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

[296] times their own number, and decided the day. The General listened eagerly, and, trying to repress his tears, said: “It was just like them to do so; just like them. They are a noble body of men.” Smith said: “They have indeed behaved splendidly; but you can easily suppose, General, that it was not without a loss of many valuable men.” Jackson asked quickly: “Have you heard of any one that is killed?” “Yes, sir,” said Smith; “I am very sorry to say they have lost their commander.” He exclaimed: “Paxton? Paxton?” Smith-“Yes, sir; he has fallen.” He said no more; but turned his face to the wall, and seemed to be laboring to suppress his emotion. Some moments after this, Smith remarked that Rev. Mr. Lacy had talked with General Paxton about his religious interests, and believed him to be a converted man. To this Jackson replied: “That's good; that's good.” It is stated by Dr. Dabney, from whose Life of Jackson we are indebted for most of the facts connected with these sad scenes, that after Paxton had placed his brigade in position he spent the few moments that were left him in reading his New Testament, and when ordered forward, he replaced the book in his pocket and exhorted his men to do their duty and to entrust their safety into the hands of the Almighty.

The General now directed Lieutenant Smith to write a note which he dictated to General Lee, giving an account of his wounds and congratulating the Commander-in-Chief on the great victory which God had given to his army. To this note General Lee sent the noble reply already given. When the note was read to him he said: “General Lee is very kind; but he should give the glory to God.” In speaking some time after this of the battle, he said: “Our movement yesterday was a great success; I think, the most successful military movement of my life. But I expect to receive far more credit for it than I deserve. Most men will think that I ”