Prompt Obedience

Here is another excellent story and quote from the life of Gen. Stonewall Jackson and Gen. Lee. This story is told by Rev. Dr. James P. Smith. The account is from Life and Letters of General Lee by John William Jones.

"Rev. Dr. James P. Smith, editor of the Central Presbyterian, Richmond, Virginia, who served gallantly on Stonewall Jackson's staff, relates the following incident illustrating Jackson's habit of prompt obedience to the smallest request of his chief.

One day when he was at Lee's headquarters the General told Captain Smith to say to General Jackson that the first time he rode in that direction he would be glad to see him on a matter of no great importance, which could await his convenience.

When the message was delivered Jackson promptly said, "I will go tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock, Captain Smith, and I wish you to accompany me." At 5 o'clock the next morning Captain Smith looked out of his tent, and finding a driving snow storm raging, took for granted that his chief would not go to General Lee's headquarters in such weather, as Lee had sent him word that it was a matter of no great importance and could await his convenience. Accordingly he went to sleep again, and was greatly enjoying his morning nap when his servant rudely awakened him by saying, " Captain Smith, de General done got he breakfast, and is gettin' ready to start."

The gallant Captain hustled out of bed, dressed while his boy was saddling his horse, and, without his breakfast, galloped after his General, whom he found it difficult to overtake, or to keep up with, as he faced the storm and rode eight miles to General Lee's quarters.

The Chief had just come out from his breakfast, and greeted his great lieutenant with the question, "Why, General, what stirred you out at this hour, and in this fearful weather? Are those people across the river moving?"

"No, not that I am aware of," replied Jackson, "but you said that you wished to see me."

"But I told Captain Smith to tell you that it was a matter of no great importance, and could await your convenience. I had no idea of bringing you out such weather as this."

Jackson promptly replied in those emphatic, crisp words so characteristic of the man, "General Lee's lightest wish is a supreme command to me, and I always take pleasure in prompt obedience." "