78. LXXVIII.
A GLIMPSE OF GENERAL EARLY.
Stuart continued to press the Federal cavalry toward the
Rappahannock; and soon the sound of artillery on the left in
the direction of Culpepper Court-House indicated that General
Lee was attacking in front.
The sound speedily began to recede northward; the cavalry
in our front continued to fall back, and, reaching a lofty hill near
Stevensburg, we could see the infantry column of Pope rapidly
retreating to the Rappahannock.
I hastened to rejoin General Jackson, who was pressing closely
upon the Federal rear, and came up with him near Hazel
River.
The appearance of the country through which I passed was
frightful. I had seen hard fighting up to this time, but never
before fully comprehended the horrors of war when conducted
upon the principles of Attila. The country was a desert. On
every side were the ruins of houses, wantonly burned by the
troops of General Pope; the fences were destroyed; the forests
cut down; the fields laid waste; and this beautiful land, but
recently a scene of peace, plenty, and happiness, was the picture
of woe and desolation. The sight of those ruins, from which
women and children had fled to escape plunder and insult, gave
me the heartache; a weight seemed pressing upon my breast as
I passed through this desolated region. I felt for the enemy a
hatred a thousand-fold greater than any which could have been
produced by blood spilled fairly in open fight, and ten thousand
others felt the same.
Jackson hastened forward to the Rappahannock; and all along
that river, across which the enemy had retreated, commenced a
hot artillery engagement—the Federal forces obstinately disputing
the passage of the stream. Jackson was in front, and,
rapidly advancing to Warrenton Springs, threw two brigades
across, under General Early. This, I think, was on the 22d of
August, and on the next day a violent rain-storm produced such
a freshet in the river that all the bridges were washed away.
Early's position was now extremely critical. The enemy's
main body was in his immediate vicinity, and might attack him
at any moment.
I was talking with General Jackson when a courier rode
up with a message from Early, that he could not hold his position.
“When did you leave him?” asked Jackson, briefly.
“About two hours ago, General. I had to go to the upper
ford to cross.”
“Why not swim?”
“My horse is too weak.”
“And you are going all the way around again?”
The courier looked abashed.
My own horse, I informed the General, was quite fresh, and I
would take his message.
“Thank you, Major. Tell General Early that he must hold
his position.”
“Under any circumstances?”
“Yes.”
I saluted, and set out rapidly for the river. It was a perfect
torrent; but, pushing my “Yankee horse,” much against his
will, into the current, I managed to force him through. He
scrambled up the opposite bank, and I was very soon in presence
of General Early. The person and character of this brave officer
are probably well known to most of my readers. Fancy a rough,
curling head, a pair of piercing eyes under shaggy brows, a cynical
smile, a nasal utterance, and the air of one who is afraid of
nothing upon earth—there is General Early as he then appeared.
“How are you, Major?” said the General, in his peculiar
drawl through the nose. “Any news?”
“None, General.”
“The enemy are pressing me here. Did General Jackson receive
my message? I sent a courier three hours ago. I will
murder him when he returns.”
“He received your message, and I came over to bring the answer.
General Jackson desires you to hold your position.”
“Can't do it.”
“The order is imperative, General—to hold your ground under
all circumstances.”
Early shook his head obstinately, and said, in his slow, deliberate
voice, with that indescribable drawl through the nose:
“I have reconnoitred the ground in my front and flanks, Major,
and—I'll be——if I can hold it.”[1]
The General smiled cheerfully as he spoke, and dwelt with evident
pleasure and emphasis upon the words italicized. I began
to laugh.
“Well, General, I have given you the order in General Jackson's
very words.”
“Oh,” was the drawling response, “don't give yourself any
trouble, Major, about that. You don't understand. I don't
mean that I am not going to hold this position—I mean I'll
be——if I can hold it. Old Jubal can be cut to pieces
as well as any other man!”
And, uttering a low chuckle, the General seemed to contemplate
that ceremony of being made mince-meat of with actual
satisfaction.
Such was not, however, to be his fate. He was reserved for
those hard fights against the great odds of Sheridan; and was to
startle Washington with the roll of his drum.
My horse carried me back without accident, and I found Jackson
superintending in person the preparations for building a
bridge. Heavy details were already at work; the timbers were
stretched across; and, just as the enemy advanced to throw themselves
upon Early, his column defiled across, the rear-guard hotly
engaged with the Federal advance.[2]
Jackson had a long conversation with Early, and both then
rode to General Lee's head-quarters, where they were soon closeted
with him. When Jackson came out, he said to me:
“Major, I wish you to ride to General Stuart—you know
where to find him—give my compliments to him, and say that I
have had a consultation with General Lee, and it is of the utmost
importance that a reconnoissance should be made in the direction
of Warrenton. The enemy's force and movements are not
known accurately—whether they intend to fight here or retreat
further. Explain this to the General. If he can cut the railroad
in the enemy's rear, so much the better. This might be done
near Catlett's. No time should be lost.”
“Any thing further, General?”
“Nothing. Don't lose time on the road, Major.”
I went in the direction of Stuart, soon found him, and delivered
my message.
“Good! I was thinking of that very thing.”
And he issued orders which put his column in motion in ten
minutes.
“Come on, Surry, and `jine the cavalry'!” said Stuart, laughing;
“perhaps we may secure our revenge for Verdiersville.”
I could not resist—something about Stuart drew me. I rode
by Jackson's head-quarters, obtained his permission, and set
out with Stuart on his raid.
