Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-09-23


Gefmanna roads heavy federal picket
was forced TO retire. General Fiiz Lee
then informed Jackson that from hill
near at hand he could obtain a view Of the
federal works and proceeding thither Jack
son reconnoltered. This reconnaissance
show ed him that he was not far enough
10 the lrll, and he said briefly to an aid,
"Fcll my column TO cross that road
pointing TO the plank-rosd. His object
was to reach the "old turnpike which
ran straight down into The federal right
flank. Il was reached al about five o.
clock il. the evening, and without mo-
merits delay Jackson formed his line OF
.baule for an attack. Rhodes division
moved in front, supported at an interval
Of TWO hundred yards by CoIs,on's, and
behind these A. P. HIPS division march
ed in column like the artillery ,on account
Of The almost impeueirahle character Of
the thicke,s on each side of the road.
Jackson's assault was sudden and ter
rible. 1t struck the Eleventh corps. com
manded on thus occasion by Gen. How
ard, and, completely surprised, they re-
treated in confusion upon the heavy works
around ChancellOrsyiI Rhodes and
Colston followed lhem, took possession
Of The breastworks across the roads, and
Iltlle after eight the confederate troops
were within less than mile Of Chancel-
lorsville. preparing for new and more
determined attack. Jackson's plan was
worthy of being the last military project
conceived by that resolute and enIerPrs-
ing intellect. He designed putting his en-
tire force into action, extending his left,
and placing that wing between General
Hooker and the Rdppahannock. Then,
unless The federal commander could cu'
his way through, his army would be cap
lured or DESTROYED. Jackson commenced
the execution of this plan with vigor. and
an obvious determination 10 strain every
nerve. and incur every hazard 10 accom-.
plish so decisive a success. Rhodes and
Colston were directed to retire a short
distance, and reform their lines, now
greatly mingled, and Hill was ordered TO
move to the front and take their places.
On fire with his great designs, Jackson
then rode forward in from, Of the troops
coward Charlottesville; and here and
then the bulle, struck him, which was TO
terminate his career.
The details which follow are given on
the authority of Jackson's staff officer and
one or two others who witnessed all that
occurred. In relation to the most tragic
portion of the scene, there remained as
will bo seen, bul single witness.
Jackson had ridden forward on the
turnpike to reconnoilre, and ascertain II
possible, in spite of the darkness Of the
ngh,, the position of the federal lines.
The moon shone, bu, it was struggling
with bank of clouds, and afforded but
dim light. From the gloomy thickels
on each side of the turnpike looking more
weird and sombre in The half light, came
the melancholy notes Of the whlppoor.
will. II think there must have been ten
Thousand" said General Stuart afterwards.
Such was the scene amid which events
now about TO be narrated took place.
Jackson had advanced with some mem.
bers of his staff, considerably beyond the
building known as "Melzi Cbancellor's'
about mile from Charlottesville. and
had reached point nearly opposite an old
dismaniled house in the woods near the
road, whose shell-,orn roof may still be
seen, shen he reigned IN his horse, and
remaining perfectly quiet and moionless,
listened inienlly for any indications of a
movement in the federal lines. They
were scarcely two hundred yards in from,
of him, land seeing the danger 10 which he
exposed himself. one Of his staff officers
said, General, don't you think This is the
wrong place for you = He replied quick
ly, almost impstienlly, "The danger is all
over tie enemy is rouied-go back and
tell A. P. Hill TO press righ, on !" The
officer obeyed, but had scarcely disappear
ed, when sudden volley was fred from
the confederate infantry in Jacks son' rear,
and on the right Of the road-evidenlly
directed upon him and his escort. The
origin OF this FIRE has never been diseov.
cred. after Jackson's death there was lit
lie disposition 10 investigate an oecurrance
which occasioned bitter distress to all
who by any possibility could have taken
par, in it. 1t is probable. however. that
some movement of the federal sklrmishers
had provoked The FIRE; if this is an error,
The troops fred deliberately upon jack
son and his party, under The impression
tha, tina, they were body of federal cav
airy accommodating. 1t is said that The
men had orde to open upon any object
in front. especially upon eavalry;' and