68. LXVIII.
PAST THE RAPIDAN.
Jackson's corps had decided the fate of the day at Cold
Harbor, as his brigade had turned the tide at Manassas. When
he arrived, A. P. Hill was retiring, torn and bleeding—Longstreet
unable to advance. The flank attack of the Valley-men decided
all.
These veteran troops were now to bear the brunt of battle
against a new adversary.
Leaving the hot woods of Charles City, they took up the line
of march toward the Rapidan; and soon the long blue wave of
the Ridge gladdened their eyes.
Jackson advanced without pausing, and, on the 9th of August,
attacked and defeated General Pope at Cedar Mountain.
We had heard the most glowing accounts of this commander—
how he had arrived at his head-quarters in a special car, decked
out with flags and streamers—how he had penned an order, promising
his army that he would never retreat, or seek that “rear”
where, he said, “lurked shame and disaster,”[1]
and how he had
declared that hitherto he had “seen only the backs of his enemies.”
In the midst of the wild plunder of the inhabitants which he
permitted, he suddenly met Jackson face to face, on the slopes
of Culpepper.
Cedar Mountain was a hard fight, and a vigorous charge drove
our left wing back in disorder. But Jackson placed himself at
the head of the men—a great shout, “Stonewall Jackson! Stonewall
Jackson!” rose—and the enemy were swept back. Then
Ewell closed in on the right; the whole Southern line advanced
with cheers; and the forces of Pope gave way, and rapidly retreated,
pursued by their adversaries.
The troops slept on ground in advance of the battle-field,
under the brilliant August moon.
Jackson had fought at Cedar Run thirty-two thousand Federal
troops, with less than half that number. General Pope concentrated
his whole army now in our immediate front, and Jackson
fell back.
He was met near Orange by the main body of the army under
General Lee.
“Forward!” was now the word; and all was soon ready for
a decisive trial of strength with General Pope.
