Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-06-13
VIEWS OF JACKSON.
GEN.W. 9. TALlAFsRRo TELLS oFTHE
GREAT CONFEDERATE cHIEFTAIN.
He Never Held n Council of war-His Love
for ARTILLERY Of Fatal.
jsm-Judge Wexford.


ism-Judge Wexford.
number of ladies were in attendance
at Lee Camps meeting last night. the
announcement having been made that
General w. b. Taliaferro would make an
address. Commander Archer presided,
with the speaker of the evening on his
left.
An invitation was received from Mrs.
L. G.. Horsley, requesting the pleasure of
the Camps company at the marriage Of her
daughter Mamie to Thomas p. Gannt at
Christ church, Nelson county, on June 24th,
Tho bride % be Is "daughter' Of the Camp,
the only other person enjoying a like honor
being Miss Lucy Lee HIll, daughter Of the Cen
eral whose Damo was last on the lips Of Lee and
jackson. Miss Horsley raised a great deal Of
money for the Soldiers Home, and otherwise
showed her interest In that institution. IL was
lor these services that the badge Of the Camp
was bestowed on her.
GENERAL TALIAFERBo PRESENTED.
Three new members we're elected, and when
the last order OF business, "Good OF the Camp ~
was reached the Commander arose and feelingly
introduced Major-General William y. TalaferrO,
saying he was glad an All-Wise Providence had
granted them such privilege as 10 be permitted
70 hear this gifted gentleman.
After thanking those present for their attend
ance, General Taliafe-rO said he would not de-
liver an address or oration, but would simply
narrate some Of his personal experience with the
greatest Of fsolders-StOneWall jackson. IL had
been said that tho conquered never made his
tory To let this maxim Of Thousand years
ginia and Yirginians.
General Taliaferro read from papers written
by himself.
His acquaintance with jackson, said the Gene
Gba " ffor rbap
" Old Jack was instructor OF artillery at the
Virginia Military Institute, Of which institution
he was one OF the Board Of Visitors.
LOVED THE ARTILLERY.
Jackson loved a gun, md never but twice In
his experience did he refuse the use Of artillery.
As malor-general jackson seemed 70 possess a
sallency Of character that he had never noticed
In the brevetted major.
IL was undeniable that during the early part
OF the war jackson was not liked even by his
own officers, who thought the Romney campaign
did not justify the hardshps 70 which the men
were exposed. The result proved that what hs
officers called rashness was really close calcula-
tOn.
SO far as he knew jackson asked advice Of no
one, and never called n council Of war 20 his
knowledge. IIo was the front man in an advance
and the last in a retreat.
JACKsOSs MARROW ESCAPE.
Describing JncksOns narrow escape from cap
ture at the battle Of Cross Keys, tho General
said ne had no reason 20 doubt that jackson had
on that OCCASION with his characteristic coolness,
personated a Federal Onicer, and commanded
the gunners who had the piece on the bridge not
20 fire.
DEVOTED TO DUTY.
jackson Was devout man, with n slight ten
dency towards fatalism which, however, was not
the cause Of his apparently reckless exposure 10
danger IL was devoted regard for duty as he
understood II.
The movements Of Jackson were always mys-
torlOus. II was rather trying TO the division
officers 20 be required 10 blindly march their
commands without knowing where they were
going.
Once-at Manassas Junction-Genoral Jackson
explained to him and 10 General Stuart, who
was also present, the nature Of the movement he
intended 10 make that night and the next day.
To his recollection this was the only time Jack
son ever divulgcd a plan.
General Taaferro's narrative abounded in
incidents, many OF them having touch OF
humOr That their delivery was splendid need
not to be told those who are acquainted with the
General. Many OF the circumstances ne related
could only have been acquired by a close asso-
citation with the head Of the old Stonewall bri-
gade and seemed TO impress upon those who
heard the grandeur Of the character Of the
wonderful soldier Of whom he told. A few Of
these will illustrate.
INCIDENTS THAT INTEREST.
Abiding 10 Jackson's love Of artillery, General
TalaferrO said that on one occasion Jackson in
yited him 10 ride out TO the batteries. Becoming
Interested IN the serving Of the guns Jackson
seemed 10 lose his personality and leaned for
ward in his saddle to watch the effect Of the
shots, unconscious Of all else. Men and horses
fell around him and ono Of Lis cOuriers was KILL
ed. but he took no notice Turning 30 General
TaliafcrrO, jackson inquired OF him II he was n
man OF family. He replied that he had n
wife and five children, who in less than five min
utes would be a widow and tye Orpnans AtthlS
jackson seemed 20 become conscious that tho
place for the commander Of n corps was not AZ q
battery and giving command 70 move the guns
rode TO the roar, a retrograde movement that
General TaliaterrO remarked he felt compelled
10 participate in. Ho was firmly convinced that
il was Jackson's soIicitude for his wiio and five
children that saved both their lives.
OWNED THE FARM.
While nj Moss Neck during one Of his cam
paigns Jackson was invited 10 make his head
quarters at the Corbin homestead, one OF the
handsomest in that section. General Jackson
went 10 look az IT, and when he left the courier
who held his horse modestly inquired Of him how
he liked the place .,.
Is n loxely place and | think l shall make my
headquarters here
II am glad Of that" responded the soldier.
" am Mr.. COrbin, who owns the place.
General TalaferrO stated that he told this TO
show how the wealth, intelligence, and refine
mcnt Of the South were in the ranks OF the Con-
federato army.
THE LORD PUT IT THERE.
Reference was made to the doctrine Of fatalism
so often preached in JackSOnS camp.
While battle was in progress ono Of Jackson =
staif noticed chaplain hid behind n friendly
"Why, Doctor" said the officer, "where is all
your preaching Of yesterday
Proven, proven" replied the clerical soldier,
for the good Lord put this post here for me TO
hide behind"
Commander Archer thanked him gracefully,
and called on Judge Wexford for few remarks.
REMARKS OF JUDGE wELLFORD.
Judge Wexford responded, and in a fve-min-
utcs' speech dwelt upon the place in history Won
by the Confederate soldier who succumbed not
10 four wears OF defeat, but OF exhaustion. The
achievements Of the southern army were OF such
a character as any might be proud 10 have ac-
COmplished.
Commander Archer thanked Judge Wexford
and General TaliaferrO, and said that no was
clad 10 announce that Grand Commander W. 4.
Smith had been reelected for another year ana
that Second Lieutenant Grand COnhahdct
Brgnder had been promoted 70 hrst.
ON motion Of Adiutant StrattOn, Past COM
manders Smith, Brander, and White were ap-
pointed 10 request Colonel John Is. cary 70 ue-
liver an address before the Camp on the feull-
sula campaicn some time in the near future
Commander Archer reviewed the WORK oI the
Grand Camp aud spoke Of the splendid address
delivered by Colonel John b. Cary, which one OF
tbe veterans present said if delivered IN Norlolk
YouId bring in all the money that IS wanted ior
the Soldiers and Sailors monument.
The Coming Bazaar.
,r, i L.. ~, bava Yudprtakpn 10 get