Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 35.djvu/104

90 in the Confederate Army, it would have been more efficient.

But Jackson was always ready to obey himself orders from his superiors. General Lee once said of him: "I have only to intimate to him what I wish done, and he promptly obeys my wishes."

My friend. Dr. James Power Smith, who served so heroically on Jackson's staff and has twice appeared before this society, gives a striking incident illustrating this: General Lee sent Jackson, by Captain Smith, a message to the effect that he would be glad if he would call at his headquarters the first time he rode in that direction, but that it was a matter of no pressing importance, and he must not trouble himself about it.

When Jackson received this message he said: "I will go early in the morning, Captain Smith, and I wish you to go with me."

The next morning when Captain Smith looked out he saw that a fearful snowstorm was raging, and took it for granted that Jackson would not undertake to ride fourteen miles to General Lee's quarters through that blizzard.

Very soon, however, Captain Smith's servant came to say, "The general done got his breakfast, and is almost ready to start."

Hurrying his preparations, the young aid galloped after his chief through the raging storm. On reaching Lee's quarters, the general greeted him with, "Why, what is the matter, general; have those people crossed the river again?"

"No, sir; but you sent me word that you wished to see me."

"But I hope that Captain Smith told you that I said it was not a matter of pressing importance, and that you must not trouble yourself about it. I had no idea of your coming such weather as this."

Bowing his head, Jackson gave the emphatic reply:

"General Lee's slightest wish is a supreme order to me, and I always try to obey it promptly."

He certainly acted upon this principle.

Fourth. Attention to minute details was very characteristic of Jackson. He had an interview with his quartermaster, commissary, chief of ordnance and surgeon-general every day, and