Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 29.djvu/185

 Chancellorsvitle. 169

ed troops a few hours' rest, Jackson concluded to renew his attack that night. It was while returning from this last reconnoissance that he and the members of his staff were mistaken by his own men for a group of Federal cavalry, and fired upon. As a result of this dis- astrous mistake, Jackson received the wound from which he died a few days later. Just before his death, and while delirous he uttered those notable and ever memorable words: "Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees."

About 10 o'clock that night the writer sat down with his back against a tree in the midst of his regiment, which was still in line of battle, and while endeavoring to snatch a few moments' sleep, he was suddenly aroused by the firing of musketry and artillery, which seemed to proceed from a point just beyond the enemy's lines. This firing proved to be by a detachment of our own troops that had silently reached Hooker's rear. It was these unfortunate shots that killed Stonewall Jackson, the right hand of Lee, one of the greatest generals of the army of Virginia, and the idol of the Confederacy.

The writer would here beg the indulgence of those who may ever take the time and trouble to peruse this hastily written and rather disconnected narrative of the battle of Chancellorsville and some of the heroic incidents directly connected therewith, to say that he had the honor on several occasions to post his regiment immediately around the great Stonewall Jackson at night, and guard him while he sought a few hours' repose. This sleep was usually taken just before day, and at a different place, though always within easy reach should his plans require speedy execution. He was invariably out of his ambulance, in which he usually slept, and in the saddle by daybreak. He was constantly moving. So it was exceedingly dif- ficult for the enemy and even his own troops to locate him.

This policy was regarded as necessary, for the Federals, as was well known by us all, were always anxious to know Jackson's where- abouts, in order to evade, if possible, the sudden and generally irre- sistible onslaught he so often planned and rapidly executed, to their great discomforture.

UNDER STUART'S COMMAND.

Jackson being disabled, as before stated, his corps was placed under command of that indomitable, dashing cavalry general, J. E. B. Stuart, who, under the eye of Lee, forced Hooker back across the Rappahannock river, while A. P. Hill's corps and McLaw's division forced General Sedgewick, with his many army corps,