Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/129

 L'th and Character <>f Lt.-(reneral D. H. 11*11.

wife written during this interval, in which she complained of the de- lay, shows how little the outer world understood his character or his motives. " You must not be concerned about my commission (he wrote). I feel too distrustful of my own skill, coolness and judg- ment! I have never coveted and always avoided positions of trust and responsibility. The offices that I have held have not been of my seeking."

ASSIGNED TO COMMAND IN NORTH CAROLINA.

Upon receiving his commission as a brigadier in September, 1861, the first work assigned to him was the command of the coast of North Carolina with the duty, as far as possible, of constructing fortifica- tions wherever necessary. Hopeless as was the task assigned Gen- eral Hill, he brought all of his energies to bear upon it, and during the few months that he remained in North Carolina did so much to strengthen our forts and improve the discipline and spirit of the troops that the public men of the State asked for his return in every time of peril, until it became the custom of the General Commanding to send him to his department south of the James when all was quiet on the Potomac, and recall him to the command of his division in the field when active operations were resumed.

ORDERED TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA FRIENDSHIP FOR GEN. STONE.

His first connection with the army of Northern Virginia was when, early in December, 1861, he was ordered to report to General John- ston at Manassas, and was assigned to command at Leesburg on the left of the line. While he was stationed there an incident occurred which evinced the strength and warmth of General Hill's affection for his early friends, even in the Federal army. General Stone was in charge of the force on the opposite side of the river, and after writing an official letter sent under flag of truce, General Hill ap- pended a postscript to the effect that, if the fortunes of war should place his old academy chum in his custody, he should feel more in- clined to take him into his own tent than to consign him to prison. This led to the interchange of several kind messages appended to similar communications. Unfortunately Stone was a pronounced Democrat, and, like McClellan, was unwilling to recant or repent. Seizing upon this excuse Stanton arrested him on a charge of dis- loyalty and gave him no opportunity to vindicate himself till the close