20 2

THE ELEVENTH CORPS AT CHANCELLORSV1LLE.

Twenty-three years ago, in my report to General Hooker, I wrote the fol-lowing :

“ Now, as to the causes of this disaster to my corps: 1st. Though con-stantly threatened and apprised of the moving of the enemy, yet the woodswere so dense that he was able to mass a large force, whose exact where-abouts J neither patrols, reconnoissances, nor scouts ascertained. He suc-ceeded in forming a column opposite to and outflanking my right.

“ 2d. By the panic produced by the enemy’s reverse fire, regiments andartillery were thrown suddenly upon those in position.

“3d. The absence of General Barlow’s brigade, which I had previouslylocated in reserve and en echelon with Colonel von Gilsa’s, so as to cover hisright flank. This was the only general reserve I had.”

Stonewall Jackson was victorious. Even his enemies praise him; but,providentially for us, it was the last battle that lie waged against the Ameri-can Union. For, in bold planning, in energy of execution, which he had thepower to diffuse, in indefatigable activity and moral ascendency, Jackson stood head and shoulders above his confreres, and after his death GeneralLee could not replace him.

his return a company of cavalry was sent me for th®purpose of making further examination of tbewood^which examination, though not thoroughly made, AVft®still suflieient to show that the enemy’s cavalrydeployed along the front of my First Brigade, accofl*'panied hy some pieces of horse artillery. I directed thcaptain commanding the cavalry to return and repo*at corps headquarters.”

See also note on p. 198.— Editors.

} General Devens’s report is very explicit uponthis point, and states as follows :

“Colonel von Gilsa’s skirmishers were, between 3 and4 o’clock in the afternoon, attacked by the skirmishersof the enemy witli the evident intention of feeling ourposition. After this Colonel von Gilsa’s skirmisherswere pushed farther to the front, and the major-generalcommanding the corps again rode down the line. After

RESCUING TIIE WOUNDED ON SUNDAY, MAY 3D, FROM THE BURNING WOODS.FROM A WAR-TIME SKETCH.