Further particulars of the last Moments of Gen Jackson,--his religious character.
The editor of the
Central Presbyterian, who had peculiar means of obtaining correct information relative to the death of
Gen. Jackson, publishes some further very interesting particulars of the event.
The immediate cause of his death was pneumonia, which his system, prostrated by the wounds and amputation, was unable to cast off. And it is a characteristic that the which issued in this was contracted by for the health of some young members of his staff.
The night before the battle was spent on the field, and having no extra covering at all, after great urgency he accepted the cape of one of his aide, but in a short time arose and gently laid it over the young man, and spent the night just as he was. This exposure produced a cold which ended in pneumonia.
The
Presbyterian says:
‘
A few nights before this battle an equally characteristic incident occurred that is worthy of record.
He was discussing with one of his aids the probability and issue of a battle, when he became unusually excited.
After talking it over fully he paused, and with deep humility and reverence said, "My trust is in God;" then, as if the sound of battle was in his ear, he raised himself to his tallest stature, and with flashing eyes and a face all blazoned with the fire of the conflict, be exclaimed, "I wish they would come." This humble trust in God, combined with the spirit of the war horse whose neck is "clothed with thunder," and who "smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains and the shouting," made that rare and lofty type of martial prowess that has shrined
Jackson among the great heroes of the world.
Trust in God and eagerness for the fray were two of the great elements of that marvellous success that seemed to follow him like a star, so that he was never defeated or failed in anything he undertook.
After he was wounded he retained his cheerfulness, and remarked to a friend the pleasurableness of the sensations in taking chloroform, stating that he was conscious of everything that was done to him; that the sawing of his bone sounded to him like the sweetest music, and every sensation was one of delight.
Conversing with an aid, he pointed to his mutilated arm and said, "Many people would regard this as a great misfortune; I regard it as one of the greatest blessings of my life. "--
Mr. S. remarked, "All things work together for good to those that love God." "Yes, yes," he emphatically said, "That's it, that's it. "
When
Gen. Lee wrote him that beautiful note, so characteristic of his own generosity and worth, after hearing it read, he said, with his usual modesty and reverence, "
Gen. Lee should give the glory to God." He always seemed jealous for the glory of his Saviour.
When it was told him that
Gen. Stuart led his old Stonewall brigade to the charge with the watchword, "Charge and remember
Jackson," and that inspired by this, they made so brilliant and resistless an onset, he was deeply moved, and said, ‘"It was just like them; it was just like them.
They are a noble body of men."’ He was deeply affected by
Gen. Paxton's death."
His mind ran very much on the
Bible and religious topics.
He inquired of
Lieut. S, a theological student on his Staff, whether they had ever debated in the
Seminary the question whether those who were miraculously cured by Jesus ever had a return of the disease. "I do not think," he said, "they could have returned, for the power was too great.
The poor paralytic would never again shake with palsy.
Oh! for infinite power!"
He endeavored to cheer those who were around him. Noticing the sadness of his beloved wife, he said to her tenderly. "I know you would gladly give your life for me; but I am perfectly resigned.
Do not be sad. I hope I shall recover.
Pray for me; but always remember in your prayer to use the petition, 'Thy will be done.' " Those who were around him noticed a remarkable development of tenderness in his manner and feelings during his illness, that was a beautiful mellowing of that icon sternness and imperturbable calm that characterized him in his military operations.
Advising his wife, in the event of his death, to return to her father's house, he remarked. "You have a kind and good father.
But there is no one so kind and good as your Heavenly Father." When she told him that the doctors did not think he could live two hours, although he did not himself expect to die, he replied, "It will be infinite gain to be translated to Heaven, and be with Jesus" He then said he had much to say to her, but was too weak.
He had always desired to die, if it were God's will, on the Sabbath, and seemed to greet its light that day with peculiar pleasure, saying, with evident delight, "It is the
Lord's day," and inquired anxiously what provision had been made for preaching to the army; and having ascertained that arrangements were made, he was contented.
Delirium, which occasionally manifested itself during the last two days, prevented some of the utterances of his faith which would other wise have doubtless been made.
His thoughts vibrated between religious subjects and the battle field, now asking some question about the
Bible, or church history, and then giving an order--"Pass the infantry to the front," "Tell
Major Hawks to send forward provisions to the men," "Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees"--until at last his gallant spirit gently passed over the dark river, and entered on its rest where the tree of life is blooming beside the crystal river in the better country.
’
