With no kindred near he leaves his last moan,
And to the cause of his country yields up his life.
Though dying alone, morn, noon or night,
What matters it now the struggle is o’er?
And his spirit is clothed in spotless white,
With the marshalling hosts on the heavenly shore.
CHAPTER VII.
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE—FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE—VISIT TO THE FIRST MICHIGAN CAVALRY—BRIGADE HOSPITAL—CHANTILLY—BULL RUN—THE BEREAVED BROTHER—MRS. BLAIR—GOVERNOR BLAIR’S ADDRESS—RETURN TO ALEXANDRIA—BACK TO FAIRFAX—STOUGHTON HOUSE—EXCITING RUMORS—MOVEMENT OF THE ARMY—ALONE—NARROW ESCAPE—MAINE LADY—AN EVENTFUL PERIOD.
The month of May was much more eventful, at least with the Army of the Potomac, than any since December. Early in the month the army under General Hooker advanced on the enemy, and Sunday, the third, commenced the disastrous series of battles at Chancellorsville. All had the utmost confidence in “old fighting Joe.” But after a protracted struggle of three days, he was compelled to fall back and recross the Rappahannock. The loss on both sides was heavy. Among the many brave men who there fell was the gallant Berry. A few months previous, I had the pleasure of meeting this noble officer. He, with Surgeon Bonine, unexpectedly made his appearance one cold morning in Alexandria, having travelled all night through snow and mud in their retreat from Leesburg, whither they had arrived on their way to join their command, which was encamped somewhere near Snicker’s Gap, in the Blue Ridge; but, to avoid falling into the hands of the rebels who had cut off their advance, they were compelled to make this hasty retreat. They were weary and footsore, but early next morning were on their way again, and, by taking a different route, reached their command in safety. A few more weary marches bring him down to Chancellorsville, where rebel balls fulfil their bloody mission.
The rebels also lost one of their ablest generals—the “invincible Stonewall.” What greatly added to the horrors of the scene was the burning of the woods, in which many of the wounded are supposed to have perished. Comparatively few of the wounded were brought to Alexandria, and none for several days except “Johnnies.”