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her husband oblivious of everything but the one idea at any one time having possession of him.
A few days later, but after
Jackson's death, my father gave me what I may term the obverse, or face side, of this incident.
He was at
Jackson's headquarters when the
General, as it were in a tone of inquiry, said:
Doctor, I understand you have a son in the army?
“Yes, General,” my father answered, “I have three of them.”
“One is like you, isn't he?”
“No, sir; I don't know that either of them is specially like me.”
Then, somewhat impatiently:
Well, your oldest son is named Robert, isn't he?
“Yes, Bob is my eldest son.”
“From what I have heard of him, I think I should like to have him with me.”
“Well, sir, I would be delighted to have him come.”
“But it isn't for you to say,
Doctor; he ought to be allowed to decide for himself.
Besides, both of you should consider that the probability of his being killed will be greatly increased.
I am liable to make mistakes in my orders and to send a man into danger that might be avoided by going around some longer and less perilous route.
But he must not stop to consider this.
He must take his life in his hand and carry my orders as I send them.”
“Yes, sir; I think I understand, and I am sure Bob will carry your orders
as you send them. His life is in God's hands.
Longer or shorter, I would like to have him spend it with you, and I am sure that would be his choice, too.”
“But,
Doctor, you have no right to decide for him. Tell him all I have told you, and let him decide for himself.”
“But, General, I do decide and have decided, for Bob and for myself.
He will be delighted to come to you.”
“Very well, sir. In my opinion you have no right to make this decision, but if you insist upon taking the responsibility, I'll send for your son.”
And he did, with the result already given.
