Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/215

 A Hide for Stonewoll. 207

The army returned to its former camp, south of Mount Jackson, and near Rude's Hill. I was a young and still younger looking second lieutenant in the Second Virginia Regiment, Stonewall Brigade. One raw, cold day near the middle of April, I was ordered to report at once at headquarters for special duty.

At army headquarters I was introduced to General Jackson, who received me with his characteristic politeness, and few words. After dinner he withdrew to his room, and I saw no more of him that day.

For several days I was engaged with Colonel Baylor, arranging the conscripted militia and assigning them to old regiments.

On April I7th, General Banks advanced, and General Jackson broke camp, and moved further up the Valley. I was left behind with the cavalry.

A MESSAGE FOR GENERAL EWELL.

The next day we reached Harrisonburg, and about the time of setting sun, General Jackson called for me. The heavens were cov- ered with black clouds, and the rain was descending in torrents. The General handed me a paper from under his rubber cape, and requested me to take it to General Ewell. Surprised to hear that Ewell was in the vicinity, I innocently asked where I would find him ? He quietly replied that he was on the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, somewhere near Culpeper Courthouse, and while my heart stood still with amazement, he told me the contents of the paper, and added that as it was very important, he did not care to send it by a courier, and wanted it delivered by daylight in the morning.

For a moment I was stampeded, paralyzed. I had never been over a foot of the intervening country, had only a vague idea that Cul- peper was somewhere beyond the mountains, but how to et there I could not imagine. And then night was upon us, it was raining like the deluge, and I had already ridden to and fro that day about twenty- five miles. But a young man soon rallies, and I quickly pulled myself together. I was being weighed in the balance, right there, and I determined to throw all my weight in the scales.

" General, I will start at once if I can get a horse."

" Take my mare," said generous Kidder Meade, of the staff, " and strike for Stanardsville first."

RIDE OVER THE MOUNTAINS.

As I rode away on Meade's beautiful dun mare the voice of the