The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1880-01-23
CHANCELLORSvILLE.
Last Interview With stonewau Jackson.


"With one staff officer, rode across
and beyond the plank road, in the
direction of the turnpike, pursued a
expecting to find evidence of the pres
hill in the distance, I determined if
possible to get on its top, as it promised
a view of the adjacent country. Cau-
tiously ascended its side, reaching
the open spot upon its summit without
molestation. What sight presented
itself before me! Below and but few
hundred yards distant ran the Federal
line of battle. I was in rear of How
ards right. There was the line of
defence, with abattis in front and two
lines Of stacked arms in rear. Two
cannons were visible in the part
of the line seen. The soldiers were
in groups in the rear, laughing, chatt-
ing, smoking, and probably engaged
here and there in games of cards and
other amusements indulged in while
feeling safe and comfortable, awaiting
orders. In rear of them other parties
driving up and butchering beeves. So
impressed was I with my discovery
that rode rapidly back to the point
on the plank road where had left my
jackson was moving, until I met
Stonewall himself. tGeneral,' said I,
sif you will ride with me, hating your
column here, out of sight, will show
you the enemy's right, and you will
perceive the great advantage of attack
down the old turnpike instead of plank
road, the enemy's lines being taken in
reverse. Bring only one courier, as
you will be in view from the top Of
the hill jackson assented, and /
rapidly conducted him to the point of
observation. There had been no change
in the picture.
81 only knew Jackson slightly. 1
watched him closely as he gazed upon
Howard's troops. 1t was then about
p. m. His eyes burned with brilliant
glow, lighting up sad face. His ex-
preston was one of intense interest,
his face was colored slightly with the
paint of approaching battle, and radi-
ant at the success of his flank move
ment. sWas he really happy at the
prospect of the delightful excitement
Dick Taylor says he used to express
his pleasure at being under fire! To
the remarks made to him while the
unconscious line of blue was pointed
out, he did not reply once during the
yet his lips were moving. From what
have read and heard of Jackson since
that day, I know now what he was
doing then. ooh beware of rashness,'
Gen. Hooker. Stonewall Jackson is
praying in full view and in rear of
your right flank!
"While talking to the Great God of
Battles, how could he hear what poor
cavalryman was saying? Tell General
Rhodes said he, suddenly whirling
his horse towards the courier, sto move
across the old plank road halt when
he gets to the old turnpike, and will
join him there One more look upon
the Federal lines and then he rode
rapidly down the hill, his arms fiapp-
ing to the motion of his horse, over
whose head it seemed, good rider as
he was, he would certainly go. ex-
pected to be told had made valu.
able personal reconnaissance, saving
the lives of many soldiers, and that
Jackson was indebted to me to that
amount at least. Perhaps might have
been little cliagrined at Jackson's
silence, and hence commented inwardly
adversely upon his horsemanship.
Alas! had looked upon him for the
last time.''