At the conclusion of his remarks
Colonel Archer said that
Stonewall Jackson must not be forgotten, and at his suggestion a toast to
[
146]
his memory was drunk standing.
He then called on
Major (now
Rev. Dr.)
James P. Smith, who was with
Jackson when he was shot, to respond.
Captain Smith said the subject was one of which he knew much and he hardly knew what to say. He could tell them of how he was introduced to
General Lee by
Jackson as one of his aides, and how
General Lee laid his hand on his shoulder and told him he was a lucky dog. Or he could tell of a Christmas dinner that
Lee,
Jackson, and
Stuart ate together.
Or of how
General Lee sent him to get news from
A. P. Hill, and when he returned the
General made him sit down beside him on his blanket and put his arm around his waist and joked with him. And later at night of
Lee and
Jackson warming their hands at the fire and planning the
battle of Chancellorsville.
And after
Jackson was wounded of carrying a note to him from
Lee saying the victory was due to his efforts.