Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-07-14

ene men pegan 10 cneer, as they always did wb
they caught sight OF him, he would spur his hol
INTO rapid gallop, as if anxious to escape
ciamarous homage so joyously accorded to Lii
One Sunday morning when our army was G
camped near Richmond he rode to town, ,unatten
ed, dressed In well-worn and faded suit of Co
federate grey, and coming into my church We
quietly, took seat near the door without bel
recognized except by those who sat nearest hin
but when the congregation was dismissed, findi
| himself the object of general observation, he W
evidently disturbed by the attention he attraete
and hastily withdrew, to pay visit of sympatl
to an afflicted mother, who had recently sustai
ed sore bereavement, and then rode back
! his camp. That afternoon there was Divine Sc
vice in his camp, at which he was present,
| course. When the service ended, he invited I'll
minister who had oficiated to 60 with him
his quarters and giving his horse to an orderly
| lead, he got into the buggy of the clergyma
that they might converse more conveniently O
their way to his tent. At the foot of very lon
hill the horse refused to pull, when the Generi
Immediately got out, and taking the refractor
animal by the bride, insisted On leading hin
in view Of hundreds Of his men, to the very to
of the hill, notwithstanding the remonstrances 9
the minister, who was not willing to ride Will
the General walked, and who greatly preferre
to change places with him. But such was hi
simple, unaffected courtesy and respect for tn
office of the nan about to be his guest, that al
remonstrance was unavailng. In riding throug
the woods where his division was encamped.
he saw two or three of his soldiers cooking thei
plain rations, if he Glanced to be hungry or ia
tlgued, he would stop and ask permission t,
share in their homely meal, or he would lie dow
on the leaves and catch few minutes sleep
watched by the men who felt honored by hi
presence.
If such incidents seem too trivial for place
in the portraiture of such man, you will sup
press them. They are mentioned only because
such Incidents often give to others a more dis
tinct impression of character than any didactic
reflections; and it may be that you will regard
them as Illustrative of that sweet simplicity OF
spirit, that freedom from ostentation, and con-
descension to men of low estate, which formed
one of the most winning characteristics of the
lamented chief,
Though strict and rigid disciplinarian he
never exacted of those nm der his authority more
than he was ready to yield to his superiors in
command. If he required implicit obedience to
his orders, he set the example of prompt and
compliance with those ne received
himself.
The length and rapidity of his marches were
unsurpassed in military annals but whatever
were the fatigues, the privations, or the dangers
TO which his men were exposed, he shared equally
with them in all. When exposed, as he often
calm and imperturbable demeanor aWoke the ad
niration, while it excited the apprehension of
those who were more solicitous than himself for
lis personal safety. On one occasion in the
midst of an engagement, while writing an order,
shell struck and shattered the tree beneath
which he sat, without arresting the movement of
lis pencil, or seeming to attract his attention.
Yet no man was ever more free from that rash
ness that recklessly encounters peril. His was
he lofty and serene courage which, while it ap-
oreciates danger, meets it fearlessly, because
personal considerations are not to to be weighed
when the the path of danger is the path of duty.
The possession of qualities like these would
have made General Jackson deserved dear to
lis army, and secured for him the adm alton of
lis countrymen, even could nothing more be ad-
led to the enumeration. But these traits so ad-
nirable in themselves, were all heightened and
lallowed by the pure and elevated pety which
1ervades every ntterance and act. GA Christian
s the highest style of man. Piety towards
sod is the surest incentive to the full discharge
If ali duties toward mantle most unfailing in
,piration of honor, the strongest safeguard of
personal integrity, the truest source of the sub
imest courage. For many years Jaskson had
been an active and efficient member of the Pres
oyterian church, under the pastoral care of that
beloved and hOnGred minister, the Rev. Dr.
White, of Lexington, Virginia. As an office
bearer in that church, as teacher in the Sab
bath school, and in every department of Chris
ian labor, he sought to make himself useful to
he community in which he lived. He was espe-
,ially interested in the religious instruction of
.he negroes, and when at home, spent portion
Of every Sabbath in teaching class of colored
children. His solicitude for the spiritual well
are of this portion of our population was intense
md it was a frequent subject of conversation
With him after he Joined the army. All his
great cares and responsibilities as commander
lid not divert his attention from this interesting
ield Of Christian philanthropy.
But in the army he had another field of Chris
ian activity. In every possible way he labored
10 elevate the moral and spiritual character of
he soldiers. He gave to chaplains, to colpor-
eurs, and to the clergymen who occasionally
visited his camp, all the encouragement and CO.
operation in his power. When the Holy Sacra-
nent was administered, he assisted in the dis
ributiOn of the elements. And when revivals of
he rejoiced with joy which even vic
,ory did not inspire
In the last conversation / ever had with him
le said he intended to make every effort to in
crease the number and efficiency of chapIains in
,he army.
None, save those who are familiar with camp
life, and who know how much soldiers are affect
I'd by the example of their officers, can estimate
,he Influences for good exerted by General
whose pietywas as conspicuous as his patriotism,
md who was as well known in the army in his
of Christian as in that of command
er.
There was nothing morose or ascetic in his pi-
sty. He was genial, warm hearted, cheerful
He told a minister VINO occasionally
Visited his camp, that he had never enjoyed the
hopes and comforts of the gospel so much as he
lad done during the war. The secret of his hap
11ness is easily explained. He lived in close
with God, by prayer and the diligent
study of His Word. No pressure of military
iuties caused him to neglect these necessary Of
ices of religion.
Prayer was mingled with all his plans and acts.
a distinguished officer, who ascrlbes his own re-
igious impressions to his association with Gen.
Jackson, told me that on one occasion he went
With comrade to the Generals tent to consult
lim about the plan of a battle, soon to be fought
After some interchange of views, the officer
said: ssGeneral, what is your decision 2''-1
sCall tomorrow morning" was the reply, s'and
will inform you." On leaving the tent, his
said to the officer, ssDo you know why
he General said he would give Us his decision
tomorrow go "No; suppose he wants to
hink it over,'' was the answer ssNot exactly
hat, reioined the other, sshe wants to pray it
over.'' In about half an hour the officer had oc-
sasion to return to the tent on some other err
rand, and on thoughtlessly entering, without be-
ng announced, was struck with awe at seeing
he General on his knees, engaged in prayer
lie then remembered what his companion had
remarked, somewhat loosely, about praying
over the plan of the battle, and he believed that
what had been lightly coDjectured was a serious
ruth for there was the man who knew how to
stand up like stonewall against the enemies Of
his country, bowed humbly before God, begging
ais guidance and powerful aid.
.x-ls, %varr t.l1I