Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-02-02
EXA.GAzETTE & VIRGINIA ADVERTISER
StonewaII JacksOn's Only Speech.
BY A MEMBER OF HIS STAFF.

Editors of the Bulinsorean:: lo September,
lSUl, the organization OF the Confederate army
il Virginia was changed. General Joseph Is,
Johnston assumed command Of the depart
asut, with his headquarters in the Army of
Northern Virginia" which was under the i'm
mediate command of General Beauregard. At
the same time, Brigadier Generals Longstreet
and Jackson we're promoted to the rank OF
; Major Generals Loogstreet, the senior 10
rank, remained with the Army of Northern
Virginia, Jackson was soon detached from it
and sen; to Winchester, to take command OF
The few troops composing the Amy OF the
Valley District.
1t having been represented to General Jack.
sou that the men were very anxious to see HIM
before he lett, be reconsdered bis lnteutloo,
and consented TO see and say farewell t. them.
The brigade was drawn up in the rear OF the
camp of the Second Virginia Regiment, aud
forued u column Of rs egimelts closed en- masse.
The General, accompanied by several of his
staff, rode up to the troops upon his little
sorrcl." After gaucing for moment over
the silent and attentive mass, be took Oft his
cap, and in his quick, sharp and earnest voice,
addressed them as follows:
"Oficers and men of the First Brigade: |
am here simply 10 say farewell. l hrSt met
YOU at Harper Ferry, IN the beginning OF the
var, and | cannot leave you without giving ex-
preston to my admiration OF your conduct
rCm that day to this, whether Oh the march,
il the blvouac, the tented field, or the bloody
paius Of Manassas, where you gained the we'll
deserved reruta ion OF having decided The fate
Of the battle Throughout the broad extent
of couLtry over which you have marched, by
your respect for the rlgats and property OF cltl-
zens, you have shown that you were soldiers
not only 10 defend, but able and willing both
to defend and protect You have already earn
ed Il brilliant reputation, throughout the army
aud the whole CoDtederacy, aud l trust that
10 the future, by your own deeds IN the
field and the assistance OF the same kind
Providence who has heretofore favored
our cause, you will gain more victories
and add additional ustre to the reputation
you now enjoy. shall look with great anXi-
ETY. to you future movements, and | hope,
whenever | shall hear of the First Brigade on
the field OF battle, it will be of still nobler deeds
achieved, and of higher reputation woD.'
Here pausing and rising IN his stlrrups, he
dropped the reins upon the peck Of his horse,
aud stretching out his gau1t and gauoleted
right hand he continued 10 a voice that sent
thrill through every soldier there:
In the army of the Shenandoah you were
the First Brigade; in the army OF the
Potomac you were the First Brigade; 10
the second corps OF this army you are
the First Briga'e. You are the Firsi Brl-
gade 10 the affections Of your Gcuera'
ANA hope, by your future deeds and bearlng,
you will be handed down to posterlty as the
First Brigade 10 this, our second war tor ipde-
pcndeucc. Farewell |"
Standing erect in his siirrups, his gloved
hand raised above him, his swimming eyes
passed slowly over the uncovered heads OF his
soldiers, where many swimming eyes met his,
aud then he settled gently into his saddle. As
ne gathered up the reins 10 his left hand and
turned his horses head, the whole brigade
broke forth in one of those wild, triumphant
shouts, by which it afterwards became so well
knwu to the enemy. and which the General
proHcunccd 'the sweetest music he had ever
heard As if unable to bear it calmly, he
se'z'd his old cap from his head and striking
his spurs Into his horse, galloped away; and
while the shouts followed him and still rung IN
his ears, he disappeared over the hills aud de-
parted iOr his new field of labor aud of glory.
Inns Is is the only reported speech Of Stone
wal. jackson. The rest of his life was occupied
IN maklug history; in doing great deeds for
others to write about and speak about, for
He was Virginia greatest SOD,
He that Won iu all his fights,
Nor ever lost Southern gun, Il K d.
HAGERsroWN, Jan. 25, 1876.