Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1880-02-19

things, he commenced his prayer by
praying. Ii was the petition OF one con-
scious OF his own weakness and pledg-
ing for strength. There was the
true contrition of heart, accompan-
led by a faith which took a sure bold on
the promises. And his voice seemed to
tremble as he prayed for a special bless
ing on his little charge-the negro chill
dren Of the town whom he had gathered
together in a Sunday school. 1t was in
the days of slavery, and their neglected
condition excited his sympathy, and a
sense of duty impelled him to make an
effort to redeem them from the slavery
OF sin. Some of the Bourbon Aristoc-
racy criticised his action, and even went
so far as to threaten prosecution. But a
healthy Christian sentiment IN the COM
munity sustained him, and he went for
ward in the path Of duty. 1t can be very
well understood then why he betrayed
emotion when presenting his little army
OF dusky soldiers to the review OF the
Great Commander. II was the faithful
soldier making a full report to Head
quarters. 1t was the obedient soldier
asking for instructions. THAT was
~Stonewall's way"
FAREWELL To LEXINGTON.
The next spring, the fires OF war
threw their ..lurid glare over the en-
tire land. Then it was Jackson took a
final farewell OF Lexington, never to re-
turn until he was brought back to be
buried, according to his dying request,
''in the Valley OF Virginia"
The cadets were ordered to the field.
Major Jackson was selected to com-
mand them. After the passage OF the
Ordinance Of Secession on the 18th OF
April, 1861, the war spirit was at fever
heat in Virginia. The steady.going old
town of Lexington had suddenly been
metamOrphOSed into a busting military
camp. Volunteer companies were be-
ing organized and every preparation be-
ing made for a horrible war. But no
event OF that memorable period has lett
almOre vivid impression upon my mind
than the departure OF the cadet battal-
ion from the military institute.
1t was a bright Sabbath morning early
in Nav, and a vast cOncourse OF people
had gathered on Institute Hill TO see the
youthful soldiers start for the war. The
baggage and camp equipage had bean
put into the wagons, the horses hitched
in, the drivers mounted with whip in
hand waiting for the command to pull
out. The cadets were in line, their
cheeks aglow and their eyes sparkling
with the expectation of military glory
awaiting them. Poor boys! Little did
they know as they stood there, i'll their
bright uniforms and with their bright
guns shining in the morning sunlight,
how few of them would be left to an
swer at the last roll call OF the army OF
Northern Virginia. As they stood thus,
Major Jackson, mounted on an ordinary
looking horse, rode up. His face was IS
calm and unmOved as ever, the thin
lips tightly compressed, and looking Just
as he looked at kernstOwn and Manas-
sas. Riding up to the side OF an elderly
looking gentleman IN Clearical cloth
standing in front Of the main entrance
to the Institute, Major Jackson wheeled
his horse and facing his battalion, as he
raised his cap, SAID, Let us pray" The
venerable DIR. White, pastor OF the Pres
byterian Church, then stepped forward
and barring his gray locks to the sun,
poured forth a feeling prayer. 1t was a
memorable scene. Just as the clergy
man pronounced the amen" Jackson
wheeled his horse, and, in a short, crisp
manner gave the COmmand-"forward,
march," Waving a silent adieu to the
assembled crowd, he rode OFF 1.-THE head
of the column. That was the last time
his gaze ever TELL upon the town OF Lex-
ingtOn.
A WESTERN yIRGIStAN.
His subsequent history is known to
all. No hero in the annals OF war yer
won more enduring fame than Stone
wall Jackson. His fame Is the common
heritage of Americans. The Federal
soldier takes as much pride in recount.
ing his yalorous deeds as does the Con-
iederate foot cavalryman who followed
him on the long and wearisome march.
We can point with just pride to the fact
that he was a native Western Virginian.
For Oft when white haired grandsires tell
OF bloody struggles past and gone,
The children at their knees shall hear
H. T..l-., LII III colin % q IN