Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-05-28
AN INCIDENT AT YORKTOWN.


"At the Yorktown celebration in Oc-
tober, 1881" said Charles w. Stewart,
now of the photographic Office in
Washington, 81 was 8 lnidshipman on
on the flagship Tennessee and was on
duty in the launch that carried distin-
guished visitors between shore and the
ship. About p. m. on the last day |
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
ladies came to the launch and asked to
be taken to the Tennessee. The ladies
were introduced to me as Mrs. Jack
and her daughter, Miss Jackson. The
mother was fair and rather short of
statue. The daughter was dark,
graceful, and had in a measure the
charming presence of the mother.
"My Instructions were positive to
bring of no more visitors, but when the
gentlemen introduced themselves as
Gen. Field and Representative Finley
decided to take them. They entered the
launch and were soon at the Tennessee.
When we went aboard the officer of the
deck scowled at me and muttered some
thing that was glad not to hear more
plainly. Although / was very tired,
having had most onerous duty, | did
nv best to entertain the visitors, and
was showing the beauties Of the gun
deck when Gen. Field whispered to me
that the ladies were the widow am
daughter of Stonewall Jackson.
II called a sailor, wrote on ca,d
The widow and daughter of Stonewall
Jackson are on the gun deck, and sent
the message to the Captain. We had
Just turned to walk aft, when tall,
gaunt Capt. Fytfe appeared, rushing to.
ward us with outstretched arms, and
led the visitors to the Admiral's cabin.
Messengers were sent flying, the band
was ordered up, officers were ordered
into dress uniform, wig-wag signals
brought officers from neighboring ships,
and soon Mrs. Jackson and her daugh-
ter were holding o grand reception. l
think that the mothers eyes were very
moist. Perhaps the kindliness and
uniforms recalled memories of other
scenes dear to her heart.
"When the time came to depart from
the ship we found that the Admiral had
ordered his beautiful barge Daring for
our use. AS a special mark of honor
the great bearskin robes given by EN-
peror Wilhelm l. to Admiral Farragut
were placed in the stern sheets.
When all was ready our visitors
were handed in. Our Captain said:
Madam, am sorry that / cannot
fire q salute for you, and to me, DO
not forget to salute the President on
the Dispatch
1.-THE glorious old Daring pushed of,
and we started, slowly at first, then
faster and faster, the oars moving in
perfect rhythm till the snow white
Daring was rushing like an arrow
straight for the Dispatch, on whose
quarter deck we could see men sitting.
As we came near | gave the order,
Stand by to toss;' at the next stroke,
Toss and when the second stroke
was finished the oars leaped to the ver-
tical, two parallel lines of dripping
blades shining fair in the setting sun.
rose and stood, cap in hand. AS L
glanced up 1 saw President Arthur,
with his Cabinet in semi.circle about
him, rise and uncover in silent salute.
"We flashed passed in moment,
and the order was given, Boat your
oars The oars sank together on the
thwarts below the gunwales. Our way
was so great that it carried us to the
landing, good cables length. The
eyes of the daughter were brilliant, but
Mrs. Jackson was crying quietly, and
there were tears in Gen. Fields eyes,
too IN Y SIM