The Annals of the Civil War Written by Leading Participants North and South
Alexander Kelly McClure, Ed.

[601] Federal army as it was taking position behind the Independent and unfinished Manassas Railroad. This was evidently a force thrown out to protect the Federal retreat. Jackson immediately attacked it, but with an inadequate force, and the fight at Chantilly took place, which lasted until night. It is left to the future historian to inquire why the entire strength of the Confederate army was not employed against the retreating columns of the enemy. Perhaps it was because Fate had declared against the establishment of the Southern Republic, and it was by such means that her conclusions were to be wrought out.

Flushed by this victory, it was determined to cross the Potomac and carry the war into the enemy's country. If this military policy had been adopted as promptly after the first victory at Manassas, it is clear that the Confederate States would have been triumphant in the war. The sound policy of secession would then have been vindicated, and have marked the beginning of a great nation instead of being hawked at as a “perfidious bark built in the eclipse” that has wrecked the fortunes of a people.

The army marched for Edwards' ferry. Along the route there was manifested by the people the greatest curiosity and desire to see their great General-“Stonewall Jackson,” as he had been baptized on the battle-field. Groups would be collected on the road, composed of all ages and both sexes, black and white crowded together. When Jackson would be pointed out to them they would send up a great shout, and the General, lifting his cap, would gallop away from the applause. In this connection an amusing incident occurred which created no little merriment, and exemplifies the liberties his soldiers would sometimes take with “Old Stonewall,” as they called their darling. The Black Horse sent forward one of their members to ride as near to Jackson as military etiquette would allow. He was, by all odds, the ugliest fellow in the command; indeed, the Black Horse used to brag that he was the ugliest fellow in either army. When the next admiring crowd was passed, and they demanded to see the great captain, this soldier was pointed out to them. When they shouted and cheered he halted, and, with the utmost complaisance, received their compliments. Jackson, of course, had galloped on as usual. When the General, turning in his saddle, saw what was going on, he was greatly amused, and the joke was repeated until the novelty wore off.

The Black Horse accompanied Jackson in his expedition to Williamsport, Martinsburg, and Harper's Ferry. At the latter place he employed the pen of Lieutenant A. D. Payne to copy his order