Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 43.djvu/54

 40 The preparation of reports of the battles of the last campaign occupied his attention, and were written at his dictation, sometimes by an aide and sometimes by Colonel Charles J. Faulkner, A. A. G. Late in the afternoon the work was laid aside, and the general went out for a ride, or more commonly for a walk through the forest, and usually alone. In the evening great stacks of papers, prepared by his own direction, were brought for his signature, and he signed his name until sometimes he would fall asleep over his table; he often wrote T. J. Jakson in his haste and weariness. All his capacity for organization was exercised and developed. Of the multitude of affairs in that large corps there was nothing of which he did not know and which did not receive his earnest attention. Under that energetic administration there was work everywhere, organization, appointment of officers, discipline, inspection, drill. The command soon responded to his efforts by improvement in its condition. The return of absent officers and men was a matter of great concern. Every possible exertion was made to fill the ranks: from the homes and hospitals men were recalled; arms, ammunition, ordnance stores, rations, clothing, shoes, blankets, wagons, horses, harness, medical stores, were replenished. Every bureau of the War Department was kept awake by Jackson's demands. If stores demanded were not forthcoming, he would know the reason why.

This work found its frequent interruption in the visits of important people. General Lee and his staff sometimes called for a short interview. The four division commanders often dismounted at his door. Brigadiers and colonels sometimes came with special applications. Members of Congress from Richmond arrived to spend the day. No more welcome guest ever came than General J. E. B. Stuart. Stuart's first visit to the office was memorable. With clanking saber and spurs and waving black plume he came, and was warmly greeted at the door. Papers and work were all hastily laid aside. No sooner had Stuart entered than his attention turned to the pictures on the walls. He read aloud what was said about each noted race horse and each splendid bull. At the hearth he paused to scan with affected astonishment the horrid picture of a certain terrier that