The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-08-15
A Siun in the Heavens.

Early on Friday, May 1, 1868, wooliolk's
battery broke camp and moved to the plank
road running from Fredericksburg through
the Wilderness. Up this road (and on each
side of it. as best they couh be) the guns
were carried to meet line OF Federal In
fantry having one or more pieces OF artillery.
Grape-shot fell thick and fast. mingled with
bullets, and to the men with Woolfolk's gum
on the road, tho missiles falling on the planss
sounded like a hai-storm. This gun. un-
imbered and ready to return the hostile fire,
had not delivered shot when suddenly
General "Stonewall' Jackson rode up and
stopped at the side OF 1t. At that moment
No. of the gun was still laboring in vain to
loosen the jammed ammunition In his limber-
,hest, and he clambered OH top Of the chest,
amidst shower Of balls TO make IA more
desperate tug-a tug which was at last sue
,essful. II had seemed n very long time,
however, to all present, before the ammuni-
ton was got out and served; but all tho
while "Stonewall'' Jackson sat there on his
horse. patient and silent and he still sat
there until the gnn, firing shell and grape and
spherical case, had caused the Foderals to
Fall back hurriedly, leaving a large pile OF
knapsacks, overcoats and blankets at the
roadside, together with some killed and
wounded.
For the first, last and only time tho battery
was thea under the command of the famous
soldier whom Lee esteemed as his fright
hand;" and next day Saturday, May 2,
1869 It accompanied him on his flank move
ment through tho Wilderness, south OF the
plank road, to the point where hestruck Hook
ers unprepared and unsuspectlng troops.
The battery had completed the circuit and
crossed to the north Of the plank road where
II faced east, and was ordered to halt. The
sun was just setting and the battle had not
begun, although there were few dropping
shots as the Confederate infantry and artillery
al hath hA t.ix. ND aud ha
plank road. Behind Wooifoiks hailed bat
terry were "Stonewalr' Jackson, his chief OF
artillery, Colonel Crutchleld and others OF
his staff, in n mounted, silent and expectant
group. The artillerymen stood or lay upon
the ground in silence. II was curious and
solemn moment, and the momentary stiffness
enhanced the awe OF the occasion.
1t was then that one OF the Woolfolk's men
stretched his back, with his blanket and
knapsack under his head, called attention to
a striking spactecle In tho sky. The northern
half OF the heavens seemed brilliantly lighted
up; the southern half was overcast with gloom
An apparent, well defined, straight line
seemed to run direct east and west For d
few moments everybody gaZed and wondered
until some one looked to the west aud pointed
out that the phenomenon was caused by a
| cloud, black rs night. which, with a sharI
and perpendicular edge. completely obscured
the southern half Of that luminary, leaving
the northern half all the more brilliant by
contrast. With that explanation, followed
speedily by orders to press forward into thu
movement that was already driving H)oker's
surprised forces In confusion. the celestia
vision was forgotten by most OF its beholders
at least for n time.
That night, as they were still engaged II
succorlng the Federal wounded that lay ythicl
upon the halt-won field, Woolfolk's men heart
q sudden rattle OF musSetry. Next day (Sun
day). not "Stonewalr' Jackson, but anothe
general was In command when the battle wa
renewed, and then 1t was sadly sprea,
abroad that the missing hero had beef
wounded in that midnight fusillade; an'
some days after. all wept TO hear that he wa
dead. Then some recalled the scene In tn
skies as the fight hogan. and more than ON
survivor piously believes to-day that 1t wa
an omen Of the groat soldiers dsath.-CoL
w. @. ELAN. In Hue and Gray.