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Jackson had just detached to assist him. After the General and his escort had proceeded down the road a hundred yards, they were surprised by a volley of musketry from the right, which spread toward their front, until the bullets began to whistle among them, and struck several horses.
This was, in fact, the advance of the Federal line assailing the barricade, which they were attempting to regain.
General Jackson was now aware of their proximity, and perceived that there was no picket or skirmisher between him and his enemies.
He therefore, turned to ride hurriedly back to his own troops; and, to avoid the fire, which was, thus far, limited to the south side of the road, he turned into the woods upon the north side.
It so happened that General Hill, with his escort, had been directed by the same motive almost to the same spot.
As the party approached within twenty paces of the Confederate troops, these, evidently mistaking them for cavalry, stooped, and delivered a deadly fire.
So sudden and stunning was this volley, and so near at hand, that every horse which was not shot down, recoiled from it in panic, and turned to rush back, bearing their riders toward the approaching enemy.
Several fell dead upon the spot, among them the amiable and courageous Boswell; and more were wounded.
Among the latter was General Jackson.
His right hand was penetrated by a ball, his left fore arm lacerated by another, and the same limb broken a little below the shoulder by a third, which not only crushed the bone, but severed the main artery.
His horse also dashed, panic-stricken, toward the enemy, carrying him beneath the boughs of a tree which inflicted severe blows, lacerated his face, and almost dragged him from the saddle.
His bridle hand was now powerless, but seizing the reins with the right hand, notwithstanding its wound, he arrested his career, and brought the animal back toward his own lines.
He was followed by his faithful attendant, Captain Wilbourne, and
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