Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 43.djvu/56

 42 was ready to mount and waiting for me. I was soon in the saddle by his side, without my breakfast, and a worse ride than that one, in the face of the storm for twelve or fourteen miles, I never had. General Lee was surprised and quite indignant that General Jackson had come. Walking out into the snow, without his hat, he reproached Jackson, saying, "You know I did not wish you to come in such a storm; it was a matter of little importance; I am so sorry that you have had this ride." Jackson blushed and smiled, and said: "I received your note, General Lee!"

Lee showed great solicitude about the young aide, directing that he should be taken to a good fire and have his clothes well dried; and he himself came out later to see that I was cared for. When Jackson withdrew, Lee insisted that I should stay to lunch with him, saying that he knew I was hungry—boys always were hungry; and when I told him that I must accompany General Jackson, he said: "Not at all; your good general doesn't need you now!" However, as Jackson would not stay, I accompanied him on his return ride, thus missing my dinner as well as my breakfast.

Sometime in the winter there were indications of an attempt by the enemy to cross the river opposite "Hayfield," the residence of the venerable William P. Taylor. At night our pickets heard the sound of axes, as if the Federals were preparing a corduroy road to the river side. By appointment, Jackson met Lee, Stuart, and Pendleton on the river road. Stuart came up to the party at a sweeping gallop, singing, "If you want to have a good time, join the cavalry." At "Hayfield" General Lee proposed that the party should call on his kinsman, Mr. Taylor. Dismounting, the officers were greeted at the door by Mrs. Taylor, and General Lee, with his most distinguished manner, led the party into the drawing-room, where Mr. Taylor, an infirm gentleman, received the company in his chair. Lee was in a most facetious mood. He told his cousin, Mrs. Taylor, that he had brought these distinguished generals to see her and that she must give her attention to them while he talked to the girls. Two young girls were there, greatly delighted to see General Lee, and, seated on ottomans, they fondly leaned on the arms of his chair. Lee told them he had "brought