Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 06.djvu/272

262 was soon on my way up the Mississippi, and entered the 'belle-riviere.' Among my fellow passengers on the steamer was Lieutenant Thomas J. Jackson, of the United States army, who seemed at first a remarkably quiet, reserved, although very intelligent officer, and with whom I soon became acquainted; for there is everywhere a sort of cameraderie among officers of the two services which attracts them to each other in a crowd of strangers. For several days the inland voyage continued, and our nights were partly spent upon the hurricane deck of the steamer, engaged in conversation. One of these conversations was so peculiar that it fixed itself in my memory, and subsequent events proved it worthy of record, although, I confess, I hesitate to put in writing anything which seems to border so nearly on the marvellousmarvelous [sic]."

He then proceeds to give the conversation held with Lieutenant Jackson, which was upon the subject of astrology, to which Jackson led the way. The latter is made to converse in a very different manner, as to his language, expression and thoughts, from that for which General Jackson was noted among his acquaintances, and he is made to indicate very clearly some belief in astrology as a science. General Revere then proceeds:

According to the scheme of nativity furnished by Jackson, it appeared that his and Revere's "destinies seemed to run in parallel lines," and they were to be exposed to a common danger "during the first days of May, 1863," and it is stated that Jackson said in his letter: "It is clear to me that we shall both be exposed to a common danger at the time indicated."

This story is followed by another in reference to the battle of Chancellorsville in these words: