m the west through the little vale at
the southern base of the ridge, the ascent of which was steep, though
nowhere abrupt. At one point a broad, shallow, trough-like depression
broke the surface, which was further interrupted by some low copse,
outcropping stone, and two fences. On the summit the Federal lines were
posted behind a stone wall, along a road coming west from the pike. Worn
somewhat into the soil, this road served as a countersink and
strengthened the position. Further west, there was a break in the ridge,
which was occupied by a body of horse, the extreme right of the enemy's
line.

There was scarce time to mark these features before the head of my
column appeared, when it was filed to the left, close to the base of the
ridge, for protection from the plunging fire. Meanwhile, the Rockbridge
battery held on manfully and engaged the enemy's attention. Riding on
the flank of my column, between it and the hostile line, I saw Jackson
beside me. This was not the place for the commander of the army, and I
ventured to tell him so; but he paid no attention to the remark. We
reached the shallow depression spoken of, where the enemy could depress
his guns, and his fire became close and fatal. Many men fell, and the
whistling of shot and shell occasioned much ducking of heads in the
column. This annoyed me no little, as it was but child's play to the
work immediately in hand. Always an admirer of delightful "Uncle Toby,"
I had contracted the most villainous habit of his beloved army in
Flanders, and, forgetting Jackson's presence, ripped out, "What the
h--are you dodging for? If there is any more of it, you will be halted
under this fire for an hour." The sharp tones of a familiar voice
produced the desired effect, and the men looked as if they had swallowed
ramrods; but I shall never forget the reproachful surprise expressed in
Jackson's face. He placed his hand on my shoulder, said in a gentle
voice, "I am afraid you are a wicked fellow," turned, and rode back to
the pike.

The proper ground gained, the column faced to the front and began the
ascent. At the moment the sun rose over the Blue Ridge, without cloud or
mist to obscure his rays. It was a lovely Sabbath morning, the 25th of
May, 1862. The clear, pure atmosphere brought the Blue Ridge and
Alleghany and Massanutten almost overhead. Even the cloud of murderous
smoke from the guns above made beautiful spirals in the air, and the
broad fields of luxuriant wh