William W. Bennett, A narrative of the great revival which prevailed in the Southern armies during the late Civil War

“ [297] had planned it all from the first; but it was not so — I simply took advantage of circumstances as they were presented to me in the providence of God. I feel that his hand led me. Let us give him all the glory.”

General Lee, thinking the Wilderness exposed to the incursions of the Federal cavalry, sent word that Jackson should be removed as soon as possible to Guinea's Station. On Monday he seemed so much better that Dr. McGuire determined to begin the journey. The road was cleared of obstructions by engineers so as to avoid jolting of the ambulance. The General was bright and cheerful during the twenty-five miles' travel, and just at nightfall the party reached the house of Mr. Chandler, near the station. Hie was placed in bed, and, after taking supper, spent a quiet night. During the journey he spoke freely of the war, and made kind and special reference to the Stonewall Brigade. In reference to a purpose of that noble band to petition the Government to allow them to assume this title as their own, he said: “They are a noble body of patriots; when this war is ended, the survivors will be proud to say, ‘I was a member of the old Stonewall Brigade.’ The Government ought certainly to accede to their request, and authorize them to assume this title; for it was fairly earned.” He then added that “the name Stonewall ought to be attached wholly to the men of the brigade, and not to him; for it was their steadfast heroism which had earned it at first Manassas.” In reply to a question as to the wisdom of General Hooker's plan of battle, he said: “It was, in the main, a good conception, an excellent plan; but he should not have sent away his cavalry.; that was his great blunder. It was that which enabled me to turn him, without his being aware of it, and to take him by his rear.”

After a day or two the bright hopes of his recovery began to fade. His pain and restlessness increased. Opiates were administered to quiet his nerves and to induce