He then went on to say that the name of Stonewall belonged to the men of the Brigade alone, as they had earned it by their steadfast conduct at First Manassas. He spoke also of General Rodes, and said that on account of gallant conduct, he deserved to be advanced to the rank of major-general.
The death of General Paxton gave him great distress, but he grew calmer when told of the glorious exploits of his old brigade.
General R. E. Rodes.
He was much pleased at this noble letter from General Lee:
“General:
I have just received your note, informing me that you were wounded. I cannot express my regret at the occurrence. Could I have directed events, I should have chosen, for the good of the country, to have been disabled in your stead.
I congratulate you upon the victory which is due to your skill and energy.
Most truly yours, (Signed) R. E. LEE, General.”
His mind seemed ever dwelling on religious subjects, and he was entirely submissive to the will of God.
On Wednesday, his wounds were doing so well that it was thought possible to take him by railroad to Richmond. On that night, however, while Dr. McGuire was absent from him for awhile, he was taken with a severe pain in his side, which was in fact due to pneumonia, which had now set in.
From that time he grew weaker, and at last it was seen that he could live only a few hours.
Mrs. Jackson arrived on Thursday, and to her he said, “I know you would gladly give your life for me, but I am perfectly resigned.” When his weeping wife at last told him that death was near, he whispered, “Very good, very good, it is all right.” He then sent messages to many friends, and desired to be buried in Lexington, in the Valley of Virginia.