and secrecy, that the presence of the Con- crashes. rolls, plunges and crushes. Friends federates was not even suspected, until a slay each other. All is chaos, confusion and The men flee from one volley of musketry and the peculiar South- disintegration. ern yell broke upon the ears of the aston- another. The danger may be far distant, ished Federals. The assault was sudden but each one of the flying fagitives appreand terrible. Stonewall Jackson led the hends that the danger is just in his rear. attack in person, and his presence inspired Viewed at a distance, a rout resembles a the Confederates with courage and confi- storm or hurricane. It is the foam of battle. dence. On, on went the Confederates, firing Men, horses, wagons and caissons are rolled rapidly as they advanced, the Federals fall- along in the flood. Officers are seen riding ing back somewhat in confusion. The furiously along, haranguing, urging, threatEleventh corps of the Federal army, known ening, entreating and cursing the fugitives. as "Siegel's Veterans," received the first The officers are not even recognized, much assault of the Confederate column. This less obeyed. The living, heaving mass corps was commanded by General Howard, trample alike upon the living and the dead. who hastily formed his men and calmly Arms and legs are broken. Cries, groans, awaited the onset of the advancing Confederates. It was composed entirely of Germans, and it had distinguished itself on many previous hard fought battlefields. Nothing could withstand the rapid, inexorable advance of the Confederate column, and at last the Federals gave way and broke in confusion. The panic stricken Germans dashed over the field in crowds, stampeding and running as though sure destruction was after them. A panic stricken army presents a scene of the wildest confusion. No pen can do it justice. On one hand can be seen a solid column of infantry retreating at a double-quick. Following after is a dense mass of human beings, flying as fast as their legs can carry them-yelling, cursing and crying. Cavalry horses, without riders, dashing frantically in all directions; parts of batteries flying from the field; battery cannon and wagons, ambulances, men, caissons, all jumbled and tumbled together in one inextricable mass. There comes an unlucky wight, minus musket, knapsack, coat and hat, with hair standing on end like quills of the fretful porcupine-with eyes rolling in terror, and shouting incoherently. This feeling is a disease. It is as contagious as the small-pox or cholera. One panicstricken individual introduces the virus through a whole company, the company to the regiment, the regiment to the brigade, the brigado to the division, the division to the corps, and the corps to the whole army. The rout of an army is a terrible sight. It is the worst of all conflicts. It cracks, prayers, entreaties, curses and shouts of despair rend the air. Inexpressible dismay is depicted on every countenance. The roads are filled with wagons upset, unhitched caissons, cannon, ambulances, knapsacks, muskets, coats and hats, which block up the avenue of retreat and are accessories of massacre. At four o'clock in the afternoon of the thirtieth of April, the field of Chancellorsville presented this appearance. At one welldirected blow, Lee had paralyzed his power ful antagonist, and the main portion of the Federal army was rushing, frenzied with terror, upon the reserves. A murderous fire of grape and canister, with volley after volley of musketry, was still pouring in upon them. The Confederate success was being vigorously followed up, and to add to the terror of the occasion, there was but one means of escape from the field, and that was through a narrow ravine which led into the old turnpike, leading to United States ford. Towards this turnpike the confused mass plunged headlong. It seemed as if no power could avert the frightful calamity that threatened the entire ariny. Every man seemed possessed with an instinctive idea of the most direct line from the field of carnage to the United States ford, and a majority of the panic stricken did not stop until they reached the They ran with all their might and men ford. main. Many of them on reaching the river dashed in and swam to the opposite side. Once over safely, they stopped for a breathing spell. DECISIVE BATTLES OF THE REVOLUTION. The Federal general did all in his power christian soldier, the pride of the Southern to stop the stampede. He was ably seconded people, and the idol of the army, received by his officers, who planted themselves in the wounds which caused his death a few the road, and used every endeavor to arrest days after. God had decreed the number of General Jackson had ordered General A. the flying fugitives. The Federal artillery, his days; that here his life should end. with few exceptions, maintained their position as long as infantry supports could be P. Hill to advance with his division, and had, and did much execution. The Federal take his position as near the Federal line as artillerists served their guns admirably. They possible. Anxious to have the various disiasm for the conflict on the morrow, he rode drew forth the praises of the Confederate visions in position, and burning with enthugenerals. Just before night, the Third corps, under briskly along in front of the different colGeneral Sickles, was interposed between the umns, asking as he approached each one, terrified fugitives and the victorious Confed-"What division is this?" and then giving erates, and a desperate conflict ensued. The his orders quickly, he would pass along the Confederates made three separate and distinct charges against this corps, but the Federals stood the shock without inching. Shot nor shell, nor musket balls, had any impression upon that line. It was like Other waves beating against a granite wall. commands were brought up and the line was strengthened. Artillery was wheeled into position, and blow was given for blow. The excellent coolness of the officer cominanding this corps, and the splendid qualitics exhibited by the men, saved the further progress of the panic and the rout, and the evil was temporarily stayed. Night put an end to the conflict. The first day's fight was decidedly favora- The Confederates were highly clated over line. While thus engaged, the two lines of and Colonel Crutchfield, chief of artillery, in victory for the Confederates. He said, was severely wounded. "Our attack was a complete surprise to the General Jackson was immediately placed enemy; if I had had one hour more of dayupon a litter, and while being borne to the light, I would have cut them off from the rear, the Federals opened fire; one of the road to United States ford; we would have litter bearers was shot down, and the Gen-had them entirely surrounded, and they eral falling from the shoulders of the men, would have been obliged to surrender injured his side and wounded arm. As soon or cut their way out." He added after a few as the fire slackened, he was placed in an moments: "My men may sometimes fail in ambulance and carried to a field hospital in driving an enemy from a position, but the rear of the lines. As it was nearly half an hour enemy always fail to drive my men from a before he reached the hospital, he lost a position." large amount of blood. A tourniquet was immediately applied, but he was nearly pulseless for three hours. At last he was restored to consciousness, and on opening his eyes, he said to Dr. McGuire, who was bending over him, "I thought I was dying." As he was being carried from the field, he said, "Don't tell the men I am wounded; it might have a bad effect." He also said, "I want General Stuart to take command of my corps to-morrow." General Stuart sent him word that he woull do so, and requested Major Pendleton to ask General Jackson what his dispositions and plans were. When this message was delivered to the wounded hero, he replied, "Tell General Stuart to act upon his own judgment; I have implicit confidence in him." Although he suffered intense pain at times, yet he did not complain of his wounds, and never referred to them unless he was asked a direct question, in relation to them by some one. He said once to a friend, "I cheerfully bow to the decree of that merciful God who has never deserted me." The note, written to him by General Lee, gave him great satisfaction. These two great men loved and admired one another. The regret of General Lee at the deplorable event was indeed poignant. When told that General Jackson was severely wounded, and would probably die, the soul of the great commander was moved, and he who had so long learned to conceal his emotion, could not conceal his anguish. He exclaimed, in broken accents, "Die! Jackson will not die he cannot die!" Two or three times on Sunday, the wounded read to him. The reading of this note secmed to be most grateful to his feelings, and each time it was read to him, his face would glow with a martial ardor, and his eye would grow bright with the fire of battle. The note was in these words: Upon an examination being made of the nature and extent of his wounds, they were found to be very serious, and upon consulta-hero asked that General Lee's note might be tion, by the surgeons, it was decided that amputation of the arm should be immediately resorted to. This decision of the surgeons was communicated to him, and he was asked the question, "We find that amputation is necessary; shall it be done at once?" He replied promptly and with cheerfulness; Yes, certainly; do for me whatever you think right." IIaving been placed under the influence of chloroform, his arm was taken off without subjecting him to much pain. The operation was performed by Doctors McGuire, Black, Coleman and Walls. He slept well after the operation, and when he awoke requested that Mrs. Jackson might be sent for. "I have just received your note informing me that you were wounded. I cannot express my regret at the occurrence. Could I have directed events, I should have chosen, for the good of the country, to have been disabled in your stead. I congratulate you on the victory which is due to your skill and energy." Sunday passed, and on Monday it was deemed advisable to remove him to Mr. His thoughts then turned to the battle Chancellor's, near Guinea's Depot, on the which was at the time in progress, and he Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac seemed to have no doubt that it would result railroad. This was a quiet, retired place, where every arrangement was made to ea- it became obvious that he could only live a sure his comfort. On Monday night he few hours longer. The sad tidings of his rested well, and on Tuesday morning, he approaching dissolution was conveyed, by seemed to relish his breakfast. He was his attending physician, to Mrs. Jackson. cheerful, and talked much in reference to the The fond wife was with him during his last battle of Saturday. He spoke of the gallant moments, and conversed with him fully and bearing of General Rodes, and said, "His freely. When she informed him that he commission as major-general ought to date was about to die, he replied, "Very good, from last Saturday." He spoke in glowing very good." He then sent messages to all terms of the grand charge of the old Stone- his friends, to the generals, and to President wall brigade, and asked particularly after Davis, and murmured in a low voice, "Bury all his officers. He said, "The men who me in Lexington, in the Valley of Virginia." live through this war will be proud to say to For an hour or more his body seemed fevertheir children, I was one of the Stonewall ish, and delirium seized upon his mind. brigade!' But with the great modesty While in this state, he was constantly giving which ever characterized him, he immedi- orders. To the commissary of his ately declared, “The name of Stonewall does said, "Give my men full rations"; to the not belong to me, it was the name given to surgeons, "Don't neglect my wounded men"; any old brigade, on the battlefield of Manas-"That battery must be taken"; "That's a sas, and is their property alone." brilliant movement, press right on"; "A. P. corps he After this he speedily sank, and some time before his death his mind returned to On Tuesday evening, he said to his phy- Hill, prepare for action." sician, "Can you tell me, from the appearance of my wounds, how long I will be kept from the field?" His physician replied, "I cannot tell that, General, but I think you are doing remarkably well." On Wednes- is all right!" day he continued to improve. His wounds on Sunday evening, the soul of the great looked well, and he maintained his serene and cheerful bearing. On this night, while Dr. McGuire, who had not slept for fortyeight hours, was snatching a little rest, the General complained of nausea, and ordered one of the servants to place a wet towel on his stomach. This was done, but with bad results. The surgeon was waked, and it was found that the patient was suffering with an acute pain in the right side. On Thursday, pneumonia began to develope itself. He frequently inquired, "Has Mrs. Jackson come?" Later in the day Mrs. Jackson arrived, and the presence of his wife afforded the General very great joy. The good woman was deeply affected, and thenceforth she nursed him constantly and affectionately to the moment of his death. consciousness; he recognized his friends, and his last words were, "It is all right, it At half past three o'clock, hero and pure christian, Stonewall Jackson, took its flight. He died serene, resigned, hopeful. He who had passed through a thousand perils on the battle field, expired tranquilly upon his bed, surrounded by weeping friends, who were taught by that august spectacle how a christian soldier can die. The Supreme Ruler of the universe had decreed that this great, pure and majes tic spirit should pass away, while his people were yet in the trials and tribulations of a great revolution. He passed away from a scene lit up with the wild fires of deadly conflict, and the dread shock of contending hosts, to a realm where all is happiness, peace and bliss. The whole South mourned his loss as irreparable; while the North, condemning the cause for which he offered up his life, paid to his memory the most glowing tributes of respect. On Thursday evening it became evident that he would not live. He seemed greatly prostrated, but did not suffer much pain. He still seemed calm and serene, and his eyes continually followed the movements of ley of Virginia"; Mrs. Jackson. From this time he continued to sink slowly, until Sunday morning, when The mortal remains of the great and good man lies buried in Lexington; in the Val "He sleeps his last sleep, Sunday morning, May 1, found the Federals strongly posted behind hastily constructed earthworks, which had been thrown up during the previous night. With the first dawn of day, the Confederate artillery opened fire, which was promptly responded to by the Federals, and for more than an hour nothing was heard but the heavy booming of the guns. The fire was fearful and incessant, and the tumultuous chorus echoed far and wide like peals of distant thunder. The whistling and bursting of shells, and the crashing of the solid shot, tearing their way through the trees and undergrowth, filled the mind with a sense of the surrounding danger. The Federal artillery was finely handed, and the ground being very nearly level, their fire told with telling effect. again and again to the charge. They fought with heroic valor, but it was all in vain. They could not recover the ground lost. Lee ordered up fresh supports, and the Confed crates pressed on, swinging still further around. Pressed by weight of nambers, the Federals at last gave way all along the line. But they did not retreat in such disorder as on the first day's fight. They gave back slowly-would form, wheel and fire on their advancing foes. The Federal officers were seen riding hither and thither, regardless of danger, endeavoring to rally the men. Thus encouraged, the men would make a stand and fight vigorously for a short time; but the audacity of the Confederates, sweeping like a wave over and through a storm of bullets, would force them back. same feeling, and their enthusiasm was from that moment dampened, and their confidence lost, in the reflection that they could not place full confidence in one another. The rout of the Eleventh corps, in the first day's fight, was the prime cause from which all the succeeding misfortunes of the Federals could be distinctly traced. In the second day's fight, the Federals were forced back a mile and a half. The Federal artillery was splendidly handled, and this saved them from still greater losses. Night again put an end to the conflict. At last the Confederate fire ceased, and It is probable that the poison which was the infantry was ordered forward. General infused into the army by the Eleventh Stuart, who had taken command of Jackson's corps, in the first day's fight, had much to corps, led the advance in person. It was do with the defeat of the Federals in the truly a magnificent sight. As the Confed-second day's fight. The other corps had erate column moved on, the Federal artillery witnessed the confusion and panic of one ceased its fire, until within a short distance full corps, and to some extent partook of the from the entrenched line, when the artillery opened upon them and mowed them down by hundreds. Great gaps were made in the line, but the gaps were filled speedily up, and the line moved right on. At short musket range, the Federal infantry opened fire, and whole regiments melted away before it. Occasionally portions of the Con federate line would reach the earthworks, but the Federal infantry would make a desperate effort and drive them back. The Confederates fought with great courage and resolution. The Federals maintained their position stubbornly and fought splendidly. For three hours the tide of battle ebbed and flowed. The Confederates were enthusiastic and determined on success. The reserves were brought up, and a desperate effort was made to turn the left of the Federal line. Some advantage was gained here, and the fight was redoubled in its intensity. A heavy support was thrown forward here by General Lee; the Federal line was flanked, and it began to waver. The Confederates saw their advantage and pressed it with vigor. The Federals rallied, and returned Gen. Lee determined to press the Federals vigorously as soon as daylight returned. Very soon, however, he was induced to change his mind. Couriers arrived, stating that the Federals in his front were silently withdrawing across the river, and that Sedgewick had carried the heights of Fredericksburg by assault; at the same time that the battle was raging between Hooker and Lee, near the old Chancellor houscr General Sedgewick, with the left wing of the Federal army, ha crossed the Rappahannock, immediately in front of Freder |