Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-07-02
Last Words of Jackson.

The following lines were written for
| the Spectator. and were suggested by the
last words OF Jackson-"Let us pass over
the river and rest in the shade OF the
trees:
There was, silence profound in that cham
Where our hero was peacefully lying,
No sound broke the stillness-not even a
Esc1Ped from the lips of the dying.
o, were our hearts as we gathered
As we gazed on the wound. deep and
While We thought Of the blow that had
stricken him down
From the height of his fame and his
glory.
How strange was the fate that had hur-
ried him hence
From his home In his own quiet valley
cry sound.
Where thousands Of southrons would
rally.
Aye, call it not fate! twas the hand Of
the Lord
That had pointed the pathway before
him.
He followed his suidance-he turned not
And daily he knelt to adore Him.
How oft in the contest we saw that firm
Upraised in the heat of the battle
Imploring a blessing, while calmly he
Nor Needed the muslsetry rattle
We feared not to follow where'er he might
Though death and its terrors were
We watched our loved Chieftain, stu
leading us on.
Where victory ever was browning.
Hark! harkl in his dreams, he is leading
Us on,
As he shouts. "Men. prepare for the ac-
ton
ITO the front-to the frontr' is his last
battle cry.
Zen in death shone the spirit of Jack
son.
And our leader must die-in camp, tent.
and field.
There is wecping-aye. bitterest sorrow
Grief. fear, and despair, oft mingled with
For strength on the coming tomorrow
But death mad no terrors to rouse his
Nor earth with her tender attractions.
Could dim his rapt vision his faith looked |
This world and its gloomy distractions.
When told he must die he but calmly re-
piled.
"ro depart from this strife is far bet
"To be with my Saviour is infinite gain"
No ties his pure spirit could fetter
For moment his eye lighted up as Of old, |
When told, I'm the late stormy action,
His own loved brigade had entered the
with charge, and remember our Jack
son..
Now he quietly sleeps. yet we nnger
To catch the faint notes of his breath
His lips are just moving-list! list for he
Sea- smile his pale forehead is wreath
ing.
LET US pass DER the river and rest in the
shade"
He whispers-we know rot his meaning.
Then scars his pure spiri' so gentle its
1t wakes not the sleeper frcin dreaming.
He has passed "o'er the rive r." he rests
I'm the shade
OF the trees" ON the banks Of the Jor-
dan,
Earth's cares and its sorrows remembers
10 more.
Nor thinks of life's wearisome burden.
IAN we doubt that the crown, which 10
Is promised. 70 him has been given,
Wen done faithful servanr'-his wei
come will be.
Come enter the mansions Of Heaven"
But alasl for our country, alasl for our
cause.
The arm, en- which all seemed depending.
s pOwcrless noW-dnd agony deep
The heart of the nation is rendng.
,ut fear not, nor faint. on the face of the
Lord
Deep frowns we may sometimes dis
cover
lis smile may not rest on our dear coun- ,
try's cause. {
But Ger Israel His blessing will hover 4
he name of our Jackson will live i'm our :
hcarta.
Will sparkle on historys pages.
lis deeds and his virtues forever shall
shine.
Down through the long vista OF ages. {
ROsemont. near Staunton. Meta. ,