Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1910-05-05
HOW sTONEWALL JACKSON DIED.

HOW STONEWALL JACKSON DIED.
Stonewall Thomas Jonathon) Jackson
was mortally wounded at Chancellors-
vile, Va, shortly after 9 o'clock p. m,
May 2, 1863. But few historians give
full particulars of this great disaster to
the Confederate cause. Lieutenant-Col-
onel 6. F. R. Henderson probably gives
as good an account of it as any other
writer.
General Stuart had reported to Lee that
the right flank of the federal army was
Gin the air." and Jackson asked permis-
sion to break it. Major HotchksS placed
his map on cracker box, and pointed
out the road for Jackson to make his ia
nous all-night march around the Union
army. Colonel Wexford, who lived in
the vicinity, agreed to act as guide through
the wilderness. Orders were given that
all "Stragglers were to be bayoneted," "
and the long tramp began at 4.O5 a. m.
Our attempt to cut his army in two at the
Furnace had no effect on Jackson, and
Forward" was the cry. AT the plank
road. west of the federal works, he in
tended to turn east toward the Rapahan-
mock river, but Fitzhugh Lee met him,
and gave him the information that the
enemy on the southeast had stacked
arms and were cooking, laughing and
singing, sleeping or playing cards.
Stonewall decided TO attack them there,
which he did, driving our men clear
through DowdaIl'S Tavern, Hazel Grove
and Fairview with fearful slaughter. AT
S.45 the victorious ConfederateS were
stopped, and Jackson, who was at the
point where the track to the White House
and United States ford strikes the plank
road, guided his Little Sorrel" up the
plank road, passed through the Eighteenth
North Carolina brigade, and passed about
800 yards eastward, then retracing his
steps toward his own lines.
General" said an officer, "youshould
not expose yourself so much" "There
is no danger, sir; the enemy IS routed.
Go back and tell General Hill to press
on"
When within sixty yards OF the Eight
eenth regiment he drew rein and listened.
The whole party, generals, Staff-otticerS
and courierS were hidden in the deep
shadows of the forest. ASingle rifle shot
started them all. Some OF the federal in
fantry had approached the southernlineS.
The Confederate soldiers caught the
alarm, and on seeing JackSon's party ap-
preaching in the dark, an officer gave the
fatal order to "Fire." The volley was
terrific. Men and horses fell dead and
dying in the narrow track. Captain BoS-
well and Sergeant Cunliff were killed,
and Jackson received three bullets, one
in the~right hand, and two in the LETT arm,
cutting the main artery and crushing the
bone below the shoulder. The reinS
dropped on the neck of Sorrel, who
plunged into the woods toward the led
eral lines. A bough struck the general
in the face, tore off his old cap and nearly
threw him to the ground. He seized the
bride with his bleeding hand, and turned
into the road. Capt. Wilbourn caught
the reinS, and as the horse stopped, Jack
son fell into the captains arms. DR.. NC
Guire was soon found, and Wllbourn rip
ped up the sleeve of the wounded arm
with his pocket knife. General Hill
pulled off the gaunletts which were filled
with blood, and did up the shattered arm
with handkerchief.
General" he said, care you much
hurt ?"
81 think am, and all of my wounds
are from my own men. believe my
| arm is broken"
Our artillery was limbered nearby, and
orders were given to remove Jackson
who said: Tell them This mem simply
that you have wounded Confederate Of
ficer," as he did not wish his army tc
know that he had been shot.
The Union batteries opened a terrific
fire OF grape and canister along the whole
front. A storm of bullets tore through
the trees, and the little anxious group
clung close to the ground. Jackson at
tempted TO rise, but they pressed him tc
the earth as the deadly fire swept over
his head. They dragged him through
the underbrush, and General Pender
passing, recognized Stonewall. The ali
was full of shrieking shells, but Jackson
stood up and told Pender that he "muS,
hold out to the last"
His strength was now completely gone
and they laid him on litter to carry him
TO Dowdalfs tavern, but one OF the
stretcher bearers was struck by shot in
arm and the General fell violently to the
ground on his wounded side, which later
caused pneumonia and his death. he
told DR.. Mcclure: al am badly injured
| fear am dying" They placed him in
an ambulance with Col. Churchfield, who
was also badly wounded.
Whiskey and morphia were administer
ed TO Jackson, and he was slowly driven
over the field where Hooker'S men had
so lately fled, and wrapped in blankets
in the hospital. His hands were cold and
clanmy, but not groan escaped his lips
Reaction took place, and Sunday morning
at 2 O'Clock he was told that the arm mus
be amputated two inches below the
shoulder when he simply said: Eyes GER
tainly, DR.. MCGUIRE: do with me what
ever you think best"
When Stuart asked him for instructions
in view of the repulse, Stonewall was fol
the first time undecided what to do, ano