Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 07.djvu/531

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In writing these few reminiscences of Jackson's campaign of 1862 in the Valley, my object has been to develop some of the striking characteristics of the officers with whom I served. I wish to do justice to General Trimble, of Maryland—a gallant soldier of the old army in the olden times. It has been my aim to show some of Jackson's strategy in executing General Lee's plans, and his extreme reticence in keeping from his highest officers what he intended to do; where he was going; when he would move, and what he aimed to accomplish. I have a most kind remembrance and affection for General Ewell, Jackson's senior lieutenant, commanding his right wing, and wish to recall some of his oddities. He possessed more eccentricities than he thought Jackson displayed. He was a hard old customer, and could swear, when he chose to exercise that faculty, in a style that defies description. He spared no one when he was cross, but was nobly generous at all other times. My relations with him were always of the kindest character, as several letters from him to me would show. Long before the war ended he was a bright Christian soldier of the cross, with a joyous hope of meeting Jackson at the "grand reveille."

I desire to say a word or two for Ashby, who was often blamed for what he could not prevent, and often expected to perform impossibilities and to overcome obstacles which were insurmountable. I believe Ashby was more than a partisan leader, and was a peer of the best of the officers in his sphere of service. We must take into consideration the material he had to handle. The blunders that were made by the cavalry arose from a want of concert between the cavalry commanders, and a want of thorough discipline, and this latter in a great measure was caused by the fact that you could not exact of men rigid compliance with orders when they were rarely supplied with what they were entitled to receive. Another cause, not often considered or reflected upon, was that the cavalry furnished at first their own horses, and were required