then took up his station for a time in
the rear of Jackson's extreme right. As soon as Franklin's
advance could be seen through the fog, General Stuart
moved up a section of his horse-artillery in front of the
position occupied by Lee, and opened Avith effect upon the
Federal flank. Stuart ordered Major John Pelham, his
chief of artillery, to advance one gun considerably nearer to
Franklm, and to open upon him. Major Pelham obeyed, and
opened the fire of a twelve-pounder Napoleon gun with
great precision and deadly effect upon the Federal flank.
The galling discharges of this gun quickly drew upon it the

184 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
fire of three of Franklin's field-batteries, while from across
the river two other heavy batteries joined in the strife, and
made Major Pelham and his gun their target. For hours
not less than thirty Federal cannon strove to silence Pel-
ham's pop-gun, but strove in vain. Pelham's unyielding and
undemonstrative courage, and his composure under the dead
liest fire, had long made him conspicuous, but never were
his daring qualities the subject of more glowing eulogy than
upon this occasion. General Lee exclaimed : " It is inspir
iting to see such glorious courage in one so young." Major
Pelham was not more than twenty-two. General Jackson
remarked : " With a Pelham upon either flank, I could van
quish the world."
At a subsequent period of the day, General Lee assumed
his station on the hill which bears his name, and there, in
company with General Longstreet, calmly watched the re
pulse of the Federal efforts against the heights near which
he stood. Occasionally General Jackson rode up to the
spot and mingled in conversation with the other two leading
Generals. Once General Longstreet exclaimed to him, " Are
you not scared by that file of Yankees you have before you
down there ?" to which Jackson rephed : " Wait till they
come a little nearer, and they shall either scare me or I'll
scare them."
The battle opened when the sun had let in enough light
through the mist to disclose the near proximity of the Fed
eral hnes and field-batteries. The first shot was fired short
ly before ten o'clock from the batteries in the Federal centre,

THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH. 185
and was directed against General Hood's division of Long-
street's corps, Avhich division was drawn up immediately on
Jackson's left, and was next to the large division command
ed by General A. P. Hill. The Pennsylvania reserves, com
manded by General Meade, advanced boldly under a heavy
fire against the Confederates, who occupied one of the copse-
wood spurs, and were for a time permitted to hold it ; but
presently the Confederate batteries opened on them, and a
determined charge of infantry drove the Federals out of the
wood in confusion, from which nothing could subsequently
rally them. Simultaneously a heavy fire issued from the
batteries of A. P. Hill and Early's divisions, which Avas
vigorously replied to by the Federal field-batteries. The
only advantage momentarily gained by Franklin in this
quarter, was on the occasion of the collapse of a regiment
of North-Carolina conscripts, who broke and ran, but whose
place was rapidly taken by more intrepid successors. The
cannonading then became general along the entire line.
A spectator of this part of the battle thus graphically
describes the conflict : " Such a scene, at once terrific and
sublime, mortal eye never rested on before, unless the bom
bardment of Sebastopol, by the combined batteries of
France and England, revealed a more fearful manifestation
of the hate and fury of man. The thundering, belloAving
roar of hundreds of pieces of artillery, the bright jets of
issuing flame, the screaming, hissing, Avhistling, shrieking
projectiles, the wreaths of smoke, as shell after shell burst
into the still air, the savage crash of round-shot among the

186 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
trees of the shattered forest, formed a scene likely to sink
forever into the memory of all who witnessed it, but utterly
defying verbal delineation. A direct and enfilading fire
swept each battery upon either side, as it was unmasked ;
volley replied to volley, crash succeeded crash, until the eye
lost all power of distinguishing the lines of combatants, and
the plain seemed a lake of fire, a seething lake of molten
lava, coursed over by incarnate fiends, drunk with fury and
revenge." Twice the Federals, gallantly led and handled by their
officers, dashed agamst the forces of Generals A. P. Hill and
Early, and twice they recoiled, broken and discomfited, and
incapable of being again rallied to the fray. The Confed
erates drove them with horrid carnage across the plain, and
only desisted from their work when they came under the
fire of the Federal batteries across the river. Upon the
extreme Confederate right, General Stuart's horse-artillery
drove hotly upon the fugitives, and kept up the pursuit until
after dark.
Upon the Confederate right, where the antagonists fought
upon more equal terms than they did upon their left, the
loss sustained by the Rebels was the greatest ; but still it
was not so great as that of their Federal assailants.
MeanAA'hile, the battle which had raged so furiously be
tween the forces of Franklin and Jackson, was little more
than child's play as compared with the onslaught made by
Sumner and Hooker against Longstreet in the rear of Fred
ericksburgh.

THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH. 187
During the first tAvo hours of the conflict between Jack
son and Franklin, Sumner's skirmishers had been briskly
engaged. The force in Fredericksburgh had driven the
Rebels out of the suburbs of the town, and rested their col
umns on the canal. The time had noAV come, in accordance
Avith the Federal plan, to attempt an advance on the Rebel
position. It was mid-day. The orders were to move rap
idly, charge up the hill, and take the batteries at the point -
of the bayonet. Orders easy to give, but ah ! how hard of
execution !
Here is a picture of the position which had to be stormed.
A bare plateau of a third of a mile in width is required to
be crossed by the storming party. In doing this they would
be exposed to the fire of the enemy's sharp-shooters, posted
behind a stone wall running along the base of the ridge ; to
the fire of a double row of rifle-pits on the rise of the crest ;
to the fire of the heavy batteries placed behind eartliAvorks
on the top of the hill ; to the fire of a powerful infantry force
lying concealed behind these batteries ; to a plunging fire
from the batteries on the lower range ; and to a double
enfilading fire from
" Cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left of them."
The distance to be traversed was short, but how many ob
stacles there were in the way of its being passed scathless !
To French's division of Couch's corps was assigned the
duty of making the first attempt to cross this fiery plain.
This division was composed of the brigades of Kimball,

188 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Morris, and Weber. It was supported by Hancock's -divi
sion, consisting of the brigades of Caldwell, Zook, and
Meagher. The men were formed under cover of a small
knoll in the rear of the town, and skirmishers were deployed
to the left toward Hazel Dell. At the same time, General
Sturgis supported and moved up and rested on a point on
the railroad.
The scene which was witnessed when French's troops
rushed upon this plateau was truly fearful. " The moment
they exposed themselves upon the railroad," writes one Avho
viewed the same, " forth burst the deadly hail. From the
rifle-pits came the murderously-aimed missiles ; from the
batteries, tier above tier, on the terraces, shot-planes of fire.;
from the enfilading cannon, distributed on the arc of a circle
two miles in extent, came cross-showers of shot and shell.
" Imagine, if you can, for my resources are unequal to the
task of telling you, the situation of that gallant but doomed
division. "Across the plain for a while they swept under this fatal
fire. They Avere literally mowed doAvn. The bursting shells
make great gaps in their ranks ; but these are presently
filled by the ' closmg up ' of the line. For fifteen immortal
minutes at least, they remain under this fiery surge. On
ward they press, though their ranks groAv' fearfully thin.
They have passed over a greater part of the interval, and
have almost reached the base of the hill, when brigade after
brigade of Rebels rise up on the crest and pour in fresh
volleys of musketry at short-range. To those who, through

THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH. 189
the glass looked on, it was a perilous sight indeed. Flesh
and blood could not endure it. They fell back shattered
and broken, amid shouts and yells from the enemy.
" General French's division went into the fight six thou
sand strong ; late at night he told me he could count but
fifteen hundred !"
Again and again the Rebel battlements were attempted
to be stormed, but each time with the same terrible result.
" Where is Franklin ?" began to be the eager inquiry.
" Every thing depends on Franklin coming up on the flank."
Sumner sent a message begging Burnside that Franklin be
directed to advance. TBut Franklin could not advance. He
had enough to do at the time to hold his own, for Jackson
had thrown in reenforcements, and was pushing hard to
turn -his left.
At four o'clock the reserves had not been sent into action.
Hooker's central grand division, comprising forty thousand
men, were still on the north bank of the river. At Sumner's
request, General Burnside directed them to cross, which
they immediately did, notwithstanding the Rebel fire di
rected upon the pontoons. Half an hour afterwards, and
prodigious volleys of musketry announced that Hooker
with the reserves was engaged, but the last assaulting col
umn had hardly got into action before the sun went down,
and night closed around the clamorous wrath of the com
batants. The last assaulting column consisted of the diA'isions of
Humphrey, Monk, Howard, Getty, and Sykes. The last

190 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
assault is thus described by the Avriter from whom we last
queted : " Creeping up on the flank by the left, Getty's
troops succeeded in gaining the stone wall which we had
been unable all day to wrench from the Rebels. The other
forces rushed for the crest. Our field-batteries, which,
owing to the restricted space, had been of but little use all
day, were brought vigorously into play. It was the fierce,
passionate climax of the battle. From both sides two miles
of batteries belched forth their fiery missiles athwart the dark
background of the night. Volleys of musketry were poured
forth such as we have no parallel of in all our experiences
of the war, and Avhich seemed as though all the demons of
earth and air were contending together. Rushing up the
crest, our troops had got Avithin a stone's throw of the bat
teries, when the hill-top swarmed forth in new reenforce
ments of Rebel infantry, who, rushing upon our men, droAre
them back. The turn of a die decides such situations. The
day was lost ! Our men retired. Immediately cannon and
musketry ceased their roar, and in a moment the silence of
death succeeded the stormy fury of ten hours' battle."
The morning had opened Avith a general want of confid
ence, and gloomy forebodings that the plan of battle was
fraught with danger. It was difficult to comprehend that
the Confederate fortifications could be successfully assailed
from the front, and there were grave doubts as to whether
the operations on the right and on the left could be made to
harmonize. That these surmisings and these forebodings
were not fallacious was evidenced by the result of the day's

THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH. 191
engagement. That the Federals suffered a severe defeat
there need be no denial, and this too after they had brought
the entire of their vast force into action, Avhilst their an
tagonists, from the impregnable position Avhich they held,
Avere enabled to repel then- assault with half the number.
The Federal loss in the day's battles amounted to one
thousand one hundred and fifty-tAVO killed, between six and
seven thousand wounded, and about seven hundred prison
ers, which latter were paroled and exchanged for about the
same number taken from the Confederates. The Con
federate killed and wounded amounted to about eighteen
hundred. After the close of the engagement, councils of war were
held at the headquarters of each army. At that called by
General Burnside, and which was attended by Sumner,
Hooker, and Franklin, the Commanding General proposed
to renew the attack on the following morning, but he was
induced to abandon his intentions at the earnest solicita
tions of his brother Generals. It is reported that during
General Lee's council General Jackson slept throughout the
proceedings, and that upon his being awakened and asked
for his opinion, he curtly exclaimed : u Drive 'em in the
river ! drive 'em in the river !"
On the two days succeeding the battle (Sunday and Mon
day) the time was principally occupied in burying the dead
and caring for the wounded. There was little to disturb
the quiet of these bright and breezy days, beyond the
sounds of musketry from some skirmishing parties, and a
little artillery firing.

192 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
It now became palpable to the Federal Generals, in con
sequence of the little opposition which Lee had offered to
the crossing of the river, that he had been desirous of getting
them between his intrenchments and the Rappahannock, so
that he could eventually crush them. It was now advisable
to get out of the trap into which they had fallen ; conse
quently, at a council of war held on Monday, it was unani
mously agreed upon that the river be recrossed that night.
This decision was not made knoAvn to the troops until after
they had arranged their bivouacs in the evening. It was
necessary that the withdrawal should be accomplished
silently and rapidly, and that every precaution should be
taken to avoid observation, and thus escape drawing the
Confederate fire. Intense darkness and a heavy storm
favored the Federal retreat. Earth was streAvn on the pon
toon-bridges, to deaden the sound of the artillery as it
passed over ; but this expedient was barely necessary, as a
gale of wind, blowmg all night from the direction of the
Rebel camp toward the Federal lines, rendered it impossi
ble for any sound to reach the former from the river.
When some time after midnight, the stars had made their
appearance in the sty, and the moon had risen to shed her
pale light on the earth, the army of the Potomac had crossed
the river and was rescued from the annihilation Avhich the
Rebel Generals had prepared and predicted for it. General
Lee Avas compelled to admit that the masterly retreat of his
army across the Potomac, after the battle of Antietam, had
been surpassed by this successful passage of the Federal
force across the Rappahannock.

CHAPTER XII.
THE battle of chancellorsville.
Jackson created Lieutenant-General — Burnside's proposed Operations —
Hooker placed in Command of the Army of the Potomac — Winter Quar
ters — Movements against Fredericksburgh — The Rappahannock crossed —
Hooker reaches Chancellorsville — Description of the Place — Lee's and
Jackson's Movements — Arrival at Chancellorsville — Jackson's Celebrated
Attack upon the Federal Flank — Receives his Death- Wound — A Federal
Officer's Interview with Jackson — Subsequent Engagements — Losses in
the Battles — Lee's Estimate of Jackson's Abilities.
In every army promotion is sure to follow upon every
successful display of military ability, unless the soldier who
proves his claim to an increase of honor has already arrived
at the highest rank in the service. In the Confederate army
there were two degrees of rank superior to that which Jack
son held at the battle of Fredericksburgh — Lieutenant-Gen
eral and General. That battle gained him the first, death
alone prevented him from obtaining the second. It was,
therefore, under the dignified title of a Lieutenant-General
that Jackson was known in the few remaining months of his
short mihtary career. It took but a year and a half for the
man who, at the beginning of the rebellion was the Colonel
of a Virginia regiment, to rise to the second rank in the
army in which he served. But if promotion had been made
13*

194 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
to keep pace with his increase of renown, we have no hesi
tation in stating that the highest rank was that to which he
was justly entitled. We fancy that the reason why he did
not obtain the highest military title is attributable to the
misfortune of birth. Had it been Jackson's lot to have been
a scion of one of the proud Virginian families, instead of a
humble son of the Old Dominion, there can be little doubt
but that the case would have been far different. At any
rate, he had the proud satisfaction of knowing that what
honors he did receive were fairly earned by him, and that
the Government under which he served OAved him more for
his services than he owed it for its honors.
Immediately after the battle of Fredericksburgh, General
Sigel hastened to reenforce Burnside with the corps under
his command, but no farther active operations were attempt
ed until the close of the month. General Burnside then
prepared for another aggressive movement which embraced
an attack in front of Fredericksburgh, and a formidable raid
of cavalry and light artillery, which was to threaten the
communications of the Confederates, and divert their atten
tion from the main attack. The execution of the movement
was fixed for the last day of the year. The column des
tined to make the raid was actually in motion, when Presi
dent Lincoln sent a despatch forbidding the movement, hav
ing been induced to do so in consequence of the protest of
some of General Burnside's subordinate officers.
By Wednesday the twenty-first of January, the Federal
commander was again prepared to move on Fredericks-

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 195
burgh. Every thing having been arranged, and the Rebels
having been completely deceived by feints, as to the point
at which the river was to be crossed, the army was put in
motion on Tuesday, with the intention of commencing active
operations early on Wednesday morning. However, a heavy
rain-storm and a tempest of Avind occurred during the night,
and so moistened the roads as to render it impossible to
move either pontoons or artillery with the celerity demand
ed. This, added to the evident intentional delay of some of
the superior officers in the marching of their troops, gave
time to enable the Confederates to discover the Federal
moA-ement, and rally their forces to avert it. The moment
for the surprise having thus passed, the movement was aban
doned. General Burnside having thus found himself thwarted
in his operations by officers under his command, and feel
ing himself not properly supported by the Government,
tendered his resignation, Avhich was accepted, and on the
twenty-sixth of January the command of the Army of the
Potomac was transferred to General Hooker.
The snows and storms of winter were a barrier to any
military operations during the next three months. The op
posing armies- took up their Avinter-quarters on opposite
banks of the Rappahannock, and within sound of each
other's bugles. At the close of April, when the snow had
disappeared from the ground, and the winds of spring had
somewhat hardened the roads, the bristling bayonet and the
booming cannon were called on for more active duty than

196 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
that which for the past few months they had been accus
tomed to perform.
General Hooker having massed what he termed "the
finest army on the planet," commenced the offensive opera
tions of the year by a flank movement upon Fredericks
burgh, for which a portion of his army crossed the Rappa
hannock above that place, and gained a position in its rear
distant ten miles west by south, whilst another portion
crossed a short distance below the town, and menaced it
from that quarter. But in this grand game of strategy he
had to play with a formidable antagonist. If General Lee
was at first nonplussed by Hooker's manoeuvres, he was soon
able to grasp the situation on the military chess-board, and
make the move which was most likely to checkmate his op
ponent. He abandoned his position in Fredericksburgh and
the line for twenty miles down the Rappahannock, which he
had held for months, changed his front, and presented his
face instead of his back to the Federal commander.
General Hooker had adjusted his plan of procedure by
the middle of April, but the unsettled weather, which is not
uncommon to that month, prevented its being put into ope
ration until Sunday the twenty-sixth. He had, however,
kept his OAvn council, and even his corps commanders were
unacquainted with the nature of the duties which they would
be called on to perform. By Monday morning the entire
army was in motion ; the vast area which it covered for
miles and miles in extent was an animated scene. Tents
were struck, camps broken up, log huts abandoned, and their

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 197
recent occupants moATed away on a dozen different roads,
carefully concealing themselves from the Confederate view
by marching through woods and behind the knolls and
ridges of the broken ground along the Rappahannock.
Long trains of artillery, packed mules, and ambulances, in
termingled with the moving throng, and added to the pic-
turesqueness of the scene.
Shortly after Hooker took command, he abandoned the
disposition of his army into grand divisions, and introduced
the corps organization instead, and his army was now com
posed of seven corps d'armee.
By Tuesday morning some idea of his plan was discern
ible. Three of the seven corps cVarmee — Reynolds's, Sick
les's, and SedgAAdck's — had left their camps the night be
fore, and taken up their positions two miles below Freder
icksburgh, at the point where Franklin crossed in Decem
ber. The corps of Meade, Slocum, and HoAvard (formerly
Sigel's) had already moved up the river, and on Tuesday
were in the neighborhood of Banks's and United States
Fords, respectively eight and eleven miles above Fredericks
burgh. It seemed probable that operations Avould be inau
gurated at the points above and beloAv Fredericksburgh,
though it was doubtful where the main attack Avould be
made. By these movements Hooker had divided his army,
and placed a space of a dozen miles betAveen the two parts,
which caused them to be out of supporting distance of each
other. He doubtless intended to make a demonstration at
one point, and the real attack at the other. He Avas ulti-

198 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
mately compelled to enter the lists with his antagonist at
both points.
Before daAvn of Tuesday, and under cover of a very heavy
fog, the pontoons were laid across the river at the point be
low Fredericksburgh, with but little opposition from the
Rebel rifle-pits. An effort to lay pontoons at a later hour,
and lower down the river, was not so successful, and it was
not until forty guns had been brought to bear upon' the
Rebel sharp-shooters that the pontoons could be success
fully placed. One division of each of the army corps, com
manded by Sedgwick and Reynolds, Avere sent across the
river. The remaining four divisions left the cover of the
fringe of hills which had sheltered them from the view of
the Rebels, and by marching and countermarching round
the crests, magnified their number to their enemy. This ruse
had the effect of causing the Confederates to move their
columns from down the river to the vicinity of Fredericks
burgh. These consisted of Jackson's entire corps, which
had been posted there as an army of observation. Jackson
was now upon the field Avhere he had given battle to Frank
lin the previous December, but in this case history was not
to repeat itself, and he was not here to fight a second battle
on the same ground.
Let us now turn our attention to the three corps which
had moved up the river. On the night of Tuesday, between
ten p.m. and two a.m., Howard's entire corps crossed the
Rappahannock on the pontoon bridge at Kelly's Ford,
twenty-seven miles above Fredericksburgh. At daylight

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 199
Slocum's corps followed, and during the forenoon Meade's
corps was thrown across. The movable column then struck
direct for Germania Ford on the Rapidan River, distant
twelve miles. General Meade, however, instead of taking
this direction, on passing the river struck a road diverging
eastward, and made Ely's Ford on the Rapidan, eight miles
nearer than Germania Ford, to the embouchure of that
stream into the Rappahannock. Both columns having
crossed the respective fords, moved on Chancellorsville, at
the junction of the Gordonsville turnpike Avith the plank-
road leading to Orange Court-House. Communication was
kept up between the two movable columns by a squadron
of Pleasanton's cavalry, while another part of the same
horsemen moved on the right flank of the outer column to
protect it from Rebel cavalry attacks. This manoeuvre
having uncovered United States Ford, (which lies betAveen
Kelly's Ford and Fredericksburgh — twelve miles from the
latter,) Couch's corps, which had for three days been lying
at that point, was passed over the Rappahannock by a pon
toon bridge on Thursday, without any Opposition or indeed
any demonstration more formidable than a brass band play
ing " Hail Columbia." This force also converged toward
Chancellorsville, and on Thursday night four army corps —
namely, Howard's, Stevens's, Meade's, and Couch's — were
massed at that point. The same night General Hooker
Avith his staff reached Chancellorsville, and established his
headquarters in the only house there.
The military movement had thus far been executed with

200 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
celerity and success, and it was certainly a signal achieve
ment to have marched a column of seventy-five thousand
men, each laden with sixty pounds of baggage, together
with artillery and trains, thirty-six miles in two days ; and
to have bridged and crossed two streams, along a line which
a vigilant enemy undertook to observe and defend, with a
loss of perhaps half a dozen men, one wagon, and two mules.
That General Hooker Avas himself satisfied with his past
proceedings is evidenced in an order which he issued upon
reaching Chancellorsville. In it he stated : " It is with
heartfelt satisfaction that the General Commanding an
nounces to the army that the operations of the last three
days have determined that our enemy must ingloriously fly,
or come out from behind their defences and give us battle
on our own ground, where certain destruction awaits
him." On Friday morning General Hooker began the strate-
getic disposition of his force. It was formed in a line of
battle of a triangular or redan shape, resting with its wings
respectively on the Rappahannock, between Banks and
United States Fords, and Hart's Creek, and having its
apex at Chancellorsville.
The day Avas occupied with operations along the skir
mish line and reconnoissances for the purpose of feeling the
enemy. The situation of Chancellorsville is in the middle of a
clearing in the woods, which takes the form of an irremilar
ellipse, about a mile in length and half a mile in width.

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 201
The solitary house that makes up Chancellorsville stands
almost in the middle of this opening. The ground in the
region betAveen here and Fredericksburgh is broken and
wooded, there being occasional clearings in the forests. It
rises as it nears Fredericksburgh, when it develops into
bold heights. Its strategetic importance is derived from
the fact that it covers the Gordonsville turnpike and the
Orange Court-House plank-road, and threatens the line of
Gordonsville. This wild, dreary region is called the Wilderness, which
name the Confederates have given to the battle which here
took place.
Working parties of the Federals were employed during
the whole of Friday night in throwing up breastworks, and
the woods resounded with the strokes of a thousand axe
men felling trees for the purpose of constructing abattis.
Similar working parties of the Rebels were engaged in hke
manner not half a mile distant. On Saturday morning both
armies were well intrenched, and it became the question
which of the two should come out and give battle.
Having followed General Hooker to the place where he
Avas compelled to encounter the Confederates, we will now
enter the camp of General Lee, and narrate his march to
the scene of strife.
On Wednesday, the twenty-ninth of April, the Con
federates discovered that General Hooker had broken up
his camp at Falmouth, and that his troops had crossed the
13*

20_ LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Rappahannock at the places we have already named. The
discovery was not a satisfactory one, as General Lee was at
the time not only deprived of his " old war horse," General
Longstreet, but his force was less in numbers than it had
been for some time. But the Rebels were relieved when
they witnessed the unruffled calmness of their Commanding
General, who, without bustle or agitation, made the neces
sary disposition of his forces for the purpose of warding off
the blow with which he was threatened. General Early
was left with his division to guard Fredericksburgh and its
vicinity, whilst Lee and Jackson slowly marched westward
along the turnpike and plank-roads in the direction of Chan
cellorsville. From the evidence which General Hooker had given at
the court of inquiry, relative to the defeat at Fredericks
burgh the previous December, General Lee was in a mea
sure somewhat enabled to define the Federal plan. He con
sequently held all his troops, except Early's division, closely
in hand, and on Thursday threw up earthworks midAvay
betAveen Fredericksburgh and Chancellorsville, and there
arrested the advance of Hooker's force.
On Thursday, however, General Stuart had somewhat
delayed the advance of the Federals near Kelly's Ford by
cutting the head of one of their columns. The Confederate
General Anderson, who was stationed with his division at
United States Ford, was on the same day compelled to fall
back, recoiling before the immense Federal host which was
approaching.

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 203
Hooker did not press Lee hotly, but in his turn fell slowly
back toAvard Chancellorsville, followed still more slowly by
the Confederates. On Thursday evening, Stuart attacked a
small force of the Federals on the Spotsylvania road, and
caused them to retire with some loss.
On Friday, the first of May, General Lee continued to
advance, and General Hooker to fall back. But as the op
posing forces neared Chancellorsville, the former penetrated
the latter's purpose in retreating, when he discovered that
about five hundred yards in front of that place, in the midst
of a dense thicket of scrub-oak or black-jack, the Federal
pioneers had thrown up very strong intrenchments at right
angles to the turnpike and plank-roads, with an abattis of
felled trees bristling outward in frOnt, and seemingly defy
ing the passage of any living and walking animal. Running
southward for about a mile from the plank-road, the Federal
works turned short to the west, until they again met the
plank-road between Chancellorsville and Orange Court-
House, toward the latter of which points the plank-road
deflects in a south-westerly direction after leaving Chancel
lorsville. Within these works the Federals stood thickly
and savagely at -bay, their powerful artillery massed on
some high ground a httle in the rear. Their position was
fearfully formidable — repulse, if the works were attacked
solely from the front, seemed inevitable — the loss of life to
the assailants anyhow must have been ghastly. Under these
circumstances, General Lee resolved to outflank the flanker,
In the early part of Saturday several small engagements

204 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
took place at different parts of the lines, and toward the
close of the day commenced the battle of Chancellorsville,
which did not terminate until mid-day on Sunday. It was
on Saturday evenmg that the subject of our memoir received
those wounds which resulted in his death, and deprived the
Confederate army of its most brilliant commander.
The movements of the Rebels seemed to indicate to the
Federals that they were retreating, and as the main line of
the retreat was occupied by the latter's forces, an attack to
recover that line was confidently expected. The surprise of
the Federals was consequently very great when, on Saturday
afternoon, they found Jackson upon their extreme right and
rear, between Chancellorsville and Germania Mills.
The particulars of this battle have been so graphically
narrated by the Special Correspondent of The (London)
Times in the Confederate States, who was present at the
battle, that we have no hesitation in transferring it to these
pages. He says :
" If ever man was adapted for the execution of a plan dar
ing and hazardous in the extreme, but depending for its
safety upon the celerity and audacity of its execution, as
suredly that man was ' StonewaU ' Jackson. With the first
break of dawn he plunged with his three famous divisions —
the first commanded by A. P. Hill ; the second, in the absence
of Trimble, by Coulson ; the third, lately under D. H. Hill,
by Rhodes — into the country-road which leads to the Fur
nace.* At the Furnace he ascended a hill, and was viewed
* A road which diverges from the plank-road two miles east of Chancel-

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 205
by the enemy from an adjoining hill, called Fairview, and
heavily though harmlessly shelled. With his usual temerity
he sent back word to General Lee that the Furnace hill must
be held by one regiment until his artillery and wagons had
got by. A South-Carolina regiment was accordingly sent
there, but was, I beheve, shortly carried forward in com
pany with the cavalry, and in its place three or four com
panies of a Georgia regiment were left to guard the critical
spot. The enemy discovering the weakness of the guard,
attacked and took the Georgians prisoners. The last of
Jackson's batteries was passing as the Georgians were cap
tured, whereupon Captain Brown unlimbered his guns,
opened on the Federals, and drove them back. He then
passed on after Jackson, whose wagons had to fall back and
pursue their General by a more circuitous route. Marvel
lous to say, it never seems to have suggested itself to Gen
eral Hooker, although this large body of Confederates passed
under his nose, that his rear was in danger, or that General
Lee, greatly weakened, was lying within a few hundred
yards of the mighty Federal host of eighty thousand men.
"At four in the afternoon General Lee, knowing that
Jackson could not be far from his destination, opened fire
steadily along his whole line, feeling the gigantic masses of
his intrenched foe. For two hours and a half a heavy fire
was interchanged between the hostile batteries, each party
holding its own line. Suddenly, about half-past six in the
lorsville, and enters it again five miles to the west of that place. In this
road is situated a foundry called the Catherine Furnace.

206 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
evening, the rattle of musketry was heard in the distance,
followed by the loud boom of artillery, and instantly General
Lee passed word along his lines : ' Jackson at work ; press
them heavily everywhere.' Swift and sudden as the falcon
swooping on her prey, Jackson had burst on his enemy's
rear, and crushed him before resistance could be attempted.
Passing right over the plank-road, and extending almost up
to the Ely's Ford road, getting behind Chancellorsville, the
three noble divisions raced gallantly forward, drunk with
the animal joy and inebriation of battle. Not a trench had
been dug, not a tree felled, not a stick raised to resist them.
The unconscious Federals, engaged in cooking their supper —
one regiment on dress-parade — heard in the sudden volley
of Jackson's long line the kneU of their doom. An intelli
gent Virginia farmer, Mr. Green, taken prisoner by the
Federals, heard one of their Generals say to his men about
six o'clock : ' Jackson and his rebels don't dare face us to
night. Get your supper ready, boys, and enjoy yourselves.'
With faces turning eastward, secured, as they fancied, by
the dense masses of their friends within the intrenchments
in front, without a thought of their rear, the Federals rum
maged their knapsacks for all the luxuries with which Bos
ton, New- York, and Philadelphia pamper and recruit their
Sybarite soldiers. Before that supper could be eaten, the un-
Avashed, unkempt, starving ragamuffins of the South had burst
on them from the west, and scattered them, nerveless, panic-
stricken, helpless, like chaff before the blast. Major Reyton,
of General Lee's staff, found a coffee-pot, with cups round it,

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. . 207
standing in the wood. He poured the liquid out, but it Avas
so hot he could not drink it. What might have been the
result but for one casualty, which alone almost counterveiled
the victories of a week, who shall say ? Formation or order
the Federals had none ; reserves, tactics, organization, dis
position, plan, all went doAvn before the whirlwind sudden
ness of the surprise. The loss of the Confederates was lu
dicrously small ; their advance like that of a white squall in
the bay of Naples.
" Night had fallen. About eight o'clock General Jackson
rode forward with two or three of his staff along the plank-
road, and advanced one hundred and fifty yards in front of
his foremost skirmishers, peering with those keen eyes which
you might fancy could be seen through the densest gloom
forward into the night. He turned to ride back — a heavy
fire from one of his own regiments, hailing from South-Caro
lina, but whose number I Avill in mercy withhold, saluted
him. One bullet struck his left arm four inches below the
shoulder, shattering the bone down to the elbow. The
wound was intensely painful ; he half fell, half was lifted
from his horse. An aid galloped back to A. P. Hill to re
port that StoneAvall Jackson was wounded and lying in the
road. General Hill galloped hastily up, flung himself from
the saddle, began, choked with emotion, to cut the cloth of
Jackson's sleeve, when suddenly four of the Federal videttes
appeared on horseback, and were fired on by the staff-offi
cers. The videttes fell back upon a strong and swiftly ad
vancing line of Federal skirmishers. General HiU and all

208 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
the officers and couriers of both staffs had no alternative but
to mount and ride for their lives, leaving Jackson where he
lay. Right over the ground where was stretched the wound
ed lion the Federals advanced. Within their grasp lay the
mightiest prize, the most precious jewel in the Confederate
crown ; but it was not destined that Stonewall Jackson
should be struck by a Federal bullet, or yield himself prisoner
to a Federal soldier. As General Hill and his companions
galloped back they also became the target of the same luck
less North-Car ohnians. General Hill's boot was cut by a
bullet, but his leg uninjured ; Colonel Crutchfield, Chief of
Artillery to Jackson, was seriously if not mortally wounded ;
Boswell, of Jackson's staff, killed ; Howard, Engineer to A.
P. Hill, knocked from his horse, but whether killed, or
wounded, or a prisoner, is not known ; two or three couriers
killed. Without losing a moment, General Hill threw his
own skirmishers forAvard, backed by heavy supports, and
the ground on which lay General Jackson was again occu
pied by the Confederates. But in the mean time two more
bullets, both from his own men, had struck him as he lay on
the ground, one passing through the wrist of his shattered
arm, the other entering the palm of his right hand and com
ing out through its back. He was at once carried to the
rear and his arm instantly amputated under chloroform.
" Never was it more apparent than this evening what
Jackson's presence and influence are to his men. With his
wound ceased the fiery desperation of their onslaught ; tid
ings of it flew like wildfire through the ranks ; the routed

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 209
Federals found themselves no longer closely pressed, and
took heart of grace as they poured grape and canister down
the plank-road. Between nine and ten General A. P. Hill
Avas struck by a bit of shell on the calf of his leg, which
caused a painful contusion, and forced him reluctantly from
the field. At ten p.m., General J. E. B. Stuart was by Gen
eral Lee withdrawn from his cavalry command, and put
temporarily at the head of General Jackson's corps, stripped
as it was of the two leading Generals who have hitherto
partaken its dangers and glories Avithout being arrested by
disease or stricken by bullet."
The same writer thus describes the appearance of the
field upon which Jackson received his death-wound, as
viewed by him after the termination of the battle :
" With astonishing accuracy Stuart's enfilading fire had
torn through their ranks. In every variety of attitude of
death, torn, rent, and shivered into scarcely distinguishable
humanity, lay what so lately had breathed and moved.
Still more terrible and strangely appalling was the road
from Chancellorsville toward Orange Court-House, along
which and on either side of which Jackson had descended to
the harvest of death. Tumbrils overthrown, caissons ex
ploded, horses dead and dying, sometimes with broken legs,
sometimes with ghastly wounds ; human bodies in every
guise of suffering and death, tortured and riven trees, and,
most fearful of all, a crackling fire, runnmg swiftly through
the grass and black-jack brushwood, and suggesting dread
ful thoughts of wounded and helpless men perishing by the

210 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
most agonizing death known to humanity, froze the blood
with horror, as the spectator in agony turned his eyes to
heaven, to gain a moment's relief from the unutterable and
woeful anguish of earth."
A quarter of an hour previous to the discharge of the fatal
shots which deprived Jackson of his life, a Federal officer,
who was wounded and taken prisoner, appeared before him.
This officer was Captain Wilkins, of the staff of General A.
S. Williams, who commanded a division of the National
Army. The particulars of the interview between that offi
cer and General Jackson are here given, as we find them
narrated in a Northern journal :
" When captured, Captain Wilkins was placed in charge
of a guard, who took him a short distance to the rear, where
he met General Jackson and staff. Jackson was sitting on
his horse at the head of the column, surrounded by his staff.
He wore a new suit of gray uniform, and was a spare man
with a weather-beaten face and a bright, grayish-blue eye.
He had a peculiarly sad and gloomy expression of counte
nance, as though he already saw a premonition of his fate.
It was but fifteen minutes later that he was mortally wound
ed. As they came into his presence the guard announced :
' A captured Yankee officer.' Captain Wilkins asked if it
was Major-General Thomas J. Jackson. On being answered
in the affirmative, he raised his hat. General Jackson said :
'A regular army officer, I suppose — your officers do not
usually salute ours.' Captain Wilkins replied : ' No, I am
not ; I salute you out of respect to you as a gallant officer.'

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 211
He then asked his name and rank. On being told, he fur
ther inquired what corps and commanders were opposed in
front. Captain Wilkins replied that, as an officer, he could
not return a truthful answer to such questions. Jackson
then turned to the guard and ordered them to search him.
He then had in the breast-pocket of his coat Hooker's confi
dential orders to corps commanders, giving a plan in part of
the campaign ; the countersigns of the field for a week in
advance, and the field returns, giving the effective strength
of the Twelfth corps (Slocum's) on the preceding day.
These were all exceedingly important papers.
"Fortunately, before the guard could carry the orders
into execution, a terrific raking fire was opened on Jackson's
column by twenty pieces of artillery, from an eminence on
the plank-road. The first eight or ten shots flew over the
heads of the column. The men and gunners dismounted,
leaving horses and guns. Our artillery soon got the range
with more precision, and the shell and round shot ricochetted
and ploughed through this dense mass of the enemy with
terrific effect. Shells were continually bursting, and the
screams and groans of the wounded and dying could be
heard on every side. As an instance of the terrible effect
of this fire, one of the guard Avas struck by a solid shot just
beloAv the hips, sweeping off both his legs. A battery came
dashing up, but when they got into the vortex of the fire the
gunners fled, deserting their guns, and could not be made to
man them. An officer, splendidly mounted and equipped,
attempted, in a most gallant manner, to rally them. A ball

212 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
struck him on the neck, completely severing his head from
his body and leaving his spinal column standing. His body
rolled to the ground, and the horse galloped to the rear.
One of the shells struck a caisson full of artillery ammunition,
which, exploding, ascended in a crater of various colored
flame, and showered down on the heads of the men below a
mass of fragments of shot and shell. The loss inflicted by
this fire must have been terrible, placing considerable over
one thousand men hors du combat and effectually breaking
up the contemplated attack of the column.
" While Captain Wilkins was being taken to the rear he
devoted his attention to disposing of the important papers
Avhich he had on his person. He dare not take them from
his pocket to attempt to tear them up, but continuously
placed his hand in his pocket and worked the papers into a
ball, and as they were passing along, got them into his
bosom, and finally into the arm-pit under his arm, where he
carried them all that night. The next morning the guard
halted to get their breakfasts, and a soldier was trying to
kindle a fire to cook some coffee which they had taken from
our men. The wood was damp and the fire refused to burn.
The soldier swore at it until his patience gave out, when
Captain Wilkins asked him if he would not like some kin
dlings, and handed him the important papers. The soldier
took them, and, not dreaming of their importance, used
them to kindle the fire."
Our narrative is drawing to a close. The mihtary career

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 213
of Thomas Jonathan Jackson has terminated. But we have
yet to be silent watchers by the bedside of the dying sol
dier, and to accompany his remains to the tomb. HoAvever,
before we enter upon a description of the mournful scenes
which are left to us to narrate, it is necessary that we
should briefly sum up the remaining events which occurred
between the opposing armies, before the series of conflicts
which were initiated by the engagement of the first of May
were brought to an end.
The portion of Hooker's army which was broken by Jack
son's onslaught, and which so ingloriously fled from the
battle-field, was Howard's corps, formerly commanded by
General Sigel. These troops have been subject to much
censure for their conduct on this occasion, but they claim
that if they had not been deceived in the position of the
enemy, and had not been deprived of their cavalry, by Avhich
they could have learned the true position of the Rebels in
then- front, the disaster would not have taken place.
Fighting took place during the greater part of the night
that Jackson fell, and continued with increased fury during
Sunday morning, when the Federals were driven within
their breastworks. On that day General SedgAvick's troops
captured the heights in the rear of Fredericksburgh, and
emboldened by their success over Early's division, folloAved
it on the road for a short distance toward Chancellorsville.
On Monday, General Lee being satisfied that Hooker would
not further give him battle, repaired to Fredericksburgh,
and, in person, marshalled the brigades of the three divi-

214 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
sions in that part of the field. That evening he drove Sedg
wick back Avith great slaughter, when the latter repaired to
Banks's Ford and crossed the river. The day had been a
quiet one at Chancellorsville, and on the following morning
General Hooker, being satisfied that his attempt to capture
the Confederate army was a failure, retired from his posi
tion, and sought refuge on the northern bank of the Rappa
hannock. In connection Avith these military proceedings, a dashing
cavalry raid Avas made by General Stoneman, who ap
proached Avithin a few miles of Richmond, and severed
Lee's communications by railway with that place.
The Federal losses in the engagements which took place
in these early days of May were extremely heavy, and num
bered about twenty-five thousand in killed, wounded, and
missing. The Confederates estimated their loss at one
thousand killed, four thousand wounded, and one thousand
prisoners. They claim to have captured from the Federals
seven thousand six hundred and fifty prisoners. On the
other hand, General Hooker stated in a general order,
issued after the battles : " We have taken from the enemy
five thousand prisoners and fifteen colors, captured and
brought off seven pieces of artillery, and placed hors du
combat eighteen thousand of his chosen troops."
But the Confederates suffered one loss which was to them
irretrievable. We need not say that that was the loss of
General Jackson. General Lee considered the deprivation
of his services so great that, before he was aware that the

THE BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. 215
accident would result in death, he exclaimed to a friend :
" Had I been able to dictate events, most gladly Avould I
have been disabled in my own person if he had been spared.
Such an executive officer the sun never shone on. I have
but to show him my design, and I know that if it can be
done it will be done. No need for me to send and watch
him. Straight as the needle to the pole he advances to the
execution of my purpose. Pure, high-minded, unselfish, he
has no earthly thought of himself or his own advancement.
The sole aim and object of his life is the good of his
country."

CHAPTER XHI.
LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES.
Jackson's Daily Condition after being Wounded — He is attended by Mrs.
Jackson — His Last Remarks — His Death — General Lee's Order to the
Army — Jackson's Successor — The Remains reach Richmond — Received
with Public Honors and lie in State — Arrive in Lexington — The
Funeral. While General Jackson was being carried on a htter to
the rear of the battle-field at Chancellorsville, one of the
bearers was shot down, and the wounded soldier fell from
the shoulders of the men. This fall caused him to receive
a severe contusion, which, added to the injury of his arm,
created severe pain in his side. The General was left on
the ground for five mmutes, until the fire under which they
were situated slackened. He was then placed in an ambu
lance and carried to the field-hospital at Wilderness Run.
On being conveyed thither, frequent inquiries were made by
the soldiers : " Who have you there ?" He said to the doc
tor : " Do not tell the soldiers that I am wounded."
From the large amount of blood which he lost, he fancied
that he was dying, and stated so to Dr. McGuire. It was
feared that he would have bled to death, consequently a
tourniquet was immediately applied to stop the further effu
sion of blood. The shock which he had received rendered

LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES. 217
him nearly pulseless for the space of two hours. After the
reaction, a consultation was held between the surgeons pre
sent, and it was decided that amputation of the arm Avas
necessary. Jackson was asked : " If we find amputation
necessaiy, shall it be done at once ?" He replied : " Yes,
certainly, Dr. McGuire ; do for me whatever you think is
right." He bore the operation, which was performed while
he was under the influence of chloroform, extremely well.
On Sunday morning, after a good sleep, the wounded sol
dier was cheerful, and in every way was doing well. He
desired that his Avife should be sent for, and asked minutely
about the battle. He spoke cheerfully of its result, and
said smilingly : "If I had not been wounded, or had had an
hour more of dayhght, I would have cut off the enemy from
the road to the United States Ford, and we would have
had them entirely surrounded, and they would have been
obliged to surrender, or cut their way out. They had no
other alternative. My troops sometimes may fail in driv
ing the enemy from a position, but the enemy always fail to
drive my men from a position."
His chaplain left him during the morning to go and per
form service before the troops. The text was suggested by
General Jackson, and was taken from Romans viii. 28 :
" We know that all things work together for good to them
that love God." It was one of the General's favorite texts,
and furnishes a key to the character of his religious belief.
Not for one moment did he question or murmur when
struck doAvn at the zenith of his fame. " I consider these
10

218 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
wounds a blessing. They were given me for some good
and wise purpose. I would not part with them if I could."
Such was substantially the language he used during the last
feAV days of his life.
He complained on Sunday of the effects of the fall from
the litter on the previous day, but no contusion or abrasion
Avas apparent as the result thereof. However, he did not
complain of his Avounds, and never spoke of them unless
Avhen they were alluded to.
Jackson slept Avell on Sunday night, and on Monday was
carried to Chancellor's house near Gurness's depot. He
was cheerful during the day, conversed about the battle,
and inquired after all his officers. During his removal, he
complained greatly of the heat, and begged that a wet cloth
be applied to his stomach, which was done and added greatly
to his relief. He slept Avell that night, and relished his food
the following morning.
On Monday he received the following note from General
Lee, expressive of the regret the latter felt upon receiving
inteUigence of the accident that had befallen him :
Chancellorsville, Va., May 4, 1863.
To Lieutenant-General T. J. Jackson :
General : I have just received your note, informing me
that you were wounded. I cannot express my regret at
the occurrence. Could I have directed events, I should
haAre chosen for the good of the country to have been dis
abled in your stead. I congratulate you upon the victory
Avhich is due to your skill and energy.
Most truly yours, R. E. Lee, General.

LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES. 219
On Tuesday, his wounds were proceeding very Avell. He
asked : " Can you tell me, from the appearance of the
Avounds, hoAV long I will be kept from the field ?" He
seemed much satisfied when he was told that they Avere do
ing remarkably Avell. During the day he did not complain
of any pain in his side, and expressed a desire to see the
members of his staff; but he was informed that such an
interview would not be advisable.
As Jackson's wounds were progressing so favorably, it
was intended to have removed him on Wednesday to Rich
mond, but the removal was prevented by a fall of rain.
That night, while his attending surgeon, who had been de
prived of rest for three nights, was asleep, the patient com
plained of nausea, and ordered his boy to place a wet towel
over his stomach, which Avas done. The surgeon was
awakened about daylight by the boy exclaiming : " The
General is in great pain." The pain Avas in the right side,
and resulted from incipient pneumonia and a slight degree
of nervousness, which Jackson attributed to his fall from
the litter.
On Thursday Mrs. Jackson arrived, greatly to the joy
and satisfaction of the wounded hero, Avhom she faithfully
nursed during the few remaining days of his life. By that
evening all pain had ceased, but the patient suffered greatly
from prostration. This prostration increased on the fol-
loAving day, but no pain was experienced. On Sunday
morning it was apparent that Jackson was rapidly sinking,
when it became necessary to intimate the same to his wife.

220 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Mrs. Jackson was then allowed full and free converse Avith
her husband. She told him that he was going to die, upon
which he replied : " Very good, very good. It is all
right." The closing scene of Jackson's life bore a striking resem
blance to that of the first Napoleon. While in the case
of the great European Captain "the ruling passion was
strong in death," it Avas none the less so in that of the
Southern soldier. The battle-field, with all " the pomp and
circumstances of war," was all before him, while what re
mained of life was ebbing fast. His mind wandered back,
in the delirium of approaching dissolution, to the scenes of
the battle. He gave the word of command, uttered words
of encouragement to regiments staggering under fire, or
dered his commissary to hasten on with needful food to
exhausted troops. Almost the last sentence was the order
he had so often given in hfe: "A. P. Hill, prepare for
action." Sunday, the tenth day of May, 1863, will ever be a day
of mournful memory to the people of the sunny South. On
that day set the most resplendent star in their galaxy of
Generals. He, who had forsaken the quietude of the Pro
fessor's life to place himself at the head of charging columns,
on that day breathed his last. He, who, amid the blaze of
cannon, the rattle of musketry, and the clash of steel, had
Avon honor and renown, died a soldier's death, and died
as he had lived — strong in his religious faith. His years
numbered only thirty-nine, but he had gained during the

LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES. 221
two closing years of his life more of military glory than is
Avon by many Avhose lives are permitted to be extended to
three-score years and ten.
General Jackson's death was officially announced to the
army in AA'hich he served by the following order, Avhich Avas
issued by the Commanding General :
GENERAL ORDERS  NO. 61.
Headquarters, Northern Virginia, May 11, 1863.
With deep grief the Commanding General announces to
the army the death of Lieutenant-General T. J. Jackson,
Avho exjfired on the tenth instant, at a quarter-past three p.m.
The daring, skill, and energy of this great and good soldier,
by an all-Avise Providence, are noAV lost to us. But while
Ave mourn his death, we feel that his spirit still lives, and
will inspire the whole army with his indomitable courage
and unshaken confidence in God as our hope and strength.
Let his name be a Avatchword to his corps, who have fol
lowed him to victory on so many fields. Let the officers
and soldiers imitate his invincible determination to do
every thing in the defence of our beloved country.
R. E, Lee, General.
When Jackson felt that death was approaching, and that
his corps would soon be deprived of its commander, he
frequently expressed to his aids his desire that General
Ewell, in whom he had great confidence, might be appoint
ed his successor. In accordance with this desire, General
Ewell received the appointment.
In no city of the South Avas General Jackson more greatly
respected than in the Confederate capital. So anxious were

222 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
the people of Richmond to be informed of the daily condi
tion of the illustrious chieftain, that on the Sunday upon
which he died, his critical position was announced from the
pulpits of many churches. This announcement prepared
the people for the mournful intelligence which was so soon
to foUoAv ; but it was for a time hard for them to beheve in
the correctness of such unwelcome news. It was to this
city that Jackson's remains were removed after he had
breathed his last.
Richmond clothed herself in mourning, and cast off the
cares of business, so that she might fittingly receive the
body of the departed hero. On Monday afternoon, a large
concourse of ladies and gentlemen attended at the railway
station to receive the coruse. It arrived about four o'clock,
in charge of the following officers :
Of Lieutenant-General Jackson's staff:
Major S. Pendleton, Adjutant-General in charge ; Dr.
Hunter McGuire, Medical Director ; Major W. J. Hawks,
Lieutenants Morrison and Smith, Aids.
On the part of the army :
Major D. B. Bridgford, Captain H. K. Douglas.
On the part of the Commonwealth of Virginia :
Dr. John Mayo, Aid to the Governor, Colonel John C.
Shields. The coffin was covered Avith wreaths, which had been
placed upon it by the ladies of Ashland as the remains
passed that place. With as little delay as possible, the
body Avas removed under military escort to the Governor's

LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES. 223
mansion, to which place it was followed by perhaps the
largest assemblage of persons ever collected in Richmond.
On Tuesday, the last offices of honor to the departed hero
were performed by the citizens of Richmond with fitting
magnificence. We give the particulars of the proceedings,
as Ave find them narrated in the Richmond Enquirer of the
following day :
" In no public ceremony, not even the grand display
which attended the inauguration of the monument to Wash
ington some years ago, has Richmond been rendered more
memorable than upon this occasion, when every branch of
the Confederate and State Governments, with an army of
bronzed and hardy heroes, and the whole city pouring forth
its hving tribute, aged and young of both sexes, joined in
the pageant, and gave it all the imposing grandeur which
sympathy, sorrow, love and admiration united, could be
stow. " In accordance with arrangements made upon Monday,
the procession was formed upon Capitol Square at ten
o'clock, stretching along Monument Avenue from the Gov
ernor's mansion, out upon Grace street, and consisted of the
following civil and military bodies :
Public guard, with armory band, followed by the Nineteenth
and Fifty-sixth Virginia Infantry, Major Wren's bat
talion of cavalry, and the Richmond Lafayette
artillery, all preceded by a full band.
Hearse drawn by four white horses, appropriately capari
soned, the hearse draped and plumed, and the coffin
Avrapped and decorated with flowers.

224 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
Pall-bearers, consisting of the staff of the lamented hero,
and several other officers of high rank, wearing
the insignia of mourning.
Carriages, containing — first, His Excellency the President,
and the family of the deceased, followed by personal
friends and distinguished admirers ; various chiefs
of Departments, State and Confederate ; civil,
military, and judicial ; the Mayor of the
city and members of the Council.
" On either side, and in the rear, an immense throng of
ladies and gentlemen, children, servants and soldiers, min
gled ready to move along with the procession. The ban
ners were draped with crape, and the swords of the mihtary
officials were draped at the hilt. The artillery bore the sad
insignia ; the arms of the infantry were reversed ; the
drums were muffled, and at the given hour a gun stationed
beneath the monument boomed forth the signal for motion.
" General George W. Randolph, Chief Marshal of the
ceremony, proceeded to the front, and the cavalcade moved
slowly out upon Governor street, through the Mansion Gate.
The bells of the city commenced tolling, and soon a melan
choly dirge swelled forth in moving tones from the leading
corps of musicians. The procession passed down Governor
to Main street, turning up the latter, and proceeding as far
as Second street. The streets were crowded with people ;
stores were closed, as the pageant moved along, and from
many windows floated flags draped in mourning. The flags
upon the public buildings remained as on Monday, at half-

LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES. 225
mast. The scene on Main street was beyond adequate de
scription, so impressive, so beautiful, so full of stirring asso
ciations, blending with the martial dirges of the bands, the
gleam of musket, rifle, and sabre drawn, the sheen of black
cannon, thousands of throbbing hearts, and the soul of sor
row that mantled over all. From Second street, through
which the procession partly passed, it wheeled into Grace
street, down which it returned to Capitol Square, entering
by Monument Gate. At different stages of the obsequies
the cannon, which remained stationed at the foot of the
monument, pealed out in tones of thunder, which heightened
the effect of the tolling bells, the solemn music, and the
grand display.
" The hearse being drawn up in front of the Capitol, the
coffin was removed to the hall of the House pf Representa
tives, where it was laid in state in front of the Speaker's
seat. Thousands crowded into the building, many bearing
splendid bouquets with which to adorn the coffin, and at
night hundreds were turned away, after hours of fruitless
efforts, without seeing the face of the beloved departed war
rior. All the courts in Richmond passed resolutions of re
spect to the memory of Jackson, and adjourned to attend
the ceremonies."
Jackson had never seen his home since the war broke
out ; nor would he, he declared, until it was over, "unless
the war itself should take him thither." The war did take
him thither, but alas ! it was not for him to see the place he
loved so well. Richmond would fain have found a fitting
10*

226 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
resting-place for the remains of one she so much honored,
but all that she was enabled to do was merely to pay them
a passing tribute as they were being conveyed to their final
home. Says the Richmond Examiner :
"All the poor honors that Virginia, sorely troubled and
pressed hard, could afford her most glorious and beloved
son, having been offered to his mortal part in this capital,
the funeral cortege of the famous Jackson left it yesterday
(Wednesday) morning, on the long road to ' Lexington, in
the Valley of Virginia.' It was the last Avish of the dead
man to be buried there, amid the scenes familiar to his eyes
through the years of his manhood, obscure and unrecorded,
but perhaps filled with recollections to him not less "affecting
than those connected with the brief but crowded period
passed upon a grander stage. This desire, expressed at
such a time, demanded and has received unhesitating com
pliance. Yet many regret that his remains will not rest in
another spot. Near this city is a hill crowned by secular
oaks, washed by the waters of the river identified with what
is great in the State's history from the days of Elizabeth to
the present hour, which has been well selected as the place
of national honor for the illustrious dead of Virginia. There
sleep Monroe and Tyler. We have neither a Westminster
nor a Pantheon, but all would wish to see the best that we
could give conferred on Jackson. Hereafter, Virginia will
build for him a stately tomb, and strike a medal to secure
the memory of his name beyond the reach of accident, if
accident were possible. But it is not possible ; nor is a

LAST MOMENTS AND OBSEQUIES. 227
monument necessary to cause the story of this man's life to
last Avhen bronze shall have corroded and marble crumbled."
Jackson's remains reached Lexington on Thursday after
noon, having been escorted thither by a portion of his staff,
the Governor of the State, and a committee from Lynch-
burgh. " They were received," says the Lynchburgh Vir
ginian, " at the boat-landing by the corps of cadets, under
General F. H. Smith, the professors of the- Institute, and a
large number of citizens, and were escorted in solemn pro
cession to the Institute barracks, where they were deposited
in the old lecture-room of the illustrious deceased. The
room was just as he left it two years before, save that it
was heavily draped in mourning— not having been occupied
during his absence. The hall which so often echoed the
voice of the modest and unknown professor, received back
the laurel-crowned hero Avith the applause of the world and
the benedictions of a nation resting upon him. It was a
touching scene, and brought tears to many eyes, when the
body Avas deposited just in front of the favorite chair from
Avhich his lectures were dehvered. Professors, students,
visitors, all were deeply moved by the sad and solemn occa
sion, and gazed in mute sorrow on the affecting spectacle of
the dead hero lying in his familiar lecture-room. Guns
Avere fired every half-hour during the day in honor of the
departed chieftain, and an air of gloom was visible on every
face." The funeral took place on the next day, Friday, the fif
teenth of May. The coffin was enveloped in the Confeder-

228 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
ate flag, and covered with flowers. It was borne on a
caisson of the cadet battery, draped in mourning. The
procession consisted of such officers and soldiers of the old
Stonewall brigade as happened at the time to be in the
county. It awakened thrilling associations to see the shat
tered fragments of this famous brigade assembled under the
flag which for some time was the regimental standard of
Jackson's old Fourth regiment, and which that regiment
carried in triumph over the bloody field of Manassas on the
ever memorable twenty-first day of July.
An interesting part of the ceremonies of the day were
the religious services. These took place in the church in
which the great chieftain had dehghted to worship God for
ten years before the beginning of his late brilliant career.
They were conducted by the Rev. Dr. White, a pastor
whom he tenderly loved, and whose religious counsels he
modestly sought, even in the midst of the most absorbing
scenes through which, during the last two years, he had
passed. The body was deposited in the cemetery connected with
the church, where his first wife and child are buried.
There, within the borders of that quiet town in which
had been spent the happiest and most peaceful moments of
his life ; there, under the shadow of that institution in which
he had worked so assiduously, he the remains of one that
Lexington may well be proud to own. There, under the
green Virginian sward, lies all that remains of one of Vir
ginia's noblest sons.

ADDENDA

incidents and characteristics.
Visit to Jackson in Camp — The General's Experiences on Horseback — An
Inquisitive Friend — Jackson's Admiration of Lee — Abhorrence of Sec
tional Hate — Devotional Habits — Religious Condition of Jackson's Army
— General Appearance and Habits — Estimates of Jackson's Character —
Jackson viewed from a Northern Stand-point.
Several incidents in Jackson's life, and some sketches of
his personal appearance and character, which, if inserted in
the body of our work, would have interfered with the line
of narrative, are here given in the form of a supplementary
chapter. An Englishman who had brought a box from Nassau to
General Jackson, received an invitation to visit him in his
camp. He did so in March last, and on his way thither ex
perienced a drenching rain. He gives the following particu
lars of his visit :
" Wet to the skin, I stumbled through mud, I waded through
creeks, I passed through pine-woods, and at last I got into camp
about two o'clock. I then made my way to a small house occupied
by the General as his headquarters. I wrote down my name and
gave it to the orderly, and I was immediately told to walk in. The

230 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
General rose and greeted me warmly. I expected to see an old, un
tidy man, and was most agreeably surprised and pleased with his
appearance. He is tall, handsome, and powerfully built, but thin.
He has brown hair and a brown beard. His mouth expresses great
determination. The lips are thin and compressed firmly together ;
his eyes are blue and dark, with a keen and searching expression. 1
was told that his age was thirty-eight, and he looks about forty.
The General, who is indescribably simple and unaffected in all his
ways, took off my wet overcoat with his own hands, made the fire,
brought wood for me to put my feet on to keep them warm while my
boots were drying, and then began to ask me questions on various
subjects. At the dinner-hour we went out and joined the members
of his staff. At this meal the General said grace in a fervent, quiet
manner, which struck me much. After dinner I returned to his
room, and he again talked to me for a long time. The servant came
in and took his mattress out of a cupboard and laid it on the floor.
As I rose to retire, the General said : ' Captain, there is plenty of
room on my bed ; I hope you will share it with me.' I thanked him
very much for his courtesy, but said, ' Good night,' and slept in a
tent, sharing the blankets of one of his aids-de-camp. In the morn
ing, at breakfast-time, I noticed that the General said grace before
the meal with the same fervor I had remarked before. An hour or
two afterward it was time for me to return to the station ; on this
occasion, however, I had a horse, and I turned up to the General's
quarters to bid him adieu. His room was vacant, so I stepped in
and stood before the fire. I then noticed my great-coat stretched be
fore it on a chair. Shortly afterward the General entered the room.
He said : ' Captain, I have been trying to dry your great-coat, but I
am afraid I have not succeeded very well.' That little act illustrates
the man's character. With the cares and responsibihties of a vast
army on his shoulders, he finds time to do little acts of kindness and

INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS. 23]
thoughtfulness which make him the darling of his men, who never
seem to tire talking of him. Jackson is a man of great endurance ;
he drinks nothing stronger than water, and never uses tobacco or
any stimulant. He has been known to ride for three days and three
nights at a time, and if there is any labor to be undergone, he never
fails to take his share of it."
Jackson's appearance on horseback is thus described by a
correspondent of the New-York Tribune :
" On horseback he by no means looked the hero of a tableau. On
his earher fields and marches he had been blessed with a ' charger '
that happily resembled its rider — ' a plain horse, that went straight
ahead, and minded its own business ;' but one day it got shot under
him, and then his friends presented him with a more ornamental
beast, a mare that took on airs, and threw him ; so he exchanged
her, in disgust, for a less visionary and artistic quadruped— still a
horse, but never such a congenial spirit as that original ' Ole Virgin-
ny ' of his, that never tired, and whose everlasting long-legged, swing
ing walk was the very thing to make forced marches with. ' He's in
the saddle now,' sang those limber Rebels, from the song of their
corps : ' 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-step ! We're with him before mom !
That's Stonewall Jackson's way.' "
The foUowing incident in his life is also given by the
same correspondent :

232 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
" He firmly declined the luxury of ' hospitable mansions ' along
the line of his march ; nor, after his occupation of Winchester, could
he, without much difficulty, be induced to pass a night in the house
of any old friend in Frederick, Clarke, or Jefferson. He preferred to
sleep among his men. It was one of these valley friends of his who
miscarried so absurdly in an attempt to cajole him out of his imper
turbable reticence. The gentleman, at whose house Jackson had
been induced to make a brief visit in passing, was eagerly curious to
learn what the next movement of the ubiquitous Rebel would be ; so
he boldly claimed his confidence on the score of ancient friendship.
After a few minutes of well-affected concern and reflection, the grim
joker button-holed his bore. ' My staunch old friend,' said he, with
mysterious deliberation, 'can — you — keep — a secret?' 'Ah J Gen
eral.' ' So can I.' "
Jackson's estimation of General Lee is exhibited in the
following :
" The love and admiration he at all times evinced for Lee resem
bled the devotion with which Turner Ashby had followed him. Re
plying to the remarks of a friend about his own peculiar military
ideas and habits, and his proneness ' to do his marching and fighting
his own way,' he said : ' We are blessed with at least one General
whom I would cheerfully follow blindfold, whose most dubious stra
tegy I would execute without question or hesitation, and that Gen
eral is Robert E. Lee.' The anecdote is authentic. But Jackson had
the sagacity to perceive very early that his military genius was essen
tially local and partisan — that it was as an executive officer exclu
sively that he was remarkable — and that kaleidoscopic conceptions
and subtile combinations must be left to the Lees and Johnstons of
the Rebel army."

INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS. 233
Sectional hate formed no part of his character, which fact
is illustrated in the subjoined anecdote :
"When the question of Secession, Union, or 'Armed Neutrality'
went before the people of Virginia, Stonewall Jackson voted the
Union ticket ; but when the State went out he went with her.
From first to last he had no patience (if such a phrase can be true of
such a man) with the intemperate expressions of bitter sectional hate
that continually affronted his ear ; and he was blunt in his admoni
tion to the women of Winchester — when he again left the checkered
fortunes of that town to our advancing troops — ' not to forget them
selves.' ' My child,' he would say to some immoderate Rebel in
crin'oline, ' you and I have no right to our hates ; personal rancor is
the lowest expression of patriotism and a sin beside. We must leave
these things to God.' "
The author of Two Months in the Confederate States re
lates the following as illustrative of Jackson's devotional
habits :
" I was told by the colonel of an artillery regiment, who happened
to be encamped in Northern Virginia last summer, close to General
Jackson's headquarters, that the general piety of that General, as
evidenced by his actions, had not been at all exaggerated. It seems
that my friend's tent was so pitched that, from its rear, he command
ed a view of the corner of a field, surrounded by a wood, which was
not far from Jackson's own tent, but which could be seen by no
other persons than those either in my friend's tent or that of General
Jackson himself. Twice a day, for weeks, (my friend said,) rain or
shine, he saw Jackson slip a>vay to this secluded place — unseen as
he believed — and seat himself upon the small fence which bounded
the field. There he would remain, often for an hour, with his hands

234 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
clasped, face turned upward, convulsed with emotion, the tears
streaming down his face, deep in the performance of secret and agon
izing prayer. Nothing can be said that can increase the value of this
evidence as proving the sincerity of the man."
The religious condition of Jackson's troops is given in
the following extract from a letter Avritten by the Rev. Dr.
Stiles, who was at the time of writing laboring as an evan
gelist in the Confederate army of the Potomac :
"At his earnest request, I preached to General Pryor's brigade
last Sabbath. Upon one hour's notice he marched up twelve or fif
teen hundred men, who listened with so much interest to a long ser
mon, that I was not surprised to hear of such a beginning of religious
interest in various regiments of the brigade as issued in a half-way
promise on my part to fall in with the proposal of the General to
preach very early to his soldiers for a succession of nights. In Gen
eral Lawton's brigade there is a more decided state of religious ex
citement. The great body of the soldiers in some of the regiments
meet for prayer and exhortation every night, exhibit the deepest
solemnity, and present themselves numerously for the prayers of the
chaplains and the Church. Quite a pleasant number express hope
in Christ. In all other portions of General Early's division, (former
ly General Ewell's,) a similar religious sensibility prevails.
"In General Trimble's, and the immediately neighboring brigades,
there is in progress, at this hour, one of the most glorious revivals
I ever witnessed. Some days ago a young chaplain of the Baptist
Church — as a representative three others of the same denomina
tion—took a long ride to solicit my cooperation, stating that a prom
ising seriousness had sprung up within their diocese. I have now
been with him three days and nights, preaching and laboring con-

INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS. 235
stantly with the soldiers when not on drill. The audiences and the
interest have grown to glorious dimensions. It Avould rejoice you
over-deeply to glance for one instant on our night-meeting in the
wild woods, under a full moon, aided by the light of our side-stands.
You would behold a mass of men seated on the earth all around you,
(I was going to say for the space of half an acre,) fringed in all its
circumference by a line of standing officers and soldiers, two or three
deep, all exhibiting the most solemn and respectful earnestness that
an assembly ever displayed. An officer said to me, last night, on
returning from worship, he never had witnessed such a scene, though
a Presbyterian elder, especially such an abiding solemnity and de
light in the services as prevented all whispering in the outskirts,
leaving of the congregation, or restless change of position. I sup
pose, at the close of the services, we had some sixty or seventy men
and officers come forward and publicly solicit an interest in our
prayers, and there may have been as many more who from the press
could not reach the stand. I have already conversed with quite a
number, who seem to give pleasant evidence of a return to God, and
all things seem to be rapidly developing for the best.
" The officers, especially Generals Jackson and Early, have modi
fied military rules for our accommodation. I have just learned that
General A. P. Hill's division enjoys as rich a dispensation of God's
spirit as General Early's. Ask all the brethren and sisters to pray
for us and the army at large.''
A correspondent of the Savannah News portrays General
Jackson in the following characteristic sketch :
" There you see self-command, perseverance, indomitable will,
that seem neither to know nor think of any earthly obstacle, and all
this without the least admixture of vanity, assumption, pride, fool-
hardiness, or any thing of the kind. There seems a disposition to

236 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
assert its pretensions, but from the quiet sense of conviction of his
relative position, which sets the vexed question of self-importance at
rest — a peculiarity, I would remark, of great minds. It is only the
little and the frivolous who are forever obtruding their petty vanities
before the world. His face also expresses courage in the highest
degree, and his phrenological developments indicate a vast amount
of energy and activity. His forehead is broad and prominent, the
occipital and sincipital regions are both large and well balanced ;
eyes expressing a singular union of mildness, energy, and concentra
tion ; cheek and nose both long and well formed. His dress is a
common gray suit of faded cassimere — coat, pants, and hat — the
coat slightly braided on the sleeve, just enough to be perceptible,
the collar displaying the mark of a Major-General. Of his gait, it is
sufficient to say that he just goes along — not a particle of the strut,
the military swagger, turkey -gobbler parade, so common among offi
cers of small rank and smaller minds. It would be a profitable
study for some of our military swells to devote one hour each day to
the contemplation of the magnificent plainness of ' Stonewall.' To
military fame which they can never hope to attain he unites the
simplicity of a child and the straightforwardness of a Western farm
er. There may be those who would be less struck with his appear
ance as thus accoutred than if bedizened with lace and holding the
reins of a magnificent barb caparisoned and harnessed for glorious
war ; hut to one who had seen him, as I had, at Coal Harbor and
Malvern Hill, in the rain of shell and the blaze of the death-lights
of the battle-field, when nothing less than a mountain would serve
as a breastwork against the thirty-six inch shells which howled and
shrieked through the sickly air, General Jackson in tatters would be
the same hero as General Jackson in gilded uniform. In my simple
view he is a nonpareil — he is without a peer. He has enough energy

INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS. 237
to supply a whole manufacturing district, enough military genius to
stock two or three military schools of the size of West-Point."
Dr. Charles Mackay, the New-York correspondent of the
(London) Times, sketches the great Confederate General in
the following terms :
" The interest excited by this strange man is as curious as it is
unprecedented. A classmate of McClellan at West-Point, and there'
considered slow and heavy, unfavorably known in Washington as a
hypochondriac and malade imaginaire, he has exhibited for the last
ten months qualities which were little supposed to reside in his
rugged and unsoldierlike frame, but which will hand his name down
for many a generation in the company of those great captains whom
men will not willingly let die. More apt for the execution than con
ception of great movements, leaning upon General Lee as the direct
ing brain, and furnishing the promptest hand, the most dauntless
heart, the most ascetic and rigorous self-denial, the greatest rapidity
and versatility of movement, as his contributions toward the execu
tion of General Lee's strategy, his recent operations in turning Gen
eral Pope's right, and passing with a force believed not to exceed
thirty thousand men to the rear of such an army, massed close to its
base of operations and in the act of receiving daily large reenforce
ments, command universal wonder and admiration. It is said that,
like Hannibal, he is accustomed to live among his men without dis
tinction of dress, without greater delicacy of fare, and that it is
almost impossible, on this account, for a stranger to recognize or dis
tinguish him among them. Every despatch from his hand has, as
its exordium : ' By the blessing of God.' Continual are the prayer-
meetings which he holds among his men, invoking a blessing upon
his arms before the battle and returning thanks for preservation,
and (as it has rarely failed to happen) for victory after it is over.

238 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
In fact, they who have seen and heard him uplift his voice in prayer,
and then have witnessed his vigor and prompt energy in the strife,
say that once again Cromwell is walking the earth and leading his
trusting and enraptured hosts to assured victory. It is not necessa
ry to add that Jackson's men idolize and trust their leader enthusi
astically, and have the most implicit faith in his conduct, otherwise
the bold and daring steps which he has frequently taken, and from
which he has never failed to come off triumphantly, would have
been utter impossibilities."
In this connection, the Saturday Review (London) says :
" General Jackson's powers of endurance were certainly equalled
by his dash and daring. Less than two years fill up his public life,
and not much more than twelve months complete the cycle of his
leading victories ; but he compressed into the narrow space of two
campaigns as many triumphs as have distinguished the long military
life of several famous captains. Although not the general-in- chief
of an army, not a few of his successes were won in an independent
command, and as many as six great victories are attributed to Jack
son. . . . His religion, though it may not be our religion, was
not inconsistent with charity, gentleness, and courtesy ; and the vic
torious general who is a high-minded gentleman, a consistent Christ
ian, and whose popularity is universal among his men, is not, after
all, a very common character. The military profession wants such
bright and rare reliefs ; and we will venture to say that throughout
England, and even among the better spirits of the Federals, there is
a general share in that ' deep grief with which the South may well
mourn the death of Lieutenant-General Jackson. There is some
thing of a national sympathy with those simple and touching words
with which General Lee records ' the daring, skill, and energy of

INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS. 239
this great and good soldier,' and asks his comrades, ' while they
mourn his death, to feel that his spirit lives, and will inspire the
whole army with his indomitable courage and unshaken confidence
in God as their hope and strength.' "
The New-York Independent criticises Jackson's character
and career from a Northern stand-point, as follows :
" We are in some respects better judges of his military talents
than Southern men, since we felt the blows which they only saw
dealt. It is certain that no other man has impressed the imagination
of our soldiers and the whole community so much as he. An un
known name at the beginning of the war, save to his brother officers,
and to his classes in the military school at Lexington, Virginia, his
footsteps were earliest in the field from which now death has with
drawn them. But in two years he has made his name familiar in
every civilized land on the globe as a general of rare skill, resource,
and energy.
" No other general of the South could develop so much power out
of slender and precarious means, by the fervid inspiration of his own
mind, as Jackson. He had absolute control of his men, seeming
almost to fascinate them. He drove them through marches long and
difficult, without resources, feeding them as best he could ; he de
livered battles as a thunder-cloud discharged bolts, and, if the for
tunes were against him, then, with even more remarkable skill than
in advancing, he held his men together in retreat ; and with extra
ordinary address and courage, eluded pursuit, sometimes fighting,
sometimes fleeing, till he brought off his forces safely. Then, almost
before the dust was laid upon the war-path, his face was again
toward his enemies, and he was ready for renewed conflict. His
whole soul was in his work. He had no doubts nor parleyings with
in himself. He put the whole force of his being into his blows for

240 LIFE OF GEN. T. J. JACKSON.
the worst cause man ever fought for, as few of our generals have
ever learned to do for the best cause for which trumpet ever sound
ed. Henceforth we know him no more after the flesh. He is no
longer a foe. We think of him now as a noble-minded gentleman, a
rare and eminent Christian ! For years he has been an active mem
ber of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a ruling elder. He
never, in all the occupations of the camp, or temptation of campaigns,
lost the fervor of his piety, or remitted his Christian duties.
" We know that before every important move he spent much time
in prayer. He had so put his soul in the keeping of his Master,
that he was relieved from all thought of self, and had the whole
power of his life ready for his work. Officers of Fremont's army,
who pursued him in his famous retreat from the Shenandoah Valley,
found him to be greatly beloved by the common people, among
whom, in former times, he had labored, in prayer-meetings, in tem
perance-meetings, and in every Christian word and work. No won
der he fought well along a region whose topography he had mapped
down with prayers, exhortations, and Christian labor !
" Ho was unselfish. He fought neither for reputation now, nor
for future personal advancement. . . . He incessantly struck on
the right and on the left, and kept alive the fire in the hearts of ill-
clad, poorly-fed, and over-worked men by the excitement of enter
prise and the constant relish of victories, small in detail, but whose
sum was all-important. Let no man suppose that the North will
triumph over a fallen son with insulting gratulations ! Nowhere
else will the name of Jackson be more honored."

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