The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1895-08-21
AN INCIDENT AT YORKTOWN.
The Meeting of Stonewau Jackson's Widow
With Naval Officers.

The Meeting of stonewall Jackson's Widow
With Naval Officers.
"At the Yorktown celebration in
October, 1884," said Charles W.
Stewart, now of the photographic
Office in Washington. II was a mid
shipman ON the flagship Tennessee
and was on duty in the launch that
carried distinguished visitors be-
tween shore and the ship. About 3
D. IN. on the last day I had taken
the last visitor from the Tennessee
to the wharf in the steam launch
Rocket. While was waiting at the
landing two gentlemen and two Ia
dies came to the launch and asked
to be taken to the Tennessee. The
ladies were introduced to me as Mrs.
jackson and her daughter, Miss
Jackson. The mother was fair and
rather short of stature. The daugh-
ter was dark, graceful and had in a
measure the charming presence OF
the mother.
my instructions were positive
to bring off no more visitors, but
when the gentlemen introduced
themselves as General Field and
Representative Finley I decided to
take them. They entered the launch,
and we were soon at the Tennessee.
When we went aboard, the officer OF
the deck scowled at me and mutter-
ed something that was glad not to
hear more plainly. Although I was
very tired, having had most onerous
duty, l did my best to entertain the
visitors and was showing the beau
ties of the gun deck when General
Field whispered to me that the Ia
dies were the widow and daughter
of Stonewall jackson.
II called sailor, wrote on card,
The widow and daughter of Stone
wall jackson are on the gun deck,
and sent the message to the captain.
| We had just turned to walk aft when
tall, gaunt Captain Fyffe appeared,
rushing toward US with outstretched
arms, and led the visitors to the ad.
miral's cabin. Messengers were sent
flying, the band was ordered up, off.
GERS were ordered into dress uni
form, wigwag signals brought Off
GERS from neighboring ships, an6
soon Mrs. Jackson and her daughter
were holding a grand reception.
think that the mothers eyes were
very moist. Perhaps the kindliness
and uniforms recalled memories o!
other scenes dear to her heart.
| "When the time came to depart
from the ship, we found that the ad
miral had ordered his beautiful
barge Daring for our use. AS a spe
cial mark of honor the great bear
skin robes given by Emperor Will
liam ] to Admiral Farragut were
placed in the stern sheets. When al
was ready, our visitors were handed
in. Our captain said:
Madam. lam sorry that I can
not fire salute for you, and to me
DO not forget to salute the presi
dent on the Despatch.
1.-The glorious old Daring pushed
off, and we started, slowly at first
then faster and faster, the oars NOV
ing in perfect rhythm till the snow
white Daring was rushing like al
arrow straight for the Despatch, OF
whose quarter deck we could see mel
sitting. AS we came near gave thu
order, Stand by to toss! At th
next stroke, 'Toss!' and when tn
second stroke was finished the oar
leaped to the vertical, two parable
lines of dripping blades shining fai
/ in the setting sun. 1 rose and stood
cap in hand. AS I glanced up say
President Arthur, with his cabine
in a semicircle about him, rise all,
uncover in silent salute.
1--WE flashed past in a moment
and the order was given, Boat you
oars. The oars sank together O.
the thwarts below the gunwales
Our way was so great that it carrie
us to the landing, good cable
length. The eyes of the daughte
We're brilliant, but Mrs. Jackson wa
crying quietly, and there were tear
in General Fields eyes too. "-Ney
York Sun.