Journal of the War [pp. 199-213]

JOURNAL OF THE WAR.
triumphed on so many fields, forced him to
seek safety beyond the Rappahannock.
While this glorious victory entitles you to
the praise and gratitude of the nation, we are
especially called upon to return grateful thanks
to the Only Giver of victory for the signal
deliverance he has wrought.
It is, therefore, earnestly recommended
that the troops unite on Sunday next in
ascribing to the Lord of Hosts the glory due
unto his name.
Let us not in our own rejoicing, forget the
brave soldiers who have fallen in defence of
their country; and while we mourn their loss
let us resolve to emulate their noble example.
The army and the country alike lament the
absence, for a time, of one to whose bravery,
energy and skill they are so much indebted
for success.
The following letter from the President of
the Confederate States is presented to the
army as an expression of his appreciation of
their services.
"I have received your dispatch, and I reverently unite with you in giving praise to
God for the success with which He has
crowned our armies. In the name of the people I offer cordial thanks to ydurself and to the
troops under your command for this addition
to the unprecedented series of great victories
which your army has achieved.
',The universal rejoicing produced by this
happy result will be mingled with general
regi et for the good and brave men numbered
among the killed."
(Signed) R. E. LEE.
SUND ky.-It appears that the raid
under General Stoneman, who has
probably escaped, effected much
damage to our railroads, and approached to within two miles of
Richmond.
Another attack upon Charleston is
threatened, but there is little likelihood of it.
Enemy's loss in killed, wounded
and prisoners in the recent battle of
the Rappahannock estimated at
30,000. Our own loss 9,000. We
captured fifty-three pieces of artillery
and lost fourteen. In advance of the
fight the Northern papers heralded
the great Napoleonic qualities of
Hooker and regarded our discomfiture
to be inevitable. Their intrenchments were regarded impregnable.
In his great tribulation Lincoln is
said to be calling for 500,000 fresh
troops!
Meanwhile Confederate troops are
pouring into Mississippi from the
East.
MONDAY, May 11.-Sad, sad news
to-day, which will put the nation in
mourning. The greatest of our heroes is dead I
General Kirby Smith is reported
with 10,000 raw troops to have
driven back and defeated General
Banks near Alexandria, La.
.Death of Stonewall Jackson.
RICHMOND, May 10.-Gov. Letcher received
an official dispatch this r. M. announcing the
death of General Jackson at Guineas, at 3 15,
P. x. He died from the combined effects of
wounds and an attack of pneumonia. His
body will be brought to this city to-morrow
by special train.
Vallandigham has been arrested
by military authority. Great excitement in the northwest, and an outbreak at Dayton, Ohio.
TuEsDAY.-Roebuck in English
Parliament says the nation "tired of
Yankee insolence and bravado, is prepared for war." He is loudly cheered.
General Jackson lost his life by the
accident of being fired upon by his
own men in mistake. Alas! alas!
The enemy lost in killed and
wounded near Fredericksburg, one
major and fourbrigadier generals, and
a host of colonels, and majors and
captains, as reported in the New
York papers.
Price is said to have chastised the
enemy at St. Francis River, Missouri.
Troops continue to pour into Mississippi-both armies are reinforcing,
and a great battle cannot be long delayed.
POSITION OF GRANT'S ARMY.
Willow Springs, Rocky Springs, and Cayuga, lie at intervals of seven miles apart in a
straight line parallel with Big Black, from
which they are about four miles distant,
while Bayou Pierre runs in their rear at a
considerable less distance. Willow Springs is
about ten miles from Grand Gulf, and Cayuga
is abouf thirty-two miles west-southwest
from Jackson, and twelve miles from the
Southern Railroad at Edward's depot and Big
Black bridge. It will thus be seen that Grant
occupies a position very favorable to resisting
an attack on his right, as forming front in that
direction his flanks would rest upon the two
streams named, and if worsted he can retreat
upon Grand Gulf. At the same time, it is a
very pretty line to cut in two, and if, while
the fresh troops now arriving should attack
his right, while the Vicksburg garrison threw
themselves between Willow Springs and
Grand Gulf, Grant would be in an awkward
place.
Crystal Springs, Miss., has been occupied by the enemy and thus our
railroad connection with Port Hud
son is broken.
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