Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-12-19
nEATH OF GEN. DOUGLAS.

Gen. Henry Kyd Douglas, member oil
Stonewall Jackson original staff and one
of the best-known lawyers and residents
Of Western Maryland, died at o'clock
last night at bis home, on Potomac ave-
nue., Hagerstown.
His condition had been critical since
early yesterday morning. de passed
away surrounded by the members Of his
family. Several years ago the health OF
General Douglas became impaired, and
in the hope Of recuperating be made fire.
ouent trips North and South. Each
month he grew worse, and the latter
part of the past summer his condition
became such that ne was unable to leave
the house, and, in fact, spent much OF
his time in bed. Specialists were con-
suited, but they were unable to give him
any relief, his trouble apparently being
a general breaking down of his health.
General Donglas was born in Shep-
herdstown. w. Va, in 1910. He was
educated at Franklin and Marshall Col
lege, Lancaster, Pa, and at Lexington,
Va, where be was graduated IN law.
Atthe breaking out of the war between
the States he enlisted in the
Stonewall Brigade as private,
and was gradually promoted unui
he reached the rank of colonel, and was
adiutant general of the brigade He was
afterwards on the staff of Stonewall
Jackson, in which position he remained
until the death of that general. lie
served in succession on the stafls of Cen
erals Early. Gordon and Johnston. At
the close of the war he was in command
of the Light Brigade, formerly com
manded by Generals Hill and Early.
While in command of the Light Brigade
he was promoted to the rank of brigadier
general, but his commission did not
reach him. He was in every battle
fought by the Stonewall Brigade, and
achieved high reputation as brave
and skillful soldier. At the battle OF
Gettysburg he was severely wounded.
He also received injuries in four other
engagements. During the war, while
Stonewall Jackson was at Mount jack
son. in the Valley of Virginia, in
March, 1862, he selected Douglas as a
courier to 90 to Ewell, who was encamped
at Brandy station, for reinforcements.
The distance between Jackson and E@ell
was lO3 miles. There was no
railroad, no telegraph facilities and
no mail. The road lay on gronnd
that was rough and winding. Jack
son impaired to him the nature OF
the message he was to convey. He also
said TO the courier that Ewell must re-
ceive the message by the following morn
ing. 1t was o'clock in the afternoon
when Douglas put his feet il the stirrups
and turned his horses head in the dlrec-
ton of Brandy station. In making the
Journey the courier rode five horses. Ihe
ride of that night was not soon forgotten
by the man who made it. 1t was black
over and all around, and the rain fell in
sluices. The road was either thick with
rolling stones or knee deep in mud. The
horses either stumbled or stuck. The
circuitous route lay around Massanutta
Mountain and through the somber Blue
Ridge at Swift Run Gap. 1t led
through Mount Jackson, Newmarket,
Harrisonburg, Stannardsville, Orange
Court House, Virginia City, Culpeper
Court House, and on to Brandy station
II was about sunrise when he pulled his
foam-coyered horse to "whoa" in front
of the quarters of Ewell. The old soidid
was always an early riser. He was up
and out when the courier from Stone
wall Jackson saluted him and delivered
his message. Ewell asked Douglas
when he left Jackson's headquarters
Hearing the answer the blunt old soldier
but still mindful of his bringing up
said off were not that you looI
like q gentleman, sir, would say yol
are ALTAR, sir" The courier, fam
from exhaustion and soaked With rain
to his skin, fell unconscious. he wa
soon restored and, receiving EwelPi
answer, Douglas started on bis return
to Jackson's headquarters. He made
the return ride in two days and on
night. He found Jackson standing il
! front Of his quarters at dusk. Dougla
gave the necessary salute, and in a few
+. words reported Ewell's message. Jack
E son said: "All right; good night,
and turned into his quarters. Stone
wall Jackson did not forget this youn
man who had made the ride in nigh
/ that was storm-soaked and black. Tn
following day be sent for Douglas, an
in very fervent words he promoted bill
! to the place of assistant inspector gen
eral on bis staff After the wa
he practiced law two years in VIII
chester, Va, aud then came to tia
gerstown, Md, where he had since liyec
# In 1875 he was the democratic candidat
of Washington county for the State Sci
ate and ran 900 votes ahead of the Sta'
ticket but the whole ticket, with the e.