Death of Stoneioall Jackson. 161
wounded. The General himself referred it to this accident. I think the disease came on too soon after the application of the wet cloths to admit of the supposition, once believed, that it was induced by them. The nausea, for which the cloths were applied that night, may have been the result of inflammation already begun. Contusion of the lung, with extravasation of blood in his chest, was probably produced by the fall referred to, and shock and loss of blood prevented any ill effects until reaction had been well established, and then inflammation ensued. Cups were applied, and mercury, with antimony and opium, administered.
Towards the evening he became better, and hopes were again en- tertained of his recovery. Mrs. Jackson arrived to-day and nursed him faithfully to the end. She was a devoted wife and earnest Chris- tian, and endeared us all to her by her great kindness and gentleness. The General's joy at the presence of his wife and child was very great, and for him unusually demonstrative. Noticing the sadness of his wife, he said to her tenderly : " I know you would gladly give your life for me, but I am perfectly resigned. Do not be sad. I hope I may yet recover. Pray for me, but always remember in your prayers to use the petition, ' Thy will be done.' "
Friday his wounds were again dressed, and although the quantity of the discharge from them had diminished, the process of healing was still going on. The pain in his side had disappeared, but he breathed with difficulty, and complained of a feeling of great exhaus- tion. When Dr. Breckenridge (who, with Dr. Smith, had been sent for in consultation) said he hoped that a blister which had been ap- plied would afford him great relief, he expressed his own confidence in it, and in his final recovery.
Dr. Tucker, from Richmond, arrived on Saturday, and all that human skill could devise was done to stay the hand of death. He suffered no pain to-day, and his breathing was less difficult, but he was evidently hourly growing weaker.
When his child was brought to him to-day he played with it for some time, frequently caressing it and calling it his " little com- forter." At one time he raised his wounded hand above his head and closing his eyes, was for some moments silently engaged in prayer. He said to me : " I see from the number of physicians that you think my condition dangerous, but I thank God, if it is His will, that I am ready to go."
About daylight on Sunday morning Mrs. Jackson informed him that his recovery was very doubtful, and that it was better that he
