Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/360

346 at Manassas, Seven Pines and Bentonville, and his strategy was never questioned. When young he learned all the lessons drawn from the world's campaigns, and the knowledge of the great men who managed them. He absorbed their wisdom and applied it in action.

The news of his death was received throughout the country with sorrow and regret, and in the South, where he was regarded as the embodiment of Southern sentiment, tears of old and young fell without restraint in homes whose inmates idolize his name. Great in war, he remained great when war reigned no more. Fierce and strong as a soldier, he was gentle and winning as a civilian. Foremost when called to battle, he remained prominent in the avocations of citizenship after he had faithfully performed the duties to which the war assigned him. A Virginian by birth and education and a gentleman by the grace of God! Green be the turf that rests over the grave of this immortal son of a glorious mother.

Graduating from West Point in the class of 1829, we see him first in Florida, where he was severely wounded just as he had saved a small force from being destroyed by Indians, through the incompetency of the officer in command.

In the Mexican War he made a daring reconnoissance and gave to another, high in command, his plan of the Battle of Cerro Gordo, where he was again wounded. In the capture of Chapultepec he lead the assaulting force, and at the gates was shot down, leaving the glory to his successor.

In the War between the States how grand, how commanding. On the secession of Virginia, his native State, he resigned his commission as Brigadier-General and Quartermaster-General of the United States Army, went to Richmond and was immediately made Major-General of Virginia troops. Placed in command at Harper's Ferry, he began by eluding Patterson, and appeared with his army on the field of Manassas in time to secure that great victory.

In command of all the troops in Virginia, and realizing the strategic importance of the Valley, and the value of Stonewall Jackson, it was Johnston's order to this mighty warrior to guard that gate, which led to the ever memorial Valley campaigns.