The Green caldron - University Library

March, 1959 23
into the hands of his Creator. "Perfect peace, said Jackson, then had been
his—a precious experience." '^^
On the morning of May 3, Jackson alertly listened to the noise of the
continuing battle. When he was told of the gallant action of the Stonewall
Brigade on that day's battle, he said, "Good— good. It was just like them
to do so; just like them. They are a noble body of men." ^^
In the afternoon a courier brought this immortal message from Lee:
General : I have just received your note, informing me that you
were wounded. I can not express my regret at the occurrence. Could I
have directed events, I should have chosen for the good of the country
to be disabled in your stead.
energy.
I congratulate you upon the victory, which is due to your skill and
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. Lee
Jackson replied : "General Lee is very kind, but he should give the
praise to God." ^^
Lee feared for Jackson's safety and ordered him moved to the Chandler
home at Guiney Station. When informed of the order, Jackson said, "General
Lee has always been very kind to me and I thank him." Of the enemy he
said, "I am not afraid of them; I have always been kind to their wounded,
and I am sure they will be kind to me." ^^
Jackson's wounds were healing well until May 7 , when Dr. McGuire
diagnosed a pain in Jackson's chest as pneumonia. Drugged with morphine
and with fever, Jackson slid into delirium. His wife appeared at his side after
a trying trip from Richmond. She was struck with grief when she looked
upon her suffering husband.
"My darling, you must cheer up, and not wear a long face," he spoke.^^
In his delirium he gave battle orders. On Saturday, the ninth, he asked
for sections of the psalms to be read. He then showed contentment as the
bedside group sang the hymn beginning, "Show pity. Lord; O Lord, forgive."
Sunday, General Lee exclaimed with deep emotion, "Surely General
Jackson must recover. God will not take him from us now that we need him
so much. Surely he will be spared to us, in answer to the many prayers
which are offered for him." '^^
Mrs. Jackson learned Sunday morning that the General was failing
quickly and would soon die. When she told this to her husband, and asked
if he was willing to go, he said, "Yes, I prefer it, I prefer it." ^'^ He expressed
his desire to be buried at Lexington, in the Valley. Llis daughter, Julia, was
brought in. He smiled broadly, "Little darling, sweet one !" The General
then sank into unconsciousness, but all at once the weary soldier spoke his
immortal last words : "Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade
of the trees." ^s