“Use the Bayonet, Colonel.”
In an article on Stonewall Jackson in the Southern Bivouac for November Thomas M. Boyd tells of his appearance on the field of battle.
I never was close to him on the field of battle but once; that was on the hill not far from the Henry house at the first battle of Manassas. He was extremely pale, but his eyes glared with an unnatural brilliancy. It ws on that occasion that Colonel Baylor, of August County, rode hurriedly up to him and said, “General, my men are armed with the old flint-lock musket, and not half of them will fire.” He replied, “If you will examine it, you will find that old musket has the best bayonet in the world. Use the bayonet, Colonel.” In a short while the Federal troops began to give way, and it is possible that this circumstance turned the tide of the battle. I have seen the statement somewhere, that General Bee said to him, General, they are beating us back,” and Jackson’s reply was, “We will give them the bayonet, sir.” This may be true, but it is probable that the remark made to Colonel Baylor was afterward claimed to have been made to General Bee. I will never forget the terrific fighting that evening about three o’clock – the roar of artillery, the screaming, bursting shells, the rattle of small arms. The smoke blinded me; I stooped low to see how to lead my men. We were almost exhausted, and burning with thirst. Beauregard galloped by; this gave us some hope, and we cheered him and pressed on. The Federals fought desperately. At last I saw Jackson, and I felt safe, for his presence always inspired his men with confidence. That evening he was shot through the bridle-hand. General Imboden approached, called his attention to the fact, and suggested surgical aid. Jackson said, “It is a mere scratch, Sir.” His hand was bound up with a sash, he continuing on the field until the engagement ceased. He then repaired to the place where the wounded had been collected. The surgeons were busy, of course. One of them seeing General Jackson, approached, and offered his assistance. The General insisted that the surgeon attend to those who were more seriously hurt than himself, saying he preferred waiting until the private soldiers were relieved.
Jedediah Hotchkiss Papers, Roll 58, Frame 796, Library of Congress, Washington, DC
Contributed by John Hennessy
Harry Smeltzer
Bull Runnings 
Leave a comment