Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood
May 12 1863

Last evening Gen. Jackson's remains were received in this city at 4 o'clock, from Guinea's Depot, in Caroline co. The announcement that they would arrive at 12 o'clock caused an entire suspension of all business in the city, and a turn out at the depot of nearly all the inhabitants of the city, who were anxious to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed chieftain. When it was known that the body would not reach the city before 4 o'clock, the immense crowd slowly dispersed, but assembled again at the last hour indicated in even greater force than before. The tolling of the different bells gave the signal that the cars were slowly wending their way down Broad street, when preparations were made for the reception of the body by an appropriate disposition of the military.

The train was stopped at the corner of 4th and Broad streets, and after a short delay the coffin containing the body was removed to the hearse in attendance. It was enveloped in the flag of the Confederacy. On the flag was placed wreaths of evergreen and rare flowers. A few minutes before 5 o'clock Gen. Elzey gave the command, and the procession started, marching in the following order:

Gen. Elzey and Staff, mounted; the Public Guard, Lieut, Gay, commanding; the 44th N. C. regiment, Pettigrew's brigade, Col. Singletary commanding; the Armory Band, playing a funeral dirge; Col. Frank Skinner, 1st Va. regiment, and some of the Governor's Aids; the hearse containing the body, surmounted by raven plumes, and drawn by two white horses; the Staff of Gen. Jackson, including Major Pendleton, Adjutant General; Major W. I Hawkes, Chief Commissary of the Corps; Major D. B. Bridgford, Chief Provost; Capt. Douglas, Lieut. Smith, Aids-de Camp; Dr McGuire, Surgeon, and others; the members of the City Council, two abreast, and lastly, an immense host of citizens and strangers.

The procession thus formed, (the military with reversed arms.) marched slowly to the corner of 9th street, and turned towards Main, entering the Capitol Square by the gate on Grace street. The military having formed a line extending across the Square past Washington's monument, the body was slowly conveyed down the line to the Governor's mansion, and carried into the large reception room. The bells were tolled till sundown, till which time hundreds of people remained on the Square. We have never before seen such an exhibition of heartfelt and general sorrow in reference to any other event whatever as has been evinced by all since the announcement of the death of Stonewall Jackson.

The body was embalmed, and to day the remains will lie in state in the Capitol.

About 11 o'clock on Sunday it became known to his attending physician that there was no hope for Gen. Jackson's life. The General was informed of the fact, and was offered stimulants to prolong his existence.--These he refused to take, and a short time after his mind commenced to wander. Among his last words was a reference to his men. He said, speaking of his Commissary: "Tell Maj. Hawkes to send forward provisions to the men."

About 1 o'clock his wife entered the room, and took the last farewell which he bid on this earth, and at 15 minutes past 3 o'clock his spirit ascended to its Giver.

The following is Gen. Lee's order to the army after the intelligence of Gen. Jackson's death.

Headq'rs army Northern Va.
May 11, 1863.

General Orders, No. 61. With deep grief the commanding General announces to the army the death of Lieut. General T. J. Jackson, who expired on the 10th inst., at 3 1/2 P. M. The daring, skill, and energy of this great and good soldier, by the decree of an all-wise Providence, are now lost to us. But while we mourn his death, we feel that his spirit still lives, and will inspire the whole army with his indomitable courage and unshaken confidence in God as our hope and our strength. Let his name be a watch word to his corps, who have followed him to victory on so many fields. Let officers and soldiers emulate his invincible determination to do everything in the defence of our beloved country.

R. E. Lee, General.

The letter written by Gen. Lee to General Jackson before the death of the latter, is as follows:

Chancellorsville, May 4th.

General : I have just received your note informing me that you were wounded. I cannot express my regret at the occurrence. Could I have dictated events, I should have chosen for the good of the country to have been disabled in your stead.

I congratulate you upon the victory which is due to your skill and energy.

Most truly yours,

To Gen'l T. J. Jackson.

R. E. Lee.

There will be a procession formed this morning at 10 o'clock precisely from the mansion of the Governor, to proceed down Governor st. to Main, thence up Main to Second, thence along Second to Grace, thence by the west gate of the Capitol Square to the Capitol, where the body will be deposited in State, in the Hall of Congress.

The procession will be under the charge of Gen. George W. Randolph, as Chief Marshal, with such number of assistants as he may select.

The order of procession will be as follows:

Military escort, composed of such force of the Confederate Government as may be detailed for the purpose;

The Public Guard;

The Hearse;

Pall Bearers, composed of six Major or Brigadier Generals, who are requested to attend and officiate as such;

The family and personal friends of the deceased;

Any portion of the old "Stonewall Brigade," wounded or other, who may be able to attend;

Officers of the Army and Navy not in command at present;

The President and Vice-President of the Confederacy;

The Heads of Departments of the Confederate Government and their Clerks.--Each Department will be organized by its head, or such officers as he may select for the purpose;

The Judiciary and District-Attorney, and attaches of the Judiciary Department;

The Governor and his Aids;

The Secretary of the Commonwealth, Attorney General, Auditor of Public Accounts Treasurer, Second Auditor, Register of the Land Office, and their Clerks;

The Court of Appeals and Judges of Circuit Courts;

The Board of Public Works and its Clerk;

The Adjutant General and his Clerks; Inspector General, Quartermaster-General, Pay-master- General, and Ordnance Departments of the State Government and their Clerks;

The Mayor of the City;

Members of the City Council and its Officers;

Court of Hustings, Sergeant, Sheriff, and their Officers;

All Benevolent Societies who may wish to join the procession;

Citizens and strangers.

The Governor requests that the arrangement above in will be preserved, and that the procession be promptly formed.

Georges W Munford,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The funeral procession which yesterday took place in token of regard for the lamented Jackson afforded the best evidence of the high estimation in which the deceased was held by the country which is now called to mourn over his death.

On Mondaynight the remains of the lamented chieftain were embalmed, and about 11 o'clockyesterday, in pursuance of public announcement, were taken from the mansion of the Governor, through several of the main thoroughfares of the city, to the Capitol, where they were laid in state, and were viewed for the last time by his many friends and admirers-Long before the appointed hour for the procession to move a dense crowd had congregated on the Square to pay the last sad tribute of respect to one whom all delighted to honor. The solemn tolling of the bells and the firing of minute guns gave notice that the ceremonies were about to commence, and at 11 o'clock, in obedience to an order of Major-General Elzey, the body, which had been placed in a metallic burial-case, was removed from the reception room of the Governor's mansion and placed in a hearse in attendance. The procession then took up the line of march down Governor street in the following order:

1st. Military escort, composed of part of Gen. Pickett's division.

2d. The Public Guard, Lieut. Gay commanding.

3d. The Camp Guard at Camp Lee, about one hundred in number, under command of Lieut. Trabue.

4th. Six pieces of Dearing's battery, commanded by Capt. Blunt.

5th. The 21st battalionVirginia cavalry, Major Wrenn commanding.

6th. The hearse, containing the coffin in which was enclosed the remains of the lamented hero; which was adorned by six mourning plumes, and drawn by four white horses. The burial case was wrapped in a Confederate flag. Grouped around the hearse as pall-bearers were the following officers: Gens. Ewell, Winder, Elzey, George H. Stewart, Churchill, Garnett, Corse, and Kemper, and Com. French Forrest. The hearse was followed by a number of the original "Stonewall brigade."

7th. President Davis and Vice-President Stephens, in a carriage.

8th. The members of the Cabinet and chief officers of the Government, led by the Secretary of War.

9th. The officers connected with the staff of Lieut. Gen. Jackson, mounted, with appropriate badges of mourning.

10th. The Governor of Virginia, and other State officers, and the members of the City Council of Richmond.

These were followed by a large number of military and civil dignitaries, mounted and on foot. The rout of the procession was down Governor street to Main, up Main to Second, up Second to Grace, and down Grace to the West gate of the Capitol Square, where all entered except the military escort, which field up 9th street.

On arriving at the Capitol the confine containing the remains of the lamented hero, borne by the bearers, was conveyed to the large hall in the Southern end of the building, and the doors thrown open to afford an opportunity to the eager crowd to look upon the features of one whose death they regarded as a great national calamity. Good order was observed, and the dense crowd slowly made its way through the rotunda into the large hall where the coffin laid, and as they passed gazed for the last time upon all that is mortal of the gallant dead.

Many of the ladies, as they passed, shed tears over the remains, and, in token of their deep regard for the memory of the noble chieftain, pressed their lips upon the lid of his coffin. Witnessing the deep feeling of sorrow manifested by these fair daughters of Virginia, an elderly and respectable-looking gentleman addressed them in tones of condolence, as follows: "Weep not; all is for the best. Though Jackson has been taken from the head of his corps, his spirit is now pleading our cause at the bar of God."

For hours after the coffin had been placed in the large hall thousands continued to crowd in and around the Capitol, awaiting their turn for a last look at the features fixed in death. --The coffin which contained the remains of the deceased was a metallic one, with glass door over the face. On the coffin was a silver plate, upon which was engraved the simple inscription:

"Lieutenant-General T. J. Jackson. Born January 21st, 1824 died May 10, 1863."

All the incidents connected with these interesting, but melancholy ceremonies, were marked by a deep feeling of sorrow. Eyes unused to weep were suffused with tears, and the great popular heart pulsated with emotions of grief too deep for utterance.

It is understood that the remains of the deceased will this morning be conveyed from the Capitol of Virginia to his late home, Lexington, Rockbridge county, where they will be interred.

It is to be regretted that the remains of Gen. Jackson could not be interred near those of Monroe, in Hollywood, that beautiful spot, so near the theatre of his glory, where every breeze wafts his renown, and the murmuring waters, as they roll solemnly by, seem to attains themselves to sweet yet mournful melodies of the grave. But, in accordance with a desire said to have been expressed in his will, the body of the fallen hero will be removed to Lexington. This was his place of residence before the war; and there, for years a subordinate professor in the Military Institute, he lived and labored, unknown to the world, and perhaps even to himself, till called forth by Providence to play a part in the affairs of mankind which has borne his name to the remotest corners of the earth, and to achieve a fame that will be grand and enduring as the eternal mountains at whose feet he was cradled; whose long shadows, like those of some majestic cathedral, will consecrate his grave, and whose loftiest pinnacles will derive now sublimity from their association with the name of Jackson.

From our exchanges we make some extracts relative to the death of Gen. Jackson:

[From the Charleston Courier]

The feelings the country cherishes for the Christian soldier found expression in the anxiety that disturbed the minds of the people in learning that he had been severely wounded. These feelings of reverence and admiration and love now find expression in the tears that agency forces from the heart, as the country looks down with troubled brow upon the face of the here, pale and cold in death.--Every one feels as though he had sustained a personal bereavement. The shadow of this terrible grief rests upon every heart. Every home and every heart is clothed in mourning. The country weeps. When Absalom fell his father poured out deep lamentations over his untimely end, and regretted he had not died in the stead of his son, but there was no one beside the royal mourner who would have been willing to sacrifice his life to raise the unnatural culprit from the doom stern justice inflicted upon him. There is not a man worthy to take part in this terrific contest who would not have cheerfully poured out his life blood if his death could have been accepted in the stead of that glorious chieftain. In the agency of this overwhelming sorrow we exclaim, "Would God I had died for thee!"

But it is our duty to buy with submissive spirits to this severe chastisement. The country has been bereaved of one of her most eminent sons, the army has been deprived of one of its must able and successful leaders, the church has lost one of her must brave and true and duty champions, the world has began bereaved of one of the most pure and noble men that ever graced the annals of history, but He who gave him has taken him away, and it becomes us to be resigned under the heavy affliction, and to make his life the more useful by imitating the bright example he set.

[From the Knoxville Register.]

For the first time since the war began this whole nation weeps as one man. This is no fitting occasion to pronounce an eulogism upon this peerless leader of our armies. The exciting events of the hour, the rapid transitions of fortune to which our arms are subjected, the culmination of events which decide the destinies of myriads of our race, engross the thoughts of the great mass of our countrymen. But the day shall dawn when the children of those now living shall everywhere do reverence to the memory, virtues, and deeds of the incomparable Stonewall Jackson. Virginia shall not weep alone over the grave of her fallen son. A nation has appropriated him, and a nation shall build a memorial over his last resting place which shall be a worthy and ever enduing monument to this illustrious Christian here.

What sacrifices shall we yet be called upon to make on the altar of independence? Who shall be the next victim of insatiate revolution? There lives not a leader whose memory shall be cherished more sacredly than that of Stonewall Jackson, and not one whose loss we could have barque with less fortitude. Such is the price of liberty, and thus priceless does it become when achieved, despite such calamities. We can look forward to the future with confident assurance that, if the army and people can endure the loss we have now sustained we can despise all efforts of our enemies, and emulating the deeds and virtues of Stonewall Jackson, not only achieve, but deserve emancipation from the thraldom of Abolitionism.

[From the Raleigh (N. C.) State Journal.]

He was the Confederate Havelock : the great executer of great designs : the inspirer of energy and courage in his followers : the man who saw no obstacles in his path, and therefore rarely found them. His loss, though not irreparable, is very severe. But his spirit survives in his subordinate officers and men. He was followed by division and brigade commanders worthy of his greatest efforts, and may find a successor worthy of his place and may find a successor worthy of his place and name. He fell in the height of his glorious career, though he wished to live to see his cause crowned with victory. He bequeath has to his widow and child a great name, and entails upon them the heritage of a nation's gratitude. Peace to his manes.

We ours the melancholy duty of paying the last sad tribute to the gallant dead. The name of "Stone wall"Jackson is not the sole property of his native State, Virginia. He occupied a place in the heart of every friend of his country, and every such heart will cherish his memory.

[From the Raleigh (N C) Standard]

The death of no other citizen of the Confederate States would have caused as deep grief. The loss which the cause has suffered by his removal from the world cannot be overstated. From the beginning of the war he has been a light, always thinking onward to victory. Indomitable, indefatigable, patient, prompt to strike, full of resources, never at fault, be was absolutely invaluable to the cause. He was the foremost fighting man of the continent.--In the last great conflict it was his movement, breaking through and assailing the enemy in rear, which led to victory. No man possessed in fuller mansurs, or more deservedly, the confidence of the Government, the army, and the people.

He was a Christian soldier and patriot.--Whatever may be the result of the contest in which he lost his life, his fame will endure. Foreign nations, and even the generous among his enemies in the United States, will accord to him sincerity and singleness of purpose, unsullied personal integrity, and very high qualities as a General.

[From the Lynchburg (Va.) Republican.]

"Tis not in the power of the present generation to do aught more his memory for time to come when cycles have mellowed passion and prejudices, and he will stand on the pages of history as simply a hero, whose example will inspire the yet unborn to perhaps seek a place in their country's history akin to his. "Jackson is dead," will be glad tidings to the vandal foe; they will breathe easier. They feared Jackson, and his name was a terror to their Generals. But woe to the enemy when next they meet our arms.--Swords then will instinctively be drawn and guns pointed when the hour arrives to avenge his death, and his name will be a battle cry that will carry devastation and horror to the homes of the Yankee foe. A good man has fallen, and nerved be every arm to punish the enemy when next they are met in battle army. The history of his deeds and his services are not now called for; they live in the breast of every man, woman, and child in our country; for Stonewall Jackson is a household word with all. When the last trump shall sound, the Christian warrior shall rise clad in the panoply of the blest, to take his place among those of whom it will be said, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of the Lord."

Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: May 1863