“
[527]
have little use for wagons if all of these people close in around him; we are left out here in the cold. Why, I could crush Shields before night if I could move from here.
This man Jackson is certainly a crazy fool, an idiot.
Now look at this,” handing me a small piece of paper upon which was about these words:
Ewell jumped to his feet, ran all over the room, and said: “What has Providence to do with Milroy's wagon train? Mark my words, if this old fool keeps this thing up, and Shields joins McDowell, we will go up at Richmond! I'll stay here, but you go and do all you can to keep these people from getting together, and keep me posted — follow Shields as long as it is safe, and send me a courier to let me know the hour you get off.” (At that time Ewell had no idea what Jackson's plans were.) A courier from the Second regiment, looking for me, went to his quarters, and allowed his sabre to jingle and strike the steps as he ascended the stairs. Rapping at his door, he asked for me. General Ewell told him to come in and light the lamp. Turning to him he said: “Look under the bed--do you see him there? Do you know how many steps you came up?” “No, sir,” said the courier. “Well I do, by every lick you gave them with that thing you have hanging about your feet, which should be hooked up when you come to my quarters. Do you know how many ears you have? You will go out of here less one, and maybe both, if you ever wake me up this time anight looking for your Colonel.” The courier came to me, related what had occurred, and begged I would never send him to General Ewell again. I followed Shields for three days. Have in my possession kindly words from General Ewell for services rendered, and en route to join him had an order to go to Richmond and endeavor to get arms for my men. I joined the army at Winchester the night after they arrived after the battle, but continued with them to Martinsburg and FallingYour dispatch received. Hold your position — don't move. I have driven General Milroy from McDowell; through God's assistance, have captured most of his wagon train. Colonel S. B. Gibbons, Tenth Virginia, killed. Forward to Department at Richmond the intelligence. Respectfully,T. J. Jackson, Major-General.
