MANASSAS, July 22d.
MY PEECIOUS PET, — Yesterday we fought a great battle and
gained a great victory, for which all the glory is due to God alone. Although
under a heavy fire for several continuous hours, I received only one wound, the
breaking of the longest finger of my left hand; but the doctor says the finger
can be saved. It was broken about midway between the hand and knuckle, the ball
passing on the side next the forefinger. Had it struck the centre, I should
have lost the finger. My horse was wounded, but not killed. Your coat got an
ugly wound near the hip, but my servant, who is very handy, has so far repaired
it that it doesn't show very much. My preservation was entirely due, as was the
glorious victory, to our God, to whom be all the honor, praise, and glory. The
battle was the hardest that I have ever been in, but not near so hot in its
fire. I commanded in the centre more particularly, though one of my regiments
extended to the right for some distance. There were other commanders on my
right and left. Whilst great credit is due to other parts of our gallant army,
God made my brigade more instrumental than any other in repulsing the main
attack. This is for your information only — Say nothing about it. Let others
speak praise, not myself.
SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of
General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 177-8
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