Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-10-13
The Death of Stonewall jackson.

Captain James Power Smith describes
Stonewall' Jackson's last battle in the Octo-
Der Century. Frem his article we quote the
following: T
when Jackson had reached the point
where his line now crossed the turnpike,
scareelya mile west of Charlottesville, and
not half a mile from line of Federal troops,
he had found his front line unfit for the
farther and vigorous advance he desired,
by reason of the irregular character of the
fighting, and because of the dense thickets,
through which it was impossible to pre-
serve alignment. Division commanders
found it more and more difficult as the twi.
light dsepsned to hold their broken brig
ades in hand. Regretting the necessity of
relieving the troops in front, General Jack
son had ordered A. P. Hills division, his
third and reserve line, to be,placed in 'front.'
While this change was being effected, i'm
patient and anxious the general rode for
ward on the turnpike, followed by two or
three OF his staff and a number of couriers
and signal sergeants. He passed the
swampy depression and began the ascent
of the hill toward Charlottesville, when
he cane upon line of the Federal infantry
lying 0h their arms. Fired at by ono or
two muskets two muskets balls from the
enemy whist]ed over my head as l came to
the 'front.', he turned and came back to-
ward his line, upon the side of the road to
his left. As he rode near to the Confeder
ate troops just placed in position, and igno-
rant that he was in the 'front.' the left com
pany began firing to the front, and two of
his party fell from their saddles dead,
Captain 8eswsn Of the Engineers and Ser
geant Cunliffe of the Signal Corps spur
ring his horse across the road to his right,
he was met by second volley from the
right company of Pender's North Carolina
Brigade Under this velley, when not two
rods from the troops, the general received
three balls al the same instant One pene-
trated the palm of his right hand and was
cut out that night from the back of his
hand A second passed around the wrist of
the left arm and out through the left hand
But third ball passed through the left arm
halfway from shoulder to elbow. The
large bone of the upper arm was splintered
to the elbow joint, and the wound bled free
ly. His horse turned quickly from the fire,
through the thick bushes, which swept the
cap from the generals head, and scratched
his forehead, leaving drops of blood to stain
his face. As he lost his hold upon the bride
rein, he reeled from the saddle, and was
caught by the arms of Captain Milbourne
of the Signal Corps. Laid upon the ground,
there came at once to his succor Gen. A. P.
Hill and members of his staff The writer
reached his side minute after, to find Gen.
Hill holding the head and shoulders of the
wounded chief Cutting open the coat
sleeve from wrist to shoulder, I found the
wound in the upper arm, and with my
handkerchief bound the arm above the
To Aar 0fI
were sent for DR.. Hunter Mcclure, the sur
geon of the corps and the Generals trusted
friend, and for an ambulance. Being out
side of our lines, it was urgent that he
should be moved at once. With difficulty
litter bearers we're brought from the line
near by, the general placed upon the litter,
and carefully raised to the shoulder, l my
self bearing one corner A moment after,
artillery from the Federal side was opened
upon us; great broadsides thundered over
the woods; Kissing shells searched the dark
thickets through and shrapnels swept the
road along which we moved. Two or three
steps farther, and the litter bearer at my
side was struck and fell, but, as the litter
turned, Maj. Watkins Leigh, of Hills staff,
happily caught it. But the fright of the
men was SO great that we were obliged to
lay the litter and it's burden down upon the
road. AS the litter-bearers ran to the cov-
er of the trees, threw myself by the Gen.
erals side, and held him firmly to the
ground as he attempted to rise. Over ssus
swept the rapid fire of shot and she'll
grape-shot striking fire upon the hinty rock
of the road all around us, and sweeping from
their feet horses and men of the artillery
just moved to the front. Soon the firing
veered to the other side of the road, and I
sprang to my feet, assisted the General to
rise passed my arm around him, and with
the wounded mans weight thrown heavily
upon me, we forsook the road. Entering
the woods, he sauk to the ground from ex-
haustion; but the litter was soon brought,
and again rallying few men, we essayed
to carry him farther, when second bearer
fell at my side. This time, with none to
assist, the litter careened, and the General
fell to the ground with groan of deep pain
Greatly alarmed, sprang to his head, and,
lifting his head as stray beam of moon
light came through clouds and leaves, he
opened his eyes and wearily said, Never
mind me, Captain, never mind Raising
him again to his feet, he was accosted by
Brigaoier General Pender: Oh, General, T
hope you are not seriously wounded. l
will have to retire my troops to reform
them, they are so much broken by this fire.
But jackson, rallying his strength, with
firm voice said, You must hold your ground,
General Pendcr, you must hold your
ground, sir! and so uttered his last COM
mand on the field"