Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-05-14

When Jackson had reached the point
where his line now crossed the turnpike,
scarcely a mile west Of Charlottesville
and not half mile from line of federal
troops, he had found his front line unfit
for the farther and vigorous advance he
desired, by reason Of the irregular char
acter of the fighting, now right now left,
and because Of the dense thickets,
through which it was impossible to pre-
serve alignment Division commanders
found it more and more difficult as the
twilight deepened to hold their broken
brigades in hand.
Regrettng the necessity of relieving the
troops in front, Gen. Jackson had order
ed A. P Hilrs division. his third and re-
serve line, to be placed in front. While
this change was being effected. impatient
and anxious. the general rode forward on
the turnpike, followed by two or three
of his staff and number Of couriers and
signal sergeants.
He passed the swampy depression and
began the ascent of the hill toward
Charlottesville, when he came upon a
line of the federal infantry lying on their
arms Fired at by one or two muskets
he turned and came back toward his line,
upon the side of the road to his left.
AS he rode near to the Confederate
troops just placed in position and igno-
rant tnat ne was III tHe lioht, NiS iei 1
company began firing to the front. and
two Of his party fell from their saddles
dead Squirting his horse across the road
to his right, he was met by second
volley from the right company OF Pen
der's North Carolina brigade.
Under this volley. and not two rods
from the troops, the general received
three balls at the same instant. One pene-
trated the palm of his right hand and
was cur. out that night from the back or
wrist OF the left arm and out through the
left hand third ball passed through
his left arm half way from shoulder TO
elbow The large bone of the upper arm
was splintered to the elbow joint, and the
wound bled freely.
His horse turned quickly from the fire,
through the thick bushes which swept the
can from the generals head, and
scratched his forehead, leaving drops OF
blood to stain his face. AS he lost his
hold upon the bride rein he reeled from
the saddle and was caught by the arms
of Capt. Wilbourn of the Signal Corps.
Laid upon the ground, there came at
once to his succor Gen. A. p. Hill and
members of his staff. The writer reached
his side a minute after, to find Gen. Hill
holding the head and shoulders Of the
wounded chief Cutting open the coat
sleeve from the wrist to shoulder. l found
the wound in the upper arm. and with
nv handkerchief I bound the arm above
the wound to stem the flow Of blood
Couriers were sent for DIR. Hunter Nc
Guire. the surgeon of the corps and the
generals trusted friend, and for an ambu-
lance.
+..il 81
that he should be moved at once. With
difficulty litter bearers were brought from
the line nearby, and the general was
placed upon the litter and carefully raised
to the shoulder l myself bearing one cor
ner A moment after artillery from the
federal side was opened upon us; great
broadsides Numbered over the woods;
kissing. shells searched the dark thickets
through. and shrapnels swept the road
along which we moved.
ter bearer at my side was struck and fell,
but as the litter turned. Maj. Watkins
Leigh of Hills staff happily caught IT..
But the fright of the men was so great
that we were Obliged to lay the litter and
it's burden down upon the road.
AS the litter bearers ran to the cover or
the trees 1 threw myself by the general
side and held him firmly to the ground
as he attempted to rise. over us swept
the rapid fire of shot and shell-grape-
shot striking fire upon the finty rock of
the road all around us, and sweeping from
their feet horses and men of the artillery
just moved to the front
x *
Soon the firing veered to.the other side
of the road, and I sprang to my feet,
assisted the general to rise, passed my
arm around him. and with the wounded
mans weight thrown heavily upon me. we
forsook the road. Entering the woods. he
sank to the ground from exhaustion, but
the litter was soon brought. and, again
rallying a few men. we essayed to carry
him farther, when a second bearer fell
at my side. This time, with none to as
sist, the litter careened and the general
fell to the ground with groan Of deep
pain
Greatly alarmed, sprang to his head,
and lifting his head as a stray beam OF
moOnlfRht came through clouds and