Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1866-02-17
His Parting with the old stOnewau


After the first battle Of Manassas, when
/ Cieah Jackson was ordered TO the Valley.
bis old brigade was left behind with the
army Of Northern Virginia. On the
fourth Of October he took leave Of it, The
historian says:
On that day Jackson took leave Of his
old "First Brigade" The officers ana
men were drawn up ss though In line Of
battle, and their commander appeared
in 'front.' as be had SO often appeared
before them when about to give
the order for a charge upon the en-
emy. But now no enthusiasm, no cheers
awaited him. All knew for what pur-
I pose he came, and the sorrow which
illed every heart betrayed itself in the
/ deep silence which greeted his approach
Not q sound along the line, not a hand
raised in greeting, not a murmur even
going % show that they recognized their
beloved Captain. The brOuzed faces
were full Of the deepest detection, and the
stern fighters Of the brigade were ike
children about 70 be separated from their
father. Jackson approached, ana mas
Jering bis emotions by an effort, said, IN
the snort, abrupt tones with which all
were so familiar
/ ana not here 10 make a speech, but
simply % say farewell I first met you
al Hsrper's Ferry az the commencement
Of the war, sud 1 cannot take leave Of
you without expression Of ny admiration
Of ycur conduct from that day % this
whether on the march, the 1ivouac, the
tented field, or on the bloody plains Of
Manassas, where you gained the well de-
serN ed reputation Of having decided the
fsJe af the oatCle. Throughout the broad
extent Of country over which you
marched, 10y your respect for the rights
and the property OF citizens, you have
shown that yo9 were soldiers, not only
70 defend, but able and willing both 10
defend aud protect. You have already
gained q brillisnt and deservedly high
reputation throughout the army, and
trust, iu the future, by your deeds IN the
field, and by the assistance CT kind Prov
idence, you viii gain more victories and
add additional luster TO the reputation
you now enjoy / shall lock with great
anxiety 20 your future movements, and I
trust whenever I shall hear Of the First
/ Brigade on the field Of battle, it viii be
I OF uohler deeds achieved and higher
J reputation won
Having uttered these wefds, Jackson
I paused iOr an instant. and bis eve passed
I slowly along the line as though he
/ wished 20 Did farewell individually TO
Z every old familiar face so often seen in
/ I'M the heat Of battle and 40 dear 10 him.
] The thoughts which crowded upon him
! seemed more than he could bear-be
could not leave them with such formal
I words oulY--aud the iron lips which hsd
never treIn bled in the hour Of desdiesf
neril. now quivered. Mastered bv An
] Uncomfortable Impulse, the great soldier
rose in his stirrups, threw the reins on
: re neck Of his horse with an emphasis
vybiqb sent 3 thrill through every heart.
and extending his arnli added 10 tones Of
the deepest feeling
ON ne army Of the Shenandoah you
were the First Brigade In the army Of
the Potomac YOU were the First Brigade.
In the second Corps Of the army you are
The First Brigade You are the First
Brigade in the affections Of your Gene
RAJ, and hope By your future deeds and
bearings YOU viii be handed down %
posterity Is the First Brigade. Fare
well lp
As these words echoed in their ears,
and Jackson turned 70 leave them tbs