Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1863-08-25
TIE LIFE OF SroSswALL J.cEsoX.-Fror

TIE LIFE OF Sr0SgwALL JACKsoS.-From
o5F'a! pt?.rs. o:-ap2rary narratives cnd per
sonat acq.ain.aacs. By Fir.inian. Rich
mond: Ayres & Hdde.
We have already announced the appearance
OF this volume; but some farther notice Of il is
due both 10 the subjec: and to the accomplished
author The work does not profess to be fin.
ished biography Of the man, but only military
record of the achievements Of the General 1t
has been written by soldier in thu field; and
accordingly tetrays marks of haste in the COM
position, which is matter of regret to those who
know the former more finished performances OF
the writer: and who can conceive what a charm.
ing book it might have beens made under other
circumstances. Yet from the very fact of being
written by the camphres, amidst the stirring
scenes i. narra;es, and within the magnetic in.
auunce which surrounded the illustrious Chief
himself, tho volume derives its best value. At
the very least, it is good nemoire pour scru;n
and will be excellent available material to the
future regular historian Of this grand war. Many
of the descriptions, too Of Jackson's most famous
achievements, are, in themselves, stirring and
picturesque pieces of word painting especially
the accounts OF tho Valley Canpaign-of the
advance of Jacksoa's corps on Cold Harbop
where he hurled it upon the hosts of Mcclellan
and gave such stalwart aid TO General Lee in
driving back the most formidable of all the ai-
vsnces ION to Richmond - and above all that
surrome feat of arms a! Charlottesville, where
Hookers right flank, at tho very srst CLEAN of
Jscksons battle flag flashing out of the woods Of
the Wilderness, was burs: into utter rout and
annihiia,ion.
We extract th;, ono passage
Humanity speaking. Rockers position was
impregnabIe. except with frightful loss Of
lif, in s,orming it. and the design Of assaing
him in front wa, speedily abandoned.
AN attack upon one Of his TANKS promised
better results and General Jacksou's suggestion
tina, he should move well to the left and aSsai
the enemy's right AMI rear near the Wilderness
wa. speedily as>ented to by General Lee. By
this movement The elaborate series Of defences
thrown mp by the enemy would be rendered use
less their plan Of battle reversed. and they would
be compelled TO face to tho rear and fight, If they
fought at all, at a fatal disadvantage.
Those who are far, Ear with the b.nt of Jack
sons genius will easily comprehend the alacrity
with which he proceeded to carry out General
Lees orders. These sudden and mortal blows
struck at an enemy, rejoicing in the strength OF
his d,fences, and prepared TO huri destruction on
the assailxnt, while he himself IS protected, al
ways possessed an ine1pressible charm for the
prea. leader who had delivered 10 many such ;
and General Jackson now saw the field open for
a supreme exhibition of military genius, and q
decisive blow.
Heknaw the importance Of celebrity and secrecy
Of movement, and every preparation was made
for the march at nm early hour on the succeeding
morning. VS. have already quoted his words,
"Mystery! mys,eryis the secret of success -
and on this occasion no precautions were omitted,
calculated to mask the movement from the enemy
General Fiiz Lees brigade Of cavalry was dis.
nosed in snch rnanner as TO guard the front and
TANKS of the column MS it advanced. from the. Oh,
eervation Of the Federal commander, by driving
off scouting parties, and acting as pioneers; and
by this and other precautions General Jackson
ala not donbt his atility to reach the point where
he intended 10 attack. without having his Design
discovered by the enemy.
lie vas early in the saddle and the march
commemorative cavalry keeping we'll on the
tanks and to the front DIverging to the left
frum the Plank road. the commsnd. which now
consisted of Jackson's three divisions only, and
the cavalry. moved 20 and passed the point
known rs "Tne Furnace and thence proceeded
toward the Plank road from Charlottesville to
Orange Court House, crossing it near its junc.
ton with the road leading up to Gnrmanna Ford.
1t was along this latter road that the right wing
of the suepy's iine>of. battle was posted-and to
reach their right and rear it was necessary TO
move still further TO the left. The march was
accordingly continued, the cavalry moving as
wellupo the flank IS the dense underground
which had given the region the name Of the
Wilderness. permitted; and the head Of the col
umn, completely screened from the enemy. thus
reached the Germanna Ford road about halfa
mile east of the old Wilderness Post Office
At this point Gen, Fitz. Lee informed Cen.
Jackson that by ascending ncighboring hill,
he could obtain view OF the position of the enc.
ny, who would take him for a simple cavalry
vi,l,tte. aud pay 10 attention TO him. He &C.
cordingly proceeded to the point indicRted, ac-
companied by one or two Of ilis staff. and saw ut
glance the position ofthe Federal line. Of bat.
tie Ho turned instantly to one OF. his aids ; said
briefly, "Tcil my column to cross that road" and
Fastening back, placed himself at the head of his
command, and advanced without delay TO the
Old Turnpike running to Charlottesville.
The movement had been complete success.
Jackson hHd reached s.posi,ion where he had the
enemy in flank and reverse, and orders were in.
stan;iy given to prepare the troops for sction
The order WAS promptly obeyed. and the lines
formed. Gen. Rhodes division was formed in
front; next came Gen. A. P. Hills three hundred
wards in rear !; and Colston's was drawn up the
ssms Distance bshind Hill. This Disposition of