Life and campaigns of JJackson, (Stonewall Jackson) . up to this promontory, and skilfully posted,so as to cover with its fii-e the whole front of the Confederateright and centre. It was to the promptitude with which GeneralJackson seized this point, and the adroitness with which he em-ployed its advantages, that he was chiefly indebted, in connec-tion with the bravery of his troops, for his victory. The gunsof Lattimcr and Johnson, in consequence of the elevation oftheir position, commanded a wide range of the country below,and were themselves secure from the fire of the enem
Life and campaigns of JJackson, (Stonewall Jackson) . up to this promontory, and skilfully posted,so as to cover with its fii-e the whole front of the Confederateright and centre. It was to the promptitude with which GeneralJackson seized this point, and the adroitness with which he em-ployed its advantages, that he was chiefly indebted, in connec-tion with the bravery of his troops, for his victory. The gunsof Lattimcr and Johnson, in consequence of the elevation oftheir position, commanded a wide range of the country below,and were themselves secure from the fire of the enemy. Everyshot aimed at them fell short, and buried itself, without ricochet,in the hill-side beneath them; while their guimers, in perfectsecurity, and in a clear atmosphere above the smoke of thebattle-field, played upon the enemy with all the deliberation andskill of target practice. Thus the level and open fields next themountain, which otherwise were most favorable to the displayof the Federalists superior numbers, were cfiectually barred BATTLE OP CEDAE EUX, 495. 496 LIFE OF JACKSON. from their approach, or, if they braved the fuC of the mountain-battery, the two brigades of Ewell lay hid in the dense pinethickets which clothed the side of the ridge, ready to pour upontheir flank a crushing fire from superior ground. These disposi-tions at once decided the security of Jacksons right wing forthe whole day. He placed no troops in the meadows next themountain-base; for on this ground the artillery of the enemycould play with best effect. Cut though this marked hiatus inhis line seemed to invite attack, none was seriously attempted;tlie disadvantage imposed upon the assailants revealed itself tothem so powerfully, at thcii first approach, that they observedthe deadly trap afterward with respectful avoidance. Before these dispositions upon the right were completed, Gen-eral Early had become engaged with the enemy. Throwing hisbrigade into line of battle across the
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Keywords: ., bookauthordabneyro, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1860, bookyear1866
