Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/30

 22 Southern Historical Society Papers.

righteous altogether. Let it be unto Thy servants according to the sincerity of their purpose, the courage of their endeavor, the multi- tude of Thy compassions, and the bounty of Thy grace." Second.

THE CHARACTERS OF LEE AND JACKSON

have contributed more, perhaps, than any and all other influences to a just appreciation of the Southern cause and the Southern soldier by the world at large. We refer not so much to their fame as gen- erals as to their character as men.

The South has learned to appreciate in some adequate measure the inspiring and regenerating influence of two such exemplars upon her rising generation; but has she taken note of the measureless debt of gratitude she owes these peerless sons, for the impression their ineffa- ble purity and piety and consecration have made upon the outside world, and the world's estimate of the cause these heroes represented and the soldiery they led ? Who could recklessly condemn the cause to which Robert Lee gave his sword and Stonewall Jackson his life ? Who can fail to honor soldiers who fought or fell where Lee and Jackson led ?

It is impressive to note how these two men and these two names stand related to eacrrothej- and to the Confederate cause. Each pre- eminent, yet without rivalry ; the entire nature of each a contrast to, and yet the complement of, the other. If a single name be selected to represent us and our soldiery, it is " Lee," because of the match- less perfection of his character and his supreme command. If two be mentioned, they are " Lee ami Jackson." If a triumvirate, these are two of the three, whoever be the third. If a list be named, they head the list. Who that ever saw the two together but felt his being stirred as never by any other sight.

It was at Savage Station, Monday morning, June 30, 1862. I had retired a little from the line, and was half reclining at the foot of a huge pine that stood on the edge of the Williamsburg road. Hear, ing the jingle of cavalry accoutrements toward the Chickahominy, I looked up and saw a large mounted escort, and, riding considerably in advance and already close upon me, a solitary horseman, whom I instantly recognized as the great wizard of the marvellous " Valley Campaign," which had so thrilled the army and the country.

Jackson and the little sorrel stopped in the middle of the road, probably not fifty feet off, while his staff halted perhaps a hundred